He was chosen by Kamala Harris to assist her in the campaign and will become vice president of the United States if the Democrat is elected in November: Tim Walz will give his big oral presentation on Wednesday at the party convention in Chicago.
Known for his good nature and his frankness, the governor of Minnesota will deliver a speech in front of the cameras of the whole world, during the third evening of the great mass of the Democrats.
At 60, Tim Walz was thrust into the spotlight after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race for the White House and Kamala Harris entered the race — one of the biggest upheavals in American political history.
This Democrat with a receding hairline and small rectangular glasses agreed in early August to become the vice president’s right-hand man and has been crisscrossing the country at her side ever since.
Stevie Wonder, John Legend
For a presidential candidate, choosing a running mate often meets the objective of attracting new voters or compensating for identified weaknesses in terms of image or program.
Tim Walz, a former geography teacher who grew up in rural Nebraska, should reassure the party’s more moderate voters who might have considered Harris too progressive.
Democrats also praise his record on protecting abortion rights — a major issue ahead of the Nov. 5 presidential election.
“This is exactly what young people want to see,” whose mobilization will be crucial during the election, said Lake Liao, a 19-year-old student interviewed by AFP in Chicago.
The enthusiasm of Democrats for this new “ticket” is clearly palpable in the halls of the convention, one month to the day after Joe Biden’s incredible withdrawal.
This grand mass, hastily reorganized, has already had its share of highlights.
At the opening, the 81-year-old president received a warm tribute from the delegates on Monday, and was given a standing ovation for several minutes by tearful supporters.
Before electrifying speeches Tuesday from Michelle and Barack Obama, the party’s star couple, who had the Chicago Bulls arena roaring with chants of “Yes she can!”
On Wednesday night, it will be the turn of Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi and former President Bill Clinton to take the stage, during an evening punctuated by performances by singers John Legend and Stevie Wonder.
But the highlight of this carefully choreographed gathering will come Thursday, when Kamala Harris formally accepts her party’s nomination.
The occasion for a spectacular celebration, punctuated by the traditional release of thousands of red, white and blue balloons.
Trump in North Carolina
This inauguration will cement the duel between the Democratic candidate and the Republican Donald Trump, expected in less than 80 days.
The 78-year-old former president was forced to review his entire electoral strategy after the withdrawal of his arch-rival, Joe Biden.
Anxious to halt the momentum gained by his new rival, he is increasing his trips this week to the most contested states in the presidential election.
The billionaire was in North Carolina on Wednesday, alongside his running mate JD Vance, for his first outdoor rally since the assassination attempt on his life. Protected by bulletproof glass, he gave a speech focused on national security and foreign policy.
Before other campaign meetings in Arizona and Nevada.