politics

"Donald Trump views the world through a different lens. He knows nothing about service because he’s too busy serving himself."

"Make no mistake, violent crime was up under Donald Trump... that's not even counting the crimes he committed"

Hours after being announced as Kamala Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz introduced himself to American voters with a rousing speech at a rally in Philadelphia, aiming to project the Democratic ticket as a beacon of optimism and "joy."

At Temple University, Walz was introduced by Harris, who highlighted his military service, his years as a teacher and high school football coach, his support for the Affordable Care Act in Congress, his signing of a law codifying abortion rights in Minnesota, and his efforts to expand gun restrictions in the state.

Harris assured the crowd that Walz, who served in Congress from 2007 to 2019 before becoming governor, "will be ready on day one." She contrasted Walz with former President Donald Trump's running mate JD Vance, likening the comparison to a varsity team facing a junior varsity squad.

Key Takeaways from Walz’s Speech:

Reintroducing Harris

Harris reiterated her credentials as a former prosecutor and attorney general, painting herself as familiar with the likes of Trump. Walz used his speech to emphasize the optimism and energy Harris brought to the campaign.

"Thank you, Madam Vice President, for the trust you put in me, but maybe more so, thank you for bringing back the joy," Walz said. He praised Harris for her relentless advocacy for the American people.

"Harris has fought on the side of the American people," he said. "She took on predators, fraudsters, and transnational gangs. She stood up against powerful corporate interests and never hesitated to reach across the aisle to improve people's lives."

Reflecting the renewed energy among Democrats since Harris replaced President Biden as the party’s candidate, Walz highlighted her joyful approach to her work, countering Republican attacks on her demeanor.

A Commitment to Country and Community

"I was born in West Point, Nebraska. I lived in Butte, a small town of 400, where community was a way of life. Growing up, I spent the summers working on the family farm. My mom and dad taught us to show generosity to our fellow neighbors and work for a common good," Walz said.

He recounted joining the Army National Guard at 17 and serving for 24 years. "The National Guard gave me purpose," he said. "It gave me the strength of a shared commitment, of something greater than ourselves."

Walz also framed the remaining months of the presidential campaign as an extension of his service. "So we got 91 days. My God, that’s easy," he said. "We’ll sleep when we’re dead."

‘Don’t Ever Underestimate Teachers’

Walz and Harris emphasized his background as a social studies teacher and football coach. Walz also spoke about his family's dedication to education.

"I can’t wait for all of you in America to get to know my incredible wife, Gwen, a 29-year public school educator," Walz said. "Don’t ever underestimate teachers."

"My dad was a teacher," he added. "My brothers and sisters and I followed in his footsteps. Three out of four of us married teachers. [It’s] what we do."

Walz explained how his students encouraged him to run for office, believing in his commitment to the common good and the idea that one person can make a difference. Despite running in a district that had elected only one Democrat since 1892, his students' optimism inspired him.

‘Weird as Hell’

During his warm-up speech, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro suggested that Walz’s direct critique of Trump and Vance as "weird" may have influenced Harris's choice of him as her running mate.

"Tim Walz, in his quintessential Midwestern, straightforward style, captured JD Vance perfectly," Shapiro said. "He's a weirdo."

Walz reinforced this characterization with pointed criticisms of both Trump and Vance. "Donald Trump views the world through a different lens. He knows nothing about service because he’s too busy serving himself," Walz declared. His remark about Trump's record on crime—"Make no mistake, violent crime was up under Donald Trump... that's not even counting the crimes he committed"—elicited a thunderous response from the crowd.

Turning to reproductive rights, Walz highlighted Midwestern values. "Some of us remember when it was Republicans who championed freedom," Walz told the audience. "It turns out what they meant was giving the government free rein to invade your doctor's office."

"In Minnesota, we respect our neighbors and their personal choices, even if we wouldn’t make the same choices ourselves. The golden rule is: Mind your own damn business!" Walz said, prompting another enthusiastic ovation.

Reflecting on his own modest origins, Walz humorously commented on Vance: “Like all regular people I grew up with in the heartland, JD went to Yale, had his career funded by Silicon Valley billionaires, and then wrote a bestseller trashing that very community.”

Walz continued his "weird" critique, saying, "Come on! That’s not what middle America is. And I can’t wait to debate the guy… if he’s willing to get off the couch and show up," referencing a debunked rumor about Vance. This comment drew the biggest cheer of the night. "I gotta tell you, these guys are creepy and, yes, just weird as hell."