Tim Walz received a turkey in a symbolic presentation as he resumes his duties as Minnesota’s governor after the Harris-Walz ticket’s defeat in the presidential election. Unlike President Biden’s pardoned turkeys, Walz did not pardon this turkey, stating that “in Minnesota, we know turkeys are delicious.”
The 41.8-pound turkey named Tom, raised by Paisley VonBerge, a Future Farmers of America leader from Hutchinson, will be the star of her family’s Thanksgiving dinner. Despite flapping its wings and shedding feathers during the presentation, the turkey remained oblivious to its fate.
“After today, this bird will go back to my farm to be enjoyed the way turkeys are intended,” Paisley explained.
“That is very Minnesotan,” Walz added, prompting laughter. “We don’t hide the fact that we love our turkeys.”
Minnesota is the top turkey producer in the nation, with farmers raising 38.5 million birds in 2023, according to USDA statistics. Walz, gearing up for the legislative session, expressed no regrets about running as Vice President Harris’s running mate and highlighted the importance of telling Minnesota’s story.
With power sharing between Democrats and Republicans on the horizon, Walz emphasized the need for compromises to pass a balanced budget. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about moving in a positive direction.
By Steve Karnowski
