Minnesota governor Tim Walz formally accepted the Democratic party’s vice-presidential nomination on Wednesday at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago. Though Walz was on stage, his son Gus stole the limelight by expressing his joy as his father accepted the nomination.
17-year-old Gus charmed the crowd by jumping up from his seat and clapping as the crowd joined to cheer Walz. “That’s my dad,” said Gus pointing at the stage with tearful eyes.
Gus gave his father a tight hug as he joined him on stage at the end of Walz’s speech. "Team Gus Walz," said Jen Psaki, former White House press secretary for the Biden administration.
In an interview with People magazine, Walz and his wife Gwen had earlier described Gus as “brilliant” and said that he had a non-verbal learning disorder, ADHD and an anxiety disorder.
Meanwhile, hitting out at Republican candidate Donald Trump, Walz said that Vice President and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris is “tough, experienced and is ready” to be the next United States president.
Walz spoke, drawing experiences from his life as a football coach, teacher, and military officer. He also leaned into his rural upbringing. “While growing up in a small town like Butte, Nebraska, one learns to care for each other,” he said.
When Republicans use the word freedom, they mean that the government should be free to invade your doctor's office, corporations free to pollute your air and water, and banks free to take advantage of customers, Walz said.
“While when we use the word freedom, we mean to make your own health care decisions, your kid's freedom to go to school without worrying about being shot,” he said.
Walz’s wife Gwen and children joined him on stage at the end of his speech.