Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee Tim Walz addressed the enthusiastic crowd at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago Wednesday night, where he accepted the official party nomination. His family was prominently featured in his speech, along with his promotion of small town values and his plainspoken relatability.
Gus Walz’s Emotional Moment
Walz’s teenage son Gus arguably stole the show. At the same time, he watched teary-eyed as his father received one of the highest honors in the nation, a chance to represent Americans as the Vice President on a major party ticket.
Walz’s Journey to National Recognition
Just a few weeks ago, Walz was relatively unknown to most Americans outside of his home state of Minnesota, and the bridge from the Governor’s mansion to the White House appeared too far.
Family’s Emotional Reaction
During the speech, Gus sat with his mother, Gwen Walz, and sister, Hope Walz. The family reacted emotionally when Governor Tim Walz shone the limelight on them, saying, “Gus, Hope, and Gwen, you are my entire world, and I love you.”
Gus’s Connection with His Father
Gus jumped and pointed his finger back at his dad, saying, “That’s my dad!”
Gus Walz’s Neurodiversity
It has been publicly known that Gus is neurodiverse and has been diagnosed with ADHD. He also has a nonverbal learning disorder.
Public Reaction to Gus Walz
Wednesday night, American DNC viewers responded enthusiastically to Gus’s show of emotion, quickly creating a media following. Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki wrote on X, “Team Gus Walz.”
Walz’s Openness About Fertility Treatments
In addition to talking about the special characteristics of Gus, Walz has also spoken openly about his and Gwens’ reliance on fertility treatments to conceive their children.
This topic has generated much political discourse in the past six months as Alabama for a period of time halted In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) procedures in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling which determined that unborn children have the same rights as children outside of the womb.
Positive Reception of Walz’s Speech
Walz’s speech was well received, with former White House communications director Kate Bedingfield writing, “Tim Walz was 100 percent pitch perfect, grand slam, touchdown in every possible way.”
Walz’s Midwestern Background and Appeal
Walz’s speech was also noted for his touching on the themes that make him a threat to Republicans. He referenced his “small town” midwest background and resume; he was born in a small town in Nebraska, attended a state college, and served his community as a school teacher and coach.
Use of Football Coaching Jargon
Throughout his speech, he threaded football coaching jargon, referencing the Democratic party as his “team,” saying, “Boy, do we have the right team. Our job for everyone watching is to get in the trenches and do the blocking and tackling.”
Gun Rights and Conservative Credentials
Walz also spoke of gun rights and his bona fides as a hunter and a veteran– two traditionally respected conservative identities. He said of his conservative counterparts that he is a “better shot than most Republicans in Congress.”
Appeal for Gun Control
He also appealed to the Democratic crowd on his interest in controlling guns to prevent violence and mass shootings.
Walz’s Message on Values
A final theme in Walz’s speech, which shows his remarkable everyman appeal in addition to his focus on family, veterans issues, football coaching in rural America, and hunting, is his message on values—Walz said, “I learned how to compromise without compromising my values.”
