On day three of the Democratic National Convention, it was vice presidential candidate Tim Walz’s turn to take the stage. He did so after talk show queen Oprah Winfrey, former President Bill Clinton, and several others had spoken.
And just before Walz took the stage, Kamala Harris tweeted:
– The stage is yours, Tim Walz. Enjoy the moment!
He began by accepting the role of the Democratic vice presidential candidate.
Tim Walz: – The greatest honor
And he continued:
– We are here today for one simple reason: We love this country!
Not surprisingly, he also attacked opposing candidates Donald Trump and J.D. Vance.
– We are not going back, he said.
Trump was president from 2017 to 2021.
Strong emotions in the convention hall.
Photo: Reuters
This is Tim Walz’s night.
Photo: AFP
Applause after Tim Walz’s speech.
Oprah Winfrey at the podium.
John Legend on stage.
Tim Walz at the podium.
“Train Walz” on the banners.
In his speech, Walz talked about the challenges he and his wife faced when they wanted to have children and that they have undergone fertility treatments. On the large screens in the hall, one could see their daughter Hope making a heart sign with her hands. Their son Gus cried while their father spoke.
– I haven’t given as many speeches like this, but I have given many ‘pep talks’, Walz said. The vice presidential candidate has a background as a coach in both American football and basketball.
NRK correspondent Anders Tvegård reports from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Oprah surprised
When Oprah Winfrey unexpectedly appeared on stage, she received enormous applause.
– Decency and respect are on the ballot in 2024, she said, adding that character and values mean the most.
And she urged people to vote for Kamala:
Oprah Winfrey urges people to vote for Kamala Harris.
– We need Kamala Harris as the president of joy to lead us, Bill Clinton said during his speech.
He praised both Kamala Harris and Tim Walz and criticized Donald Trump for only caring about himself.
Bill Clinton believes Donald Trump only cares about himself.
Several American media outlets have described last night’s speech as the biggest of Walz’s career so far.
Already at the beginning of August, he was designated as her number two in the campaign.
Kamala Harris is set to deliver her speech late Friday night Norwegian time. Then she will formally accept the nomination as the party’s presidential candidate.
Well-liked, but quite unknown
Walz has been described as a down-to-earth, pragmatic, and liberal politician.
Since 2019, he has been the governor of the state of Minnesota and is well-liked among his voters.
Former President Barack Obama describes vice presidential candidate Tim Walz as a down-to-earth type and particularly mentions that he has several flannel shirts hanging in his closet.
However, among the majority of Americans, he has been described as relatively unknown.
Walz also has a background as a teacher and coach for a local school football team. He is often referred to and described as “Coach Walz”. In addition, he is a military veteran.
– He has a classic American working-class background, USA expert Sofie Høgestøl has previously told NRK.
Published
22.08.2024, 03:20
Updated
22.08.2024, 09:30