In a heated discussion on Fox News’ “Outnumbered,” Kayleigh McEnany and her fellow panelists scrutinized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s handling of the 2020 riots in Minneapolis. They accused Walz of failing to act decisively during one of the nation’s most turbulent periods. The panel highlighted the perceived shortcomings of Walz’s leadership during the riots and questioned his recent political alliances. The discussion shed light on the criticisms of Walz’s governance, focusing on his alleged failure to maintain order and protect vulnerable communities during the crisis.
Walz’s Delayed Response
Emily Compagno opened the conversation by recalling the chaos that unfolded in Minneapolis during the George Floyd riots. She noted that Governor Walz faced immense pressure to deploy the National Guard but hesitated to act swiftly. Compagno emphasized Walz’s own admission that the state’s response was slow, describing it as an “abject failure”. This delay, she argued, allowed the city to descend into further chaos, with businesses looted and set ablaze.
The Consequences of Inaction
Harris Faulkner, drawing on her experience reporting in Minneapolis, highlighted the long-term impact of the riots on local communities. She noted that small businesses, which are crucial to the economy, were devastated. Faulkner argued that Walz’s inaction left communities of color particularly vulnerable, as many had relied on these businesses for employment. She criticized Walz for failing to restore order quickly, arguing that his inaction had lasting consequences for Minneapolis residents.
A Leadership Test
Kayleigh McEnany shared her perspective on leadership during crises, contrasting Walz’s actions with those of former President Donald Trump. She described Trump’s approach as one that sought to unify the nation and restore order. McEnany recalled being in the White House during the riots and witnessing Trump’s determination to address the unrest. She criticized Walz for not exhibiting similar leadership qualities, arguing that he failed to prevent the second-largest civil unrest in modern American history.
Economic Impact and Political Ramifications
Morgan Ortagus turned the discussion to the economic impact of the riots and the ongoing struggles faced by small businesses in Minnesota. She highlighted how many businesses never recovered from the combined effects of the riots and the COVID-19 pandemic. Ortagus questioned the logic behind promoting Walz politically, given his track record during the crisis. She emphasized the importance of small businesses as the backbone of local communities and criticized Walz for not doing enough to protect them.
A Look at Crime Statistics
The panel also examined crime statistics under Walz’s leadership, highlighting significant increases in violent crimes. According to Compagno, homicides rose by 50%, auto thefts by 163%, and robberies by 10% during his tenure. These numbers, she argued, contradict the narrative that Walz’s policies have been effective. The panelists contended that the data paints a grim picture of public safety in Minnesota under Walz’s governance.
Criticism of Political Alliances
Bill Hemmer discussed the implications of Walz’s recent political alliance with Vice President Kamala Harris. He noted that critics view the Harris-Walz ticket as overly progressive and potentially detrimental to their electoral chances. Hemmer questioned whether Walz’s handling of the 2020 riots and his subsequent political decisions would impact his future political prospects. The discussion highlighted concerns about the effectiveness of Walz’s leadership and his ability to connect with constituents.
The Need for Accountability
Throughout the segment, the panelists emphasized the need for accountability and effective leadership in times of crisis. Faulkner stressed that leaders must prioritize the safety and well-being of their constituents, particularly during turbulent times. The panelists argued that Walz’s actions during the riots fell short of these expectations, resulting in significant damage to Minneapolis and its residents.
A Call for Change
In conclusion, the “Outnumbered” panelists called for a reevaluation of leadership in Minnesota and beyond. They urged voters to consider the impact of political decisions on public safety and community well-being. The discussion underscored the importance of effective governance and accountability in addressing the challenges facing American cities today.
“So Many Businesses Destroyed”
People in the comments shared their thoughts: “So many black owned businesses destroyed because of Walz lack of response. They were working hard for their dream to own their businesses.”
Another commenter said: “Some of those people that lost their businesses along Lake Street in Minneapolis, actually lived upstairs above their businesses. So they not only lost their income, but they also lost their homes and all their personal belongings. Pretty much everything.”
Crisis Management
The criticism of Walz’s leadership raises broader questions about crisis management and the role of government in ensuring public safety. As the nation grapples with ongoing challenges, the conversation on “Outnumbered” serves as a reminder of the importance of decisive and effective leadership in navigating complex issues. The panelists’ discussion highlights the need for leaders to learn from past mistakes and prioritize the needs of their communities in the face of adversity.
Evaluating Leadership
What do you think? How should leaders balance the need for swift action with the responsibility to ensure decisions are well-informed during crises? What lessons can future leaders learn from the events in Minneapolis? In what ways can communities rebuild and heal after experiencing significant social unrest? What role should government and local leaders play in this process? How can small businesses, particularly those in vulnerable communities, be better supported to recover from the impacts of civil unrest and other crises?
For the complete discussion, visit Fox News’ YouTube channel and watch the full video here.