DNC Day 3: Tim Walz accepts Vice Presidential nomination

CHICAGO, IL — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz officially accepted the nomination for Vice President of the United States Wednesday evening, calling the nomination “the honor of [his] life.” 

He spoke to the Democratic National Convention at the close of its third day. His address followed speeches from Oprah Winfrey, Pete Buttigieg, and Former President Bill Clinton. 

 

Gov. Tim Walz: ‘We love this country’

“We’re all here tonight for one beautiful, simple reason. We love this country,” Walz said as he opened his speech. 

Walz focused much of his speech on his experience growing up in a small, neighborly Nebraska town of around 400 people. 

“Growing up in a small town like that, you learn how to take care of each other. 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, and you look out for them and they look out for you.” 

He described how his career as a high school social studies teacher and football coach brought him to a stint in Congress, and eventually a place as the Governor of Minnesota. 

“There I was, a 40-something high school teacher, with little kids, zero political experience, and no money, running in a deep red district. But you know what, never underestimate a public school teacher. Never.”

He described the gubernatorial policies he fought for, including cutting taxes for the middle class, passing paid family and medical leave, and instating free breakfast and lunch for “every kid in [the] state.” 

Walz criticized the Republican party primarily for their views on reproductive rights. He specifically delved into his own experience conceiving his two children through fertility treatments. 

“I’m letting you in on how we started on family, because this is a big part about what this election is about: freedom.” 

He offered his strong support for Vice President Kamala Harris and her plans to cut taxes, take on “big pharma,” increase housing affordability, and “fight for your freedom to live the life that you want to lead.” 

Other day three highlights: Oprah, Buttigieg and Clinton

Before Walz took to the stage, Oprah Winfrey, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, and Former President Bill Clinton addressed the DNC. 

Winfrey said that the most important thing to do in this election is to “vote your values.” 

“That is what is needed in this election more than ever… Values and character matter most of all, in leadership and in life,” she said. 

Buttigieg spoke directly after Winfrey, taking shots at Former President Donald Trump’s running mate, JD Vance. 

“JD Vance is one of those guys who thinks if you don’t live the life he has in mind for you, then you don’t count,” he said. 

Buttigieg said Trump’s selection of Vance shows he’s “doubling down on negativity and grievance.”

When Clinton spoke, he thanked President Joe Biden for the “class” he demonstrated by dropping out of the 2024 presidential race. 

“He did something that’s really hard for a politician to do, he voluntarily gave up political power.”

Clinton said he believe the choice in the 2024 presidential election is clear.

“Kamala Harris will work to solve our problems, seize our opportunities, ease our fears, and make sure every single American, however they vote has a chance to chase their dreams.” 

Thursday will mark the last day of the DNC, where Harris is slated to speak. 

Read more: A resounding roll call and an address from the Obamas wraps up day two of the DNC