Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has endorsed Kamala Harris as a strong and experienced candidate ready to assume the presidency, emphasizing a desire to move beyond Donald Trump's era. His comments were delivered while accepting the Democratic nomination for vice president at the Democratic National Convention held in Chicago on Wednesday.
In his acceptance speech, Walz, 60, expressed his deep honor at being nominated for vice president. He extended his gratitude to Vice President Harris for including him on the ticket and commended President Joe Biden for his “four years of strong, historic leadership.”
“Kamala Harris is ready. Our job is to get in the trenches and to the blocking and tackling one inch at a time, one yard at a time,” Walz stated.
He rallied the audience with a passionate call for their 2024 campaign: “I don’t know about you, I’m ready to turn the page on these guys. Go ahead, say it with me, ‘We’re not going back!’”
Walz assured the crowd that Harris would be a staunch advocate for their rights. “No matter who you are, Kamala Harris is gonna stand up and fight for your freedom to live the life you want to lead. Because that’s what we want for ourselves. And that’s what we want for our neighbours,” he affirmed.
Drawing from his background as a former football coach, Walz used sports terminology to underscore his points. “It’s the fourth quarter, we’re down a field goal, but we’re on offense and we got the ball,” he remarked, expressing confidence in the Democratic team.
Reflecting on his small-town upbringing in Butte, Nebraska, Walz highlighted the importance of community care. “The family down the road may not think, pray, or love like you – but they are your neighbours and you look out for them,” he noted.
He acknowledged his limited experience with major speeches but emphasized his familiarity with giving motivational talks. “I haven’t given a lot of big speeches like this, but I have given a lot of pep talks. It’s our job to get in the trenches and do the blocking and tackling,” he added.
Walz criticized the Republican stance on freedom, contrasting it with the Democratic perspective. “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,” he argued.
In a strong critique of the Republican presidential nominee and former President Trump, Walz condemned their agenda as serving only the wealthiest and most extreme elements of society, stating, "It’s an agenda that nobody asked for. It’s an agenda that serves nobody but the richest people and the most extreme voices in our country. An agenda that does nothing for our neighbours in need."
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