CHICAGO — Before a jam-packed Democratic National Convention, and on the screens of millions of Americans, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz formally addressed the entire country for the first time as the vice presidential candidate for the Democratic Party. Walking on stage to John Mellencamp's "Small Town," Walz waved and bowed to the chanting crowd.
"It's the honor of my life to accept your nomination for Vice President of the United States," Walz said. "We're all here tonight for one beautiful, simple reason: We love this country." ADVERTISEMENT He spoke briefly on his upbringing, saying his small Nebraska town taught him how to take care of his neighbors.
"You look out for them, and they look out for you. Everybody belongs, and everybody has a responsibility to contribute," Walz said firmly. Walz said he had "zero" political experience when he first ran for office, and no money to help him win a race.
"But you know what?" he asked. "Never underestimate a public school teacher." He discussed his record as governor, touting the progressive policies his administration established in Minnesota.
"We cut taxes for the middle class. We passed paid family and medical leave. We invested in fighting crime and affordable housing.
We made sure that every kid in our state gets breakfast and lunch every day," he said. "While other states were banning books from their schools, we were banishing hunger from ours." With a roaring crowd, Walz discussed the freedoms he stands for, including the fr.