Democrats on Wednesday introduced Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to the country as Kamala Harris’ running mate for the November election, and underscored the theme of freedom as a defining element in the race. Mr. Walz was not widely known outside of his own state and showcased his homespun personality as a former teacher and coach as the Democrats met for a third day in the United Center to hear a lineup of some of the party’s biggest stars — and even Oprah Winfrey.
As Mr. Walz took the stage, a sea of “Coach Walz” signs bobbed on the floor as delegates cheered and chanted “Coach.” He waved and pointed at audience members, mouthing, “Wow!” in awe of the support throughout the room. Mr. Walz called his wife, Gwen, and children Hope and Gus his “whole life,” prompting Gus Walz to stand tearfully, and shout, “That’s my dad!” as he pointed to the podium.
Mr. Walz presented himself as an ordinary person from the Midwest, speaking of how he has carried on the lessons he learned from growing up in a small town. He has lived in Nebraska and Minnesota. “That family down the road — they may not think like you do. They may not pray like you do. They may not love like you do. But they’re your neighbors,” he said. “And you look out for them. And they look out for you.”
Mr. Walz, 60, told about how his experience teaching and learning from students inspired him to run for Congress.
“They saw in me what I hoped to instill in them: a commitment to the common good,” he said. “An understanding that we’re all in this together. And the belief that a single person can make a real difference for their neighbors.”
He described his work in government as helping the average American in life-changing ways. He talked about how he pushed for change for his neighbors through his work as governor of Minnesota, including cutting taxes for the middle class, passing paid family and medical leave, cutting the cost of prescription drugs and making school lunch free for all students.
Mr. Walz also touched on his advocacy for reproductive rights, including in vitro fertilization and other fertility treatments. He described his own family’s experience with infertility and struggles with starting a family.
He said, “This is personal for Gwen and I.” He added, “I’m letting you in on how we started a family because this is a big part of what this election is about: Freedom.”
Mr. Walz then dove into the convention’s theme of Day 3: freedom. Stepping quickly into the vice presidential candidate’s role of the attack dog, he criticized the interpretation of freedom that Republicans have pushed.
“When Republicans use the word freedom, they mean that the government should be free to invade your doctor’s office,” he said. “Corporations — free to pollute your air and water. And banks — free to take advantage of customers.”
He spoke of a different sense of freedom that he said Democrats follow.
“We mean the freedom to make a better life for yourself and the people that you love. Freedom to make your own health care decisions.” He added, “Your kids’ freedom to go to school without worrying about being shot dead in the hall.”
Mr. Walz then criticized Republican nominees Donald Trump and JD Vance and what Democrats see as anti-freedom ideals of Project 2025.
“It’s an agenda that serves nobody except the richest and most extreme among us. Is it weird? Absolutely,” He said, chuckling at a word he has become known for over the last few weeks. “But it’s also wrong. And it’s dangerous.”
Mr. Walz shifted to the importance of taking action and voting in this election. He said, “So go ahead, say it with me: We’re not going back.” The crowd chanted along with him.
“You might not know it but I haven’t given a lot of big speeches like this. But I have given a lot of pep talks,” he said, reminding the audience of his background as a coach. He launched into a compelling football analogy for the coming election, urging people to call neighbors, cast votes, and help get the Harris-Walz ticket elected. The audience roared.
After his speech, Gwen Hope and Gus Walz joined him on stage with extended family to loud cheers from the audience.
Other highlights from the night:
- Oprah Winfrey made a surprise appearance and drew an enthusiastic response from the gathered Democrats. She spoke about why upholding a democracy takes work and perseverance, and said, “Every now and then it requires standing up to life’s bullies.” She criticized Republican candidate Donald Trump, saying he lacked respect for American democracy. She said, “I’m a registered independent who’s proud to vote again and again and again because that’s what Americans do.” She then added, “We’re not going back.” The crowds throughout the room stood and roared, chanting “Kamala.”
- Former President Bill Clinton praised President Biden, noting the unique position he found himself in during the 2020 election and his decision to voluntarily give up the nomination. The crowd stood and chanted, “Thank you, Joe.”
- Musicians including Stevie Wonder, John Legend and Sheila E. took to the stage during the night. Legend and Sheila E. performed a tribute to Prince.
- Reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ rights also were topics of focus for the convention on Wednesday. With the overturning of Roe v. Wade two years ago, reproductive rights have become an important issue in this election year, and four speakers took to the stage to talk about those rights and availability of infertility treatments. “We trust women,” Alexis McGill Johnson, CEO of Planned Parenthood, told the crowd. She praised Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for starting a family with fertility treatments. Soon after, former Planned Parenthood CEO Cecile Richards also discussed the importance of reproductive rights. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who is openly lesbian, praised Harris’ support of same-sex marriage and of the LGBTQ+ community. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg also remarked on the importance of upholding LGBTQ+ rights, speaking from his personal experience of the development of same-sex marriage laws throughout his lifetime.
- Throughout the night, several speakers touched on the important role of Latinx voters in elections. “To be a nation of immigrants is hard sometimes too,” said Rep. Tom Suozzi of New York. “You have to work for it.” CEO of Voto Latino Maria Teresa Kumar also spoke of Latinos in elections. “When Latinos vote,” she said, “Democrats win.”
- Several politicians discussed the risks of Project 2025, including the banning of reproductive rights in all states and the teaching of racist sentiments in schools. In reference to Mr. Trump and Mr. Vance, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said, “They’re not just weird — they’re dangerous.” Meanwhile, on the floor, delegates cheered in support. “Saturday Night Live” star Kenan Thompson performed a skit involving the risks of Project 2025, including the ban of abortions and the removal of the education department. Soon after, actress and comedian Mindy Kaling took the stage and praised Vice President Harris’ character.
- Several speakers discussed the insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021. Of the insurrectionists, U.S. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi, the chair of the January 6 Committee, said, “They did it to rob millions of Americans of their votes.” Of Mr. Trump, he said, “He would rather subvert democracy than submit to it.” Retired United States Capitol Police Officer Aquilino Gonell then took the stage. A standing ovation occurred throughout the room. He described his experience at the Capitol on Jan. 6. He said, “I was assaulted with a pole attached to the American flag.” He added, “I still feel it. To Donald Trump, I say, ‘Why don’t you?’” U.S. Rep. Andy Kim of New Jersey discussed his experience cleaning up the aftermath of Jan. 6 at the Capitol.
- Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro took the stage as delegates on the floor stood and cheered, waving signs. Like some of the other speakers, he criticized the interpretation of freedom that Mr. Trump has pushed, saying, “It’s not freedom to tell women to do what with their bodies.” He later added, “Real freedom is when she can join a union, marry who she loves, start a family on her own terms, have clean air and live a life where she is respected for who she is.”
