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Jimmy Williams
Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz made his national debut on Wednesday, delivering a rousing speech at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) that highlighted his vision of “freedom” while sharply criticizing the Republican Party.
Speaking to a packed arena on the third night of the convention, Walz framed the 2024 election as a battle for the true meaning of freedom, contrasting his and Vice President Kamala Harris’s platform with what he described as the GOP’s distorted version of the concept.
“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 declared. “But when we Democrats talk about freedom, we mean … freedom to make your own health care decisions, your kids’ freedom to go to school without worrying about being shot.”
Walz, the governor of Minnesota and a former U.S. House member, was introduced by fellow Minnesotan, Senator Amy Klobuchar, and his former student Benjamin Ingman. His speech focused on his rural upbringing, his experiences as a teacher, football coach, veteran, and gun owner, all set to the backdrop of John Mellencamp’s “Small Town.” Convention organizers distributed signs reading “Coach Walz” throughout the arena, reinforcing his small-town roots and everyman appeal.
“Growing up in a small town like that, you learn how to take care of each other,” Walz said, recalling his early life in a rural community of about 400 people. He shared personal anecdotes, including his father’s death when he was young and how his family relied on Social Security survivor benefits and the GI bill. “Never underestimate a public school teacher. Never,” he asserted, referencing his own journey from the classroom to the governor’s mansion.
Walz touted his record as Minnesota’s governor, where Democrats have held full control of the state government for the past two years, passing progressive legislation on gun safety, free school lunch, and paid family leave. He highlighted Minnesota’s decision to protect reproductive freedom and ensure that personal choices are respected, even if they differ from one’s own. “We’ve got a golden rule: Mind your own damn business,” he quipped, drawing applause from the crowd.
The vice-presidential nominee also took direct aim at Project 2025, a right-wing agenda that has become a focal point of the Harris-Walz campaign. “It’s an agenda that does nothing for our neighbors. Is it weird? Absolutely,” Walz said. “But it’s also wrong and it’s dangerous.”
The theme of Wednesday’s program, “A Fight for Our Freedoms,” set the stage for Walz’s speech, which was preceded by remarks from abortion rights advocates, LGBTQ rights activists, and leaders of liberal groups focusing on outreach to women and Latinos. Walz closed his speech by endorsing Harris as the “freedom” candidate, emphasizing her commitment to fighting for the rights and liberties of all Americans.
“No matter who you are, Kamala Harris is gonna stand up and fight for your freedom to live the life you want to lead,” Walz said. “Because that’s what we want for ourselves. And that’s what we want for our neighbors.”
The night featured speeches from Democratic heavyweights, including former President Bill Clinton, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Rising stars like Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also took the stage, each underscoring the importance of the upcoming election.
Actor Mindy Kaling emceed part of the event, sharing personal stories that connected her with Vice President Harris, while Oprah Winfrey delivered a speech that electrified the crowd. Winfrey criticized GOP vice-presidential nominee JD Vance’s remarks about “childless cat ladies,” and passionately endorsed Harris as the candidate of “inclusion over retribution.” She concluded with a powerful message: “We won’t be set back, pushed back, bullied back; we’re not going back.”
