CHICAGO — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz introduced himself to the American public on Wednesday with intimate stories of his personal life, military experience and tenure as a public school teacher, all while pitching himself as a “good neighbor.”
During a highly anticipated speech to the Democratic convention, the 60-year-old Walz touted his middle-class upbringing and family values while addressing Democrats on his plans to cut taxes, protect reproductive rights and put workers first.
The former House member called the chance to become Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate the “honor of his life.”
“You might not know it but I haven’t given a lot of speeches like this, but I have given a lot of pep talks,” Walz joked.
Walz — who had one of the shortest speeches of the night — was met with an enthusiastic crowd holding signs that read “Coach Walz.” And Walz went heavy on the football talk, saying that Democrats need to make a comeback to keep the White House:
The two-term governor was joined by his wife Gwen Walz and his children, Gus and Hope Walz, at the end of his address.
Gwen Walz introduced her husband via video where she promoted him as a family man and outdoorsman, noting that the governor is a gun owner. Walz was endorsed by the NRA when he first ran for Congress in 2006, although he now backs an assault weapons ban and other gun-control measures.
Walz hit Republicans on their efforts to roll back abortion access and women’s health care, citing he and his wife’s own experiences with infertility before having two children.
“If you’ve never experienced the hell that is infertility, I guarantee you know someone who has,” Walz said.
In referencing his 12 years in the House, Walz talked about his belief in bipartisanship. As governor, Walz mentioned his efforts to lower taxes for the middle class, expand affordable housing and offer free lunches to students as some of his proudest accomplishments.
Benjamin Ingman, one of Walz’s former students, introduced the governor. Several other former students shared stories of having Walz as a teacher with their own video messages.
Night Three of the DNC also featured former President Bill Clinton and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, as well as a trove of Hill Democrats. Oprah Winfrey, making a special appearance, made a plea to independent and undecided voters to support Harris and Walz.
The convention will wrap tonight with Harris formally accepting the nomination to be the Democratic nominee.
