Tim Walz, Accepting VP Nomination, Gives Democrats a Pep Rally at DNC

Completing his transformation into a party leader, Mr. Walz played up his Midwestern roots and his time as a football coach. “It’s the fourth quarter,” he said. “We’re down a field goal.”

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Tim Walz Accepts the V.P. Nomination

Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota introduced his family and rallied the crowd to get behind Kamala Harris in “the fourth quarter” of the election.

“It’s the honor of my life to accept your nomination for vice president of the United States. We also protected reproductive freedom because in Minnesota we respect our neighbors and the personal choices they make. And even if we wouldn’t make those same choices for ourselves, we’ve got a golden rule: Mind your own damn business. It took Gwen and I years, but we had access to fertility treatments. And when our daughter was born, we named her Hope. Hope, Gus and Gwen, you are my entire world. And I love you. I’m letting you in on how we started a family because this is a big part about what this election is about: freedom. So here, this is the part — clip and save it and send it to your undecided relatives so they know — if you’re a middle-class family or a family trying to get into the middle class, Kamala Harris is going to cut your taxes. If you’re getting squeezed by prescription drug prices, Kamala Harris is going to take on big pharma. If you’re 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. You know, 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. So let me finish with this team.” Crowd chanting: “Coach.” “It’s the fourth quarter. We’re down a field goal, but we’re on offense and we’ve got the ball. We’re 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.”

Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota introduced his family and rallied the crowd to get behind Kamala Harris in “the fourth quarter” of the election.Credit

Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota offered himself as a bridge to disillusioned Americans who regard the Democratic Party as a bastion of coastal elitism, in a high-stakes address formally accepting the vice-presidential nomination on Wednesday night.

From the stage of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Mr. Walz completed his breathtaking transformation from little-known governor to leading party figure, accentuating his Midwestern roots and portraying the Democratic ticket as one that champions pragmatism and patriotism.

“We’re all here tonight for one beautiful, simple reason: We love this country,” he said.

A month ago, many Americans outside Minnesota were unfamiliar with Mr. Walz, other than highly engaged Democrats who delighted in his punchy television appearances and memorable critiques of Republicans, whom he labeled “weird.”

But on Wednesday, as he gave the most consequential speech of his career, attendees made clear they had quickly become familiar with his life story, including his background as a former high school football coach.

Before he took the stage, convention organizers handed out signs that read “Coach Walz,” and a burly group of his former players, now middle-aged, marched out to the tune of their high school fight song. Chants of “Coach” rang out during his speech, which was rife with football metaphors.

“It’s the fourth quarter. We’re down a field goal,” Mr. Walz said. “But we’re on offense and we’ve got the ball. We’re driving down the field. And boy, do we have the right team.”

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