Tim Walz’s ‘crowded theater’ argument was debunked ages ago

Published October 2, 2024 5:41pm ET



Tuesday’s vice presidential debate between Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) and Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) was a lively affair. And while there were more lows than highs, one exchange in particular stood out as a telling moment: when Walz attempted to defend previous comments he’s made claiming “there’s no guarantee to free speech on misinformation or hate speech.”

“You can’t yell ‘fire’ in a crowded theater,” Walz told Vance. “That’s the test. That’s the Supreme Court test.” 

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