US Elections: Walz Accepts Democratic Vice Presidential Nomination

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Facts

  • Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Wednesday accepted the Democratic Party's nomination for vice president on the third night of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago in front of thousands of delegates, many of who held signs reading 'Coach Walz' in red, white, and blue colors.[1]
  • Walz, a former high school football coach, used many football references during his speech, including painting the Democrats as down a 'field goal' in the 'fourth quarter' and 'on offense.' He added the Democrats are 'the right team.'[2]
  • Walz recounted growing up in the small town of Butte, Nebraska, his time in the Army National Guard, his stint as a teacher, and his election to Congress. He was elected governor of Minnesota in 2018 and was selected to be Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate earlier this month.[3]
  • In keeping with a DNC theme of personal freedom, Walz, before talking about IVF fertility treatment repurposed a line he used earlier in the campaign when he described how people's personal choices should be respected and that in Minnesota there's 'a Golden Rule — mind your own damn business!'[4]
  • Walz delivered the keynote speech on a night that also featured appearances by former Pres. Bill Clinton, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), and Oprah Winfrey.[5]

Sources: [1]Associated Press, [2]New York Times, [3]CBS, [4]BBC News and [5]Newsmax.

Narratives

  • Democratic narrative, as provided by Guardian. Walz's 'coachspeak' was apropos considering the type of leadership he and Harris are offering the American people. The Harris/Walz ticket is determined to turn the page from the Trump era and move America forward. This speech hit all the right notes to relate to average Americans and win over their hearts and minds.
  • Republican narrative, as provided by Breitbart. Walz's speech was short, lacked substance, and spent a lot of time touting his resume — details of which have come under scrutiny. Democrats think they're going to win on vibes and feelings, but the American people want policies that will make the country and their lives better.

Predictions