Tim Walz is in the race for vice president, but at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night, he channeled the spirit of a high school football coach.
Before he took the stage, a dozen former players from the Minnesota state championship team he coached decades ago ran on with enthusiasm, some donned in their vintage jerseys, to the lively sounds of a marching band. When Walz finally appeared, delegates waved “Coach Walz” signs, and the crowd erupted in chants of “coach, coach, coach!”
This was Walz’s first major opportunity to present himself to the nation, and his speech was rich with personal anecdotes. He reflected on his life as a football coach, his upbringing, time in the Army National Guard, experience as a high school educator, and his service in Congress and as governor.
Emotions ran high as his children, 23-year-old Hope and 17-year-old Gus, were visibly moved, with Gus mouthing “That’s my dad!” to the camera.
In a casually relatable manner that the Democratic campaign hopes resonates with moderate Midwestern voters, Walz declared he was ready to move beyond the Trump era, urging the audience to proclaim, “We are not going back.”
He followed a diverse lineup of speakers and entertainers, with Oprah Winfrey receiving an enthusiastic response during her surprise appearance.
The four-day convention will conclude with Vice President Kamala Harris formally accepting the Democratic nomination, shortly after President Biden stepped out of the race.
On Wednesday night, all eyes were on Tim Walz, a relatively unknown figure just weeks earlier. He incorporated elements from an earlier speech in Philadelphia, cleverly reusing some lines.
“In Minnesota, we respect our neighbors and their choices,” he stated. “Even if we wouldn’t make the same decisions, we follow a simple rule: mind your own business!”
He emphasized personal freedom, discussing the “hell of infertility,” a topic now intertwined with the national conversation on abortion rights. He referred to his family’s experience with fertility treatments, leading to Republican criticisms for perceived misleading statements.
Walz stressed that the election is about “freedom,” presenting a vision where Democrats advocate for individual choices, health care decisions, and ensuring schools are safe for children.
He highlighted the Democratic initiatives he has pursued in Minnesota, like free school lunches and lower drug prices, stating, “While other states banned books, we fought hunger.”
Walz repeatedly returned to his coaching motif, critiquing Donald Trump and JD Vance by referencing the Project 2025 policy outline created by former Trump officials, emphasizing, “When someone draws up a playbook, they intend to use it.”
His closing was filled with motivational sports metaphors: “It’s the fourth quarter. We’re down a field goal, but we’re on offense. We’ve got the right team to win this!”
Earlier, potential vice-presidential contenders like Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro spoke about personal freedom and rights, alluding to the stakes for voters.
However, Harris chose Walz for his particular strengths, believing his Midwest authenticity and coaching persona would resonate with voters who have drifted away from the Democratic Party in the Trump era.
Republicans expressed relief at Walz’s selection, fearing Shapiro’s potential appeal in battleground Pennsylvania. They’ve begun attacking Walz’s perceived liberal policies and handling of personal matters, but his strong coaching background remains largely unchallenged—an essential element of his pitch to the electorate.