Tim Walz is a car guy — and works on his own 1979 Scout SUV. Will it help him with voters?
Photo: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz kicks back in his International Harvester Scout II with his aptly named dog, Scout. (Courtesy of Tim Walz)
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
In 2007, when Tim Walz was a freshman congressman, he told a reporter that his dream car was a 1973 Chevrolet Camaro, noting, “I’m kind of a muscle-car guy.” What he was actually driving was a more staid choice: a Dodge minivan.
But a year after that interview with the Hill, the self-professed car guy bought a vehicle that is now making headlines and has come to define the vice presidential candidate’s I’m-from-a-small-town, Minnesota-dad vibe: a 1979 International Harvester Scout II.
The choice impresses people like Brandon Ray, a 48-year-old fellow Scout II owner from Phoenix. As Ray tells it, he’d just gone through a divorce 15 years ago when a “bad-ass” yellow Scout II caught his eye. The SUV bore two decals: One said, “Face your fears,” the other, “Live your dream.” He bought the Scout.
“It did what it said it was gonna do,” Ray said. “I faced my fears and lived some of my dreams in that truck.”
News that Walz owns a 1979 Scout II came as a surprise to Ray. “I just don’t picture a blue guy driving a f— Scout,” he said, referencing Walz’s Democratic affiliation.
Amid Walz’s whirlwind journey to the national political stage, his car credentials have become part of his story. Notably, a 2018 video of Walz admonishing Ford over a low-quality headlight harness has resurfaced to the delight of gearheads.
The teacher-turned-Minnesota governor wrenches on cars and goes to classic auto shows, too. But the most obvious part of his pistons-and-pushrods persona is his Scout.
For years, Walz, 60, has taken to social media to share photographs of his Scout, which is painted an arresting glacier blue and sports a license plate that reads “ONE MN,” an apparent reference to his “One Minnesota” political slogan. Of the many American classics still roaming the roads, the Scout is one imbued with particular meaning.
The Scout was produced in Fort Wayne, Ind., by International Harvester from 1960 to 1980 in multiple guises spread across two generations, known as I and II. It is among the quirkiest of the vintage SUVs that have become popular in recent years.
The Scout wasn’t made by a familiar automotive brand: International Harvester was a Chicago-based farm equipment company that shut down about 40 years ago.
That has made the Scout less recognizable to the Instagram set — and more appealing to enthusiasts looking for a deal at a time when vintage Ford Broncos often sell for more than $100,000. The Scout, said Randy Nonnenberg, cofounder of the automotive auction platform Bring a Trailer, has “always been an underdog.”
With its boxy body, chrome grille, round headlights and removable or soft top, it is practical, charming and not too flashy. “Scouts are very Midwest, which is very on-brand” for Walz, said Nonnenberg, whose company has auctioned 285 Scout IIs at an average price of about $38,000. “It’s kind of like the vehicle version of him.
No ‘garage queen’
Walz appears to have a genuine passion for cars, but he also seems to possess a finely calibrated understanding of how his actions may play with voters, said Matt Hardigree, publisher of the Autopian, which has written about the politician.
Just take the governor’s social media posts featuring his Scout and another Scout — his dog. That, Hardigree said, “is an unhateable image.”
“It is Norman Rockwell transported 50 years into the future,” he said.
[Article contines at original site ]
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Hardigree, a former Texas political consultant, said that a truck has long been a requirement to get elected in that state.
“The sense [in Texas] was you couldn’t get elected as a Democrat or a Republican if you didn’t own a pickup truck,” he said. “But the Republicans never had to prove they drove a truck, and the Democrats always did.”
The first time I was in Texas I learned not only that a pickup truck was a required asset, but it had to have that box across the bed just behind the cab, in which one could keep their rifles, among other necessary tools to prove their Texas identity.
In a twist, the Scout is coming back, with a new model expected by 2026. The 4x4 is being revived by Volkswagen, which acquired its trademark in 2021.
The new car will feature styling that harks back to the original. But it won’t be like the Scout that Walz drives in one important way, adopting technology whose proponents Trump has urged to “ROT IN HELL.”
It’ll be electric.
A Scout of the future.
All Harris and Walz need to do is just not be weird...
Its amazing-- that its come to that!
MAGA are being Stooges. Let them...
I don't trust him about cars, trucks or guns or much else
Why? That's a pretty dumb statement. What's not to trust.
Don't believe the lies from certain posters. I doubt some of them ever even served.
So... The Scout II is a fiberglass replica?
what I could find quickly, Scout II was made from 1971-80 and some had a removeable fiberglass top
Wow, how wrong I was to think you would like him for being a classic car guy. This article would have been at home on my Classic Cars and Boats group articles.
Biden has a Covette but that he has done a lot to take the fun out of our cars. I think Walz will go down the same road.
Nobody made a thing out of Biden having a Corvette, or about his use of it or whether or not he loved it or tinkered with it.
Well give it time, It was just mentioned.
'take the fun out of our cars. I think Walz will go down the same road'
Another dumb comment. Do you think you'll be forced to buy an EV?
How?
If he tinkered with the corvette like he tinkered with the country then that car is now sitting on blocks stripped to the frame.
Oh, come on Tess, at least he told us Biden had a Corvette. How else would we have known? I thought he only rode in government vehicles and airplanes, other than a bicycle he has trouble not falling off of.
I knew he had a Corvette. He used to take Amtrak all the time - my best friend worked for Amtrak in computer security and took the train every day to work - but I don't think he worked there at the same time that Biden would take the train.
Also, the bicycle remark isn't funny.
Charger and I are friendly but that doesn't mean I won't call him out when I disagree with him.
As a train fan, Biden riding Amtrak was one of the things I like about him.
Tessy and me are friendly and disagree on some things
I don't mean to be a dick.
Charger's a good guy. We probably agree more than we disagree.
thanks
Actually, when I seeded this, it is wasn't my intention to start a political discussion. Rather I though it would be interesting to seed as NT is moving in the direction of having articles about various interesting topics-- and moving away from endless political stuff.
And thanks in large part to Buzz there occasionally appears an interesting article that isnot just people arguing politics.( and a few others who post about interesting non-political topics-- AMac re: photography, Dig what he's planting, John Russell sometimes re: music, and a few others I inadvertantly left out)
I'll stick to cars here
Actually, when I seeded this, it is wasn't my intention to start a political discussion.
I, personally, would not base my decision to vote for (or against) a candidate based on the type of car they drive, what kind of pet(s) they like etc.
It's an endless struggle, but perhaps I'm the one who's wrong. It's been pointed out that NT is a news and politics site.
Not movies as well?
For me, their principles and integrity are way more important than anything, but that makes me very unusual around here.
Well, of course a lot of things have been pointed out here . . .
Been waiting on that to happen for awhile - the news and politics bit.
Seems to have disappeared.
If that'sactually true-- then there are several people who post other stuff-- should they be banned?
Or maybe just to cut it out-- stop posting interesting stuff and please stick to political bickering!
Just on this seed
And a lot of beautiful things ignored.
LOL. I knew that was so.
What has disappeared? - the news and politics or what isn't those topics? Or are you speaking of the criticism of such a limitation? Please clarify.
That wouldn't lose many NT members.
Actually now that I think of it, when Perrie first started NT it was described something like that (News & Politics\s) but there was also something about "where ll; views are welcome).
I found this:
About Us
Who We Are
Welcome to The NewsTalkers! We are a social news and politics website that brings articles from across the web, as well as original member commentary for in depth discussion and debate. We are dedicated to news and political and social enthusiasts that are passionate about government and civic issues—sharing our unique opinions and knowledge. But The Newstalkers are more than just politics and news. We offer discussions ranging from economics, science and technology to social trends and culture. Whether you are looking for information or a good debate, we are here to engage you!
Our Purpose and goal
Our goal at The Newstalkers is to be the best place online to find high-quality, informative-style content and debate from across the web. We are also a platform for enthusiasts and aficionados to create original, useful, in-depth content. The NewsTalkers provides this in a community setting, that is fully moderated and member-centric. What makes us unique is that the membership has a voice in all aspects of NewsTalkers.
That's actually right on this site (LINK)
That's what I was saying. Anything other than news and politics is secondary. The image of the Capitol Building underlines that fact.
Well, it does give one the feeling that this is a news and politics site.
As if that was unique,,,>
Because whether stated or not, the fact is that much of social media discussions are "news and politics". I went back to Twitter (Now "X") for a while recently. Incredible amount of hate-- specifically political hate.
But I found it interesting because a friend sent me a link to a post from someone I follow (On TV but she also posts on Twitter).
I've always wondered why. Are all those folks really all that boring? That they have no real interests in life-- so they log on and do the only thing they're good at-- arguing, name calling, etc.
(And think that they're Oh so clever about ti_- when in fact most are seriously "mentally challenged".
Anything other than news and politics is secondary
True. Mostly.
But here's a "counter-argument".
When you seed something, you have a choice of "Categories. Sure, there is "News & Politics". But so many others are permitted, "The Lighter Side". "Wine & Food" Art &Photography. Pets and Animals. Satire. And many more.
How America has changed since I was last there. Now it seems that the most important thing is politics, and the political divide has grown wider than Grand Canyon - so deeply in the people's conscience that rules requiring NO POLITICAL COMMENTS are REQUIRED for family gettogethers and holiday celebrations. How sad that is. I don't remember it being such a horrid problem. Where I am, for the 18 years I've been here, not one person, not a Chinese person, or an expat foreigner, has said ONE WORD about politics to me, nor I to them, at least not about Chinese politics. You may think that's a deprivation, well to me it's a relief, a benefit, and everyone remains friends and happy together.
True enough, and some are used, but note that the "Lighter Side" and "Satire" postings are usually political, Most postings are through groups. But if you were to take note of the numbers of comments, or how long the articles remain on the Front (Home) Page, it is a rare occasion that it is something other than political.
Politics is certainly important, but it is definitely not the single most important thing. Most people are more concerned with their jobs and families. Since your only direct exposure to American culture is through this website, where politics is the primary topic, that may affect your view.
The fact that individuals in China do not discuss politics with you is an indication that it is not an open society. However, when I was in China I did ask certain people (mostly the tour guides we hired) some politically relevant questions, the details of which I will not get into now, and I received pertinent responses. Out of deference to their situation, I kept the exchanges very brief.
My ONLY direct exposure to American culture? Is that some kind of joke? How could I possibly have posted articles on some of my groups without that access? You know damn well I have access to LensCulture, and for your knowledge I have access to so many other American websites there is no way I would waste at least a week of my time opening all the ones I could open. Do you actually think that because YouTube and Google are blocked here that there aren't alternative similar sites? Do I really need the New York Times and Washington Post when I can access ABC, CBS, Fox, npr, CTV and a lot of other news sites?
What did the tour guides tell you, that they aren't allowed to vote, or that they have to be careful about saying anything critical about the CPC? I'm sure they're trained to be careful about what they say to foreigners, since they're bound to be asked question on sensitive political issues by foreigners.
This is the crux of the matter. To reduce what is happening in the United States to "political bickering" is to seriously minimize the choices we are faced with. The word bickering implies that both sides of the "bickering" have a legitimate case to make. There is no legitimate case for putting a traitor back in office. If the Republicans had dumped Trump after 2020 , like they were morally and ethically obligated to do, we might see more "news" stories on Newstalkers. But instead MAGA and various other Trump apologists have doubled and tripled down on supporting him.
BTW, I dont care about classic cars, boats or some of the other things you bemoan dont get enough comments. Some of your photographs about China are very interesting , but I'm not sure they are topics that will get dozens of comments. How much can you say about a temple built into the side of a cliff? It is amazing.
This is what Bing Copilot GPT says about the government in China
China is ruled by an authoritarian system. Maybe the people over there like it, maybe their culture is more in sync with such a system of conformity. Good for them if that is the case and they are happy with it. I have known a few people who immigrated to the Unites States from China and they were wonderful people. I dont have a single thing against China as a people.
But in America we dont want or accept an authoritarian government, or an authoritarian candidate. THAT is why you see so much "politics" on Newstalkers.
The quotation you posted was not my comment, and what if I DID stop posting interesting stuff? Would that make NT a happier place? I know my interests are varied, as indicated by the variety of articles that I post, but I don't expect everyone to be as universal in their interests as I am. The one thing that does make me happy about the responses I get on them is that they are usually from both sides of the political aisle.
Buzz, I assume that everyone here has varied interests, but you are the only one who complains when your varied interests dont get a lot of comments. We get it, you dont particularly care about the American election, ok thats fine. You are not an American and are living in China, literally the other side of the world.
I sometimes post articles on non political topics, and very few of them get more than a half dozen comments, half of which are usually mine.
Yeah, some have to make it political like charger. Let's stay on topic.
"They're Coming For Our Cars" is the new "They're Coming For Our Guns". Nobody wants their gas hog antiques. Companies still make big low mileage vehicles, but nobody is buying them!
I hope they aren’t looking for another bailout.
You worry too much...
Yeah, note they mentioned guns as well. That's been the threat since newt, that Democrats were coming after your guns, now it's your cars too.
What, me worry?
I can think of 2 reasons this would be the case , cost and reliability .
people might overlook the cost , IF the reliability were there and it was made to last a certain amount of time .
personally i doubt i will live long enough, i figure i have another 14 or so years left considering different factors , to see an EV ever be comparable to what i do with an ICE vehicle pertaining to my individual life style . and current year model ICE vehicles have a definite reliability issue for me .
For your information, Lensculture is based in Amersterdam in The Netherlands.
If you have access to and read a variety of uncensored western websites, including American websites, that would be helpful in providing a broader understanding.
Nope, they didn't say either one of those things. I was far more circumspect with my brief questions. I asked them to translate banners that were hung across the freeways, which, given the tone of their responses, led me to a lot of understanding. I also mentioned to one that with all of the apparently private businesses I noticed in China, it did not seem like a Communist country. The response to that was to quote a current Party slogan about "Socialism with Chinese characteristics", again, in such a manner that I understood a deeper meaning. One of the tour guides casually mentioned to me, without any questioning on my part, that they are aware of what is going on in the outside world, as if to indicate that the people were not generally swayed by Party propaganda. Another briefly discussed the position of the PLA as "the most loyal" to the Party.
Since I'm able to use the internet here without a VPN or any other special facility, every person in China has the same access to all the western sites that I can open. However there are western sites that block their access to China and probably elsewhere, and China does block many news and others that the CPC probably considers critical to it. Sometimes the censors here go a little overboard. They censor American movies where they see fit. I will use as an example the Keira Knightly version of Pride and Prejudice. I can understand why they deleted the bedroom scene with Lydia and Wickham, but I cannot for the life of me understand why they deleted the most beautiful and loving scene at the end of the movie of Darcy and Lizzy out on the Pemberly terrace at night. However, what is completely laughable about the censors, and why I'm sure they keep an eye on what I post was when I was going to post a movie quiz of the movies with Victor Mature. I first searched his name for movies and came up with a couple different lists and was going to use one of them. When I went back to create a quiz those lists had disappeared. Nothing like that ever happened with movie lists I searched before. I think the censors must have thought because of his name "Mature", they would be pornographic movies. LOL
I didn't realize LensCulture was Dutch, especially since it used English. As for your comments about what you saw and learned in China, you're right on the money, because if this is Communism, save for the form of government it sure looks like Canada and the USA to me, especially considering the numbers of Chinese billionaires and millionaires who live in China..
I think Lensculture was originally based in Berkeley in California, but for some reason they relocated to Europe. They may still have an office in Berkeley, if they actually have a physical office. The customer service representative I have dealt with a few times is in the Philippines.
John: I’ve seen you occasionally post non_political things— you get lots of interaction!
Can anyone guess what sorts of non- political things John posts that get lots of interaction?
If she's the same one I've been in contact with a few times she's the very best customer service rep I've ever encountered on the internet.
Thank you, Perrie.
I'm sure it is the same person since she has handled all of my customer service requests. Without a doubt she is the very best customer service representative I have ever encountered on the internet.
And now it's time for me to enjoy a double-header movie afternoon.
To simply answer the political question in the title ? and yes asking that does make it political in my view , the answer would be no .
For me , all it is , is just optics that have nothing to do really with the persons views that indicate the type of governance the person follows and the types of policies they would try to enact.
And it is those things that will dictate if someone will vote for someone or not , or it should be IMHO.
Driving a 1979 International Scout II seems like an environmentally irresponsible activity.
Not everyone's as environmentally responsible as Donald jetting round the country in Trump Force 1.
Does the Kamala campaign get better mileage?
Recently, Biden flew to Chicago, then to Santa Barberia, then to Rehoboth Beach DL, to Pittsburgh and will then return to DC.
I'm surprised that no one has jumped on you for whataboutism, but I won't.
Feeling Igknored?
The expected trump deflection.
LoL, no not at all. I just enjoy commenting with the best of NT.
Was not referring to the campaign usage. Also, was unaware Walz was using his own vehicle to drive around the country.
Oh, Okay, what usage do you want to compare"
He's not, although at 16 MPG, it get's better millage than the aircraft he uses.
In the meantime, I putter around in my 2015 Hyundai Sonata Eco with it's 28/38 MPG.
Good for him, he is the President of the United States. Did you expect him to hitch hike ?
Do you feel someone who works on their own vehicles should not be qualified to run for VP ?, cause one who violated so many accepted rules and Laws, should be limited to travel between his Prison, and the Court Systems that have yet to hold him accountable, instead he jet sets around spreading more and more lies, faster than Kamala has been accused of spreading her own thighs, cause for Trump & Cump, Sighs matter !
Thank Goodness, asz I almost got a girl pregnant,due to a premature ism. Maybe if 45 ever goes to prison, goodness won't be there to thank, and he gets covered in Bubbas' whataboutisms'. You are very environmentally efficient, as i am lucky to get 10 mpg in my truck, but it gets me there.
Since expecting, when is the due date ?, cause I find it a plus he works on his own vehicle, probably like other former presidents, no ?
That would be silly, not enough room for the Secret Service.
Not at all, why did you infer that?
Back to whataboutism as JR would say?
Think of the environment man, the environment.
The Obama's used both Air Force 1 and Air Force 2 (the backup ) to go the same destination.
Well, what if one had to deal with an emergency back home ? How would the other get back ? What if one wanted to stay later ? My obvious point is, everything points to Trump when anyone attempts to criticize the opposition, a position, i can take, because Trump is the ultimate fake, who in prison he should be, awaiting the other trial for all of his tribulations. The GOP has become a disgrace for again using 45 as its face aboutism is always applicable whence Trump is your alternative. The 'man' should be in PRISON, NOT representing the Republican Party, a party of disgrace !
Yes, Obama too . Actually I would guess all modern presidents fly a lot. Because they are busy and need to save time.
Driving a 1979 International Scout II seems like fun, I would not mind having one
When I was in grad school at WSU there was this International Harvester pickup, in that international orange color, sitting across the street from my apartment. How I lusted for it. But I could never afford it, it was $2500 at the time, which was quite a large price for me. Ended up buying a 4x4 Subaru Wagon just across the border in Idaho.
Memories....