CHICAGO — Minnesota Democratic Governor Tim Walz has silenced Democratic doubters.
In the run-up to the Democratic National Convention, there were doubts within the party as to whether it was wise for Vice President Harris to choose the governor of Minnesota – a relatively unknown figure from a state where the Democrats are considered sheltered candidates – as her running mate.
But Walz stormed out of the gate angrily and during the election campaign emphasized his humble background as a teacher, coach and long-time military veteran. And his stirring speech last week at the convention was one of the highlights of the event. He brought a dose of everyman charm to the stage and electrified the delegates, most of whom were largely unfamiliar with his rustic roots and infectious energy.
Democratic lawmakers said the stirring speech not only helped make Walz known to voters across the country, but also allayed any fears about his place on the ballot.
“There were those doubters. But … I can’t even count the number of times people said something like, ‘Oh my God, what a great choice. I was wrong,'” said Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Michigan).
“Most doubters are convinced – most of them,” he continued. “I hear that from colleagues; I hear that especially from people at home. They have never heard of him. I had a few close friends [texting]and a text message said, ‘Really?’ And I said, ‘Watch out.'”
Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) echoed similar sentiments, saying Walz’s down-to-earth background as a teacher and coach sets him apart from a typical politician, especially at the top level. In fact, the last Democratic nominee without legal experience was former President Carter.
And his Midwestern roots, Doggett added, would appeal to rural voters while also dispelling the common accusation that Democrats merely represent the “coastal elite.”
“[Walz is] someone who can speak to rural America, where we as Democrats have frankly failed to reach people in the past. He just seems like … someone you’d want to have as a neighbor,” Doggett said. He added that Walz’s centrist voting record during his 12 years in the House will also assist Democrats refute Republican claims that the party is too liberal for most of the country.
“It was a very moderate record. And I think it’s what we need to win this election,” he said.
Democratic Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts said he was being inundated with calls from family members and constituents all giving him the same message: “We loved him.”
“My sister is a teacher. The teachers are thrilled that a teacher is going to be vice president of the United States,” McGovern said. “He is as authentic and real as you can get.”
The enthusiasm for Walz was not always so widespread.
In the days following Harris’ decision to nominate Walz as her running mate, a number of wary Democrats on and off Capitol Hill expressed doubts about the choice, pointing out that Minnesota was already a sheltered Democratic state and wondering aloud why Harris hadn’t chosen someone who could assist her move a swing state toward the Democrats.
These voices had hoped that Harris would choose another candidate on the list of vice presidential finalists, which also included Josh Shapiro, the popular governor of Pennsylvania, and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a former astronaut.
“Everyone says the path to victory goes through Pennsylvania. So why not go with the person who can ensure that victory?” Bob Brady, chairman of the Democratic Party in Philadelphia, to local news channel WHYY News before Harris’ announcement.
But Walz’s supporters reject the idea that he will not be a boon to the party in the contested states.
“He’s talking ‘Upper Midwest.’ So he’s specifically talking about Wisconsin and Michigan, two of the swing states we need to win,” said Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.). “Other than crappy sports teams, we have a lot in common with them. And he sounds like us.”
Republicans have decidedly different views on the Minnesota governor. Behind Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), former President Trump’s running mate, GOP critics hope to paint a picture of Walz as an unreliable figure, questioning his loyalty to his National Guard unit, which was deployed to Iraq shortly after he left the military, and accusing him of misrepresenting his rank.
The Republicans are also Attack on Walz for misleading comments It is made from the stump, suggesting that he and his wife used in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures to overcome their infertility. In fact, they used a different form of treatment, intrauterine insemination.
“It’s just so bizarre to lie about it, isn’t it?” Vance told reporters last week in Milwaukee. “There’s nothing wrong with having a child through artificial insemination or not. So why lie about it? I just don’t understand it.”
Democrats rejected these attacks and accused Republicans of making this petty distinction only to defame a political rival.
“I mean, seriously? They’re at their wits’ end at this point,” said Democratic Rep. Katherine Clark of Massachusetts, the House Democrats’ whip and one of the party’s leading voices in defense of women’s reproductive health options.
“Why don’t they get together and actually help us get IVF protection? This is what the American people are asking us to do – families going through these expensive, painful and emotional fertility treatments,” she continued. “Are you trying to make an issue out of the fertility treatments – which ones did Tim Walz and his family go through? Give me a break.”
Democrats’ enthusiasm for Walz was fueled last week by his son’s emotional outburst of pride during Walz’s convention speech. The images of 17-year-old Gus Walz crying and saying, “That’s my father,” were captured on video. quickly went viral and have survived ever since as one of the most memorable moments of the entire conference.
“It was huge – it was beautiful, actually – especially watching the family interact,” Kildee said. “You can’t write that into a script.”
Others said it was Walz’s speech itself – a brief but fiery address full of Midwestern colloquialisms and apple pie charm – that stole the show. Afterward, they said, any fears that Walz was the wrong choice were dispelled.
“I think all of those concerns have been put to rest,” said former Senator Tom Harkin (Democrat, Iowa), who attended the convention in Chicago. “I think everyone now realizes how smart she was in choosing Walz. He’s just the quintessential American coach, father and small-town guy. And he has a wonderful personality. Just someone you can’t not like.”
“I think this will take us far.”
