Tim Walz accepts Democratic VP nomination, targets Trump voters

In Chicago, Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota, formally accepted the Democratic nomination for vice president in the 2024 election. Though relatively unknown beyond his state and Democratic circles until three weeks ago, Walz stepped into the spotlight on Wednesday.

Walz highlighted his small-town Midwestern roots, his career in the army, and his time as a teacher and football coach. He recounted his tenure in Congress, where he won a conservative district, and his record as governor, pushing policies such as free school meals, paid family leave, and abortion rights. His life story aimed to resonate with Americans.

Democrats are attempting to target White working-class voters in the heartland, a group that has largely supported Donald Trump over the past eight years. They believe Walz’s warmth, humour, values, and record, along with his sharp comments on the Trump-JD Vance ticket, will appeal to this constituency.

Introduced by a former student and his former football team, now middle-aged men, Walz was watched by his wife Gwen and children Hope and Gus, and welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd of over 20,000 people at the United Center arena. Signs reading “Coach Walz” were prominently displayed. He first acknowledged Joe Biden’s presidency and expressed gratitude to Kamala Harris for choosing him as her running mate.

While their campaign is based on fear, our campaign is based on joy.

And it all starts with @KamalaHarris. pic.twitter.com/VpCfYCAYf3

— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) August 23, 2024

Walz centred his speech on the theme of freedom, positioning Democrats as the party that champions it. He argued that Republicans’ version of freedom involves government intrusion, corporate pollution, and banking exploitation. In contrast, Democrats advocate for individual freedoms, such as making personal healthcare decisions.

Discussing gun safety, Tim Walz, a veteran and hunter, made the case for protecting children at school. “I know guns. I am a veteran. I am a hunter. And I was a better shot than most Republicans in Congress. But I am also a dad. I believe in the Second Amendment, but our first responsibility is to keep our kids safe.”

He criticised Trump for the Project 2025 blueprint, a plan developed by the conservative Heritage Foundation. Although Trump has disowned it, Democrats argue it represents a far-right agenda for a future Trump administration. “If these guys get back in the White House, they will increase costs for the middle class, repeal the Affordable Care Act, cut Social Security and Medicare, and ban abortion nationwide,” Walz warned.

After having to delete a post for lying about Project 2025, AP corrected themselves by… lying about Project 2025 again.

1. We are a coalition of over 110 conservative organizations.

2. We are not affiliated with any candidate or campaign.

3. Mandate for Leadership is a… https://t.co/hakuJSF0r1

— Project 2025 (@Prjct2025) August 21, 2024

Walz employed several memorable lines that have resonated on the campaign trail. “It’s an agenda nobody asked for. It’s an agenda that serves nobody, except the richest and the most extreme amongst us…Is it weird? Absolutely. Absolutely. But it’s also wrong, and it’s dangerous.” He emphasised American values with the phrase, “Mind your own damn business,” suggesting Republicans were infringing on personal liberty.

Walz stated that even teenagers from his school could teach Trump about leadership. “Leaders don’t spend all day insulting people and blaming others. Leaders do the work. So I don’t know about you, I’m ready to turn the page on these guys. So, go ahead. Say it with me: We are not going back,” he said, prompting the crowd to chant, “We are not going back.”

He highlighted Kamala Harris’s candidacy, urging delegates to convey her message to undecided voters. “If you are a middle-class family, or trying to get into the middle class, Kamala Harris is going to cut your taxes. If you are getting squeezed by prescription drug prices, Kamala Harris is going to take on Big Pharma. If you are hoping to buy a home, Kamala Harris is going to help make it more affordable. And no matter who you are, Kamala Harris is going to stand up and fight for your freedom to live the life that you want to lead.”

In closing, Tim Walz used a football analogy to motivate Democrats. “It’s the fourth quarter. We are down a field goal. But we are on offence, and we have got the ball. We are driving down the field. And boy, do we have the right team. Kamala Harris is tough. Kamala Harris is experienced. And Kamala Harris is ready. Our job is to get in the trenches and do the blocking and tackling. One inch at a time. One yard at a time. One phone call at a time. One door knock at a time…That’s how we’ll turn the page on Donald Trump.”

The crowd echoed the campaign’s rallying cry, “When we fight, we win,” as they chanted from the floor and stands.