Minnesota Governor and previous Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz spoke Friday at the Cap Times Idea Fest in Madison – addressing a wide range of topics including political engagement, the tone of public discourse and the importance of governing boldly. Cap Times Idea Fest is an annual event featuring discussions with politicians, journalists, and public figures on pressing issues in politics, policy and culture.

In a one-on-one conversation with Cap Times reporter Jon Nichols at Shannon Hall, Walz reflected on his early career as a teacher and how that shaped his approach to public service. 

“You go in the classroom and you know everything, and then you come back on the second day and you know nothing, and you spend 20 years learning,” Walz said.

Walz also spoke about his personal path to political involvement, explaining that while he had always voted and served in the National Guard, he did not attend his first political event until age 41.

The discussion touched on the increasing intensity of political conversations. 

Walz said there is a growing expectation to have and share opinions on every issue, and acknowledged the challenge of responding to harsh rhetoric without resorting to it. 

“I don’t know how you push back on the cruelness that’s out there without yourself being a little cruel,” Walz said. “And it’s a real dilemma.”

Walz emphasized that holding elected office comes with responsibility to act. 

“When you win elections and you’ve got power, you don’t bank that political capital to win the next election, you burn it to improve lives,” Walz said, citing his administration’s work on free school meals, health care access and higher education.

On the subject of political violence, and in light of the recent acts of gun violence, Walz said it feels more normalized today than in the past.

He also spoke about the need to stand firm on certain issues, saying, “I’m not going to compromise on fascism.”

Walz reflected on his recent experience joining the national ticket as vice-presidential nominee, describing how quickly the moment escalated.

“That morning, I’m sitting in Mankato, governor of Minnesota,” Walz said. “That night, getting ready to walk out on stage with the vice president of the United States.”

When asked about running for a third term as governor, Walz said a decision would come soon. Minnesota does not have term limits, but no governor has served three terms.

“I will say that I’m not arrogant enough to think I’m the only person who can do this, but I’m also sure [it] doesn’t feel like now’s the time to leave a field with what’s going on,” Walz said.

The conversation also included lighter moments where Walz recounted a story about R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe playing the song “Driver 8” at his request, with Jon Bon Jovi joining in, and joked that every morning he feels “gratitude that I’m not a Republican.”

Walz closed on an optimistic note, encouraging the audience to stay engaged.

“It ain’t no sin to be glad you’re alive and we’re alive,” Walz said. “We got a chance to change this.”