As the Democratic National Convention enters its third day, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is set to take center stage alongside former President Bill Clinton. Walz, known for his folksy, Midwestern charm, will introduce himself to a national audience and articulate the campaign’s central message: that a second Donald Trump term would imperil American liberties. The evening’s theme, dubbed “a fight for our freedoms,” marks a shift from Tuesday’s exuberant party atmosphere to a more serious tone.
As the vice presidential nominee, Walz faces considerable scrutiny, having faced questions about embellishing his background and a 2018 comment about carrying weapons in war. However, polling data suggests that despite early hiccups, Walz has had a smoother launch as Kamala Harris’ running mate than Republican JD Vance.
Walz will be joined by a who’s who of Democratic stars, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The evening’s lineup will also feature a mix of everyday Americans whose freedoms hinge on the upcoming election. Mini Timmaraju, president and CEO of Reproductive Freedom for All, will speak on reproductive rights, a critical issue for many Democratic voters.
Tim Walz (Image via Getty)
The Convention’s third night promises to be a stark contrast to Trump’s outdoor rally in North Carolina, where he will deliver remarks surrounded by bulletproof glass. Many Americans have never heard of Walz until Harris chose him to join her ticket, and his charm has already won over some supporters. However, his wife recently clarified that she did not undergo IVF, as he had repeatedly claimed, but used other fertility treatments.
Despite these hiccups, Walz has a favorable view among US adults, with 36% having a positive opinion, compared to 27% for Vance. The AP-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research poll also showed that significantly more adults have an unfavorable view of Vance than Walz.
The week has been a balancing act for Harris and other Democrats, as they try to harness the exuberance that has swept over their party since President Joe Biden stepped aside, while making clear to their supporters that the election will be a fierce fight. Lil Jon’s surprise appearance during the Convention’s second day highlighted this contrast, as a dance party broke out amidst solemn warnings.
