In a candid discussion with Fox Business’ Elizabeth MacDonald on “The Evening Edit,” Minnesota small business owner Andrew Hulse expressed deep concerns about the leadership of Governor Tim Walz, especially in light of the hardships faced by small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hulse, who owns several high-end salons, described the period as the most stressful time of his life, highlighting the abruptness and severity of the state-imposed shutdowns that left many business owners in dire straits.
The Immediate Impact: Overnight Shutdowns
Hulse recounted the moment he received notice of the shutdown on March 17, 2020, at 9:43 p.m., a time he remembers vividly. The order mandated the immediate closure of his businesses, leaving him, his employees, and his customers with no time to prepare. “We got the order at 9:43 at night, and we were closed the next day,” Hulse recalled. This sudden shutdown, without any prior notice, was a devastating blow, particularly because other industries had been given some leeway to adjust.
Zero Income Overnight
The economic impact on Hulse was immediate and severe. As a small business owner, Hulse did not qualify for unemployment benefits, unlike many of his employees who were able to access government assistance. “I went to zero income overnight,” he said, contrasting his situation with that of Governor Walz and his staff, who continued to collect their paychecks. This stark difference highlighted the disconnect between government officials and the small business community struggling to survive the pandemic.
Government Overreach
MacDonald pointed out the broader implications of Walz’s policies, criticizing the decision to shut down small businesses while allowing large retailers and other establishments, such as strip bars, to remain open. This selective approach, according to MacDonald, was “catastrophically wrong” and emblematic of the broader overreach that characterized the government’s response to the pandemic. The frustration among small business owners was palpable, as they felt unfairly targeted by these measures.
Concerns About Walz’s Potential VP Nomination
The discussion took a political turn when MacDonald asked Hulse what he wanted voters to know about Tim Walz, especially in light of speculation that Walz could be a contender for the vice-presidential nomination. Hulse was clear in his assessment: “He’s not good in a crisis.” He criticized Walz’s reliance on a flawed mathematical model from the University of Minnesota to justify his emergency powers, even after it became apparent that the model’s predictions were vastly overstated.
A Failure to Adapt
Hulse’s frustration was further fueled by Walz’s inability to adapt to new data as the pandemic unfolded. He emphasized that while there was no fault in initially relying on expert predictions, the real issue was Walz’s refusal to adjust course when those predictions proved inaccurate. “Once you have new data, you have to be able to adjust course, and he simply couldn’t do that,” Hulse argued, underscoring a leadership failure that had profound consequences for small business owners across the state.
A Broader Perspective: Small Businesses Across Minnesota
The sentiments expressed by Hulse are not isolated. Other small business owners across Minnesota have echoed similar concerns, particularly about the long-term impact of the shutdowns on their livelihoods. The 2020 riots in Minneapolis, which saw the destruction of many small businesses, further compounded these fears. As MacDonald highlighted, the sense of abandonment felt by these business owners, especially during the riots when the police precinct was given up, added to their anxiety about the future under Walz’s leadership.
A Call for Empathy and Action
In closing, Hulse and other small business owners called for greater empathy and understanding from their leaders. “If he [Walz] gets to become the vice president, he needs to learn how to love the people here, especially in Minnesota, because of the destruction that happened during his watch,” said one small business owner, reflecting the deep sense of betrayal felt by many in the state. The need for leaders who can balance empathy with effective action was a recurring theme throughout the discussion.
“Actions of a Tyrant”
People in the comments shared their thoughts: “Harris and Walz were never business owners. Business of America is business.”
Another person said: “Lets also remember the abusive isolation of people in long term care and nursing homes in MN during Covid. Vulnerable people isolated away from their families.”
One commenter added: “These actions are the actions of a tyrant. We are advised. Thank you!”
A Cautionary Tale for Voters
The experiences shared by Andrew Hulse and others serve as a cautionary tale for voters as they consider the potential implications of Tim Walz’s leadership on a national stage. The concerns raised about his handling of the pandemic, his failure to adapt to new information, and the perceived lack of support for small businesses during a crisis are critical issues that resonate beyond Minnesota. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the voices of small business owners like Hulse provide important insights into the challenges faced by those on the front lines of economic hardship.
Preparing for Future Emergencies
What do you think? What lessons can be learned from the experiences of small business owners in Minnesota when it comes to preparing for future emergencies or economic downturns? In what ways could more effective communication and support from government leaders have mitigated the impact of sudden shutdowns on small businesses? How might the experiences of Minnesota’s small business owners influence public opinion if Governor Walz were to be considered for a national leadership position, such as Vice President?
See the full video on Fox Business’ YouTube channel for more details here.
