Walz plays up small-town ethos in VP nomination speech

CHICAGO — The Minnesota governor joked that he’s not used to giving fancy speeches, but he can give a game-time pep talk, referring to his experience as a high school football coach. In accepting the Democratic Party’s nomination, Walz followed closely his new campaign style of introducing himself as a Nebraska native, longtime National Guardsman, and teacher. He walked out to John Mellencamp’s “Small Town” and built much of his speech around the song lyrics. He said it was a traditional small-town value to care for neighbors despite disagreement.

“In Minnesota, we respect our neighbors and the personal choices they make,” Walz told cheering supporters at the Democratic National Convention. “And even if we wouldn't make those same choices for ourselves, we've got a golden rule. Mind your own [profanity] business.”

Walz turned his attention to the Republican Trump-Vance ticket. He again called the conservative agenda weird and restrictive against Americans. “I’m ready to turn the page on this guy,” Walz said of Trump. He said the Democratic Party had something better to offer the American people, starting with Kamala Harris.

What about policy? Walz has a decidedly liberal record in Minnesota, a purple state that has trended more blue. On the convention stage, he boasted about his work there, including signing bills for paid family leave, for government investment in affordable housing, and for universal school lunches. He said he fought crime and lowered taxes. A Harris administration would bolster the middle class, lower prescription drug prices, make housing more affordable, expand gun restrictions, and “stand up for your freedom to live the life you want to lead,” he said.

How did the convention respond? The crowd waved “Coach Walz” signs and interrupted Walz’s speech with chants of “USA,” “Coach,” and “We’re not going back!” A month ago, Walz was a lesser-known figure on the national stage. Attendees told WORLD they feel like they know him better now.

“It was absolutely transformative,” New York delegate Kim Keiserman said. “It was a joyful speech but, at the same time, sort of dryly funny. He seems like just a normal guy rooted in his community.”

Will Lawrence from Kansas thought Walz’s relatability was a boost for the party that some associate with coastal elites.

“He speaks to me and to a lot of people that I know,” Lawrence told WORLD. “I mean, the football coach, relating to everyday values. Whether it’s a coach or a really dedicated father, that’s what he looks like."

Dig deeper: Read my fact check on claims that Walz inflated his military service.