Photo: Collected
Tim Walz will officially accept the nomination to be Kamala Harris's White House running mate Wednesday as he presses a charm offensive that has made him a darling of the Democratic National Convention.
The relatively unknown Minnesota governor brings an earthy, Midwestern vibe to Harris's surging campaign against Donald Trump that is expected to be central to his speech at Chicago's United Center.
Taking the stage ahead of Harris's big night on Thursday, former teacher and National Guard soldier Walz will outline his life story while underlining the ticket's focus on safeguarding Americans' freedoms and building for the future, campaign officials said.
A highlight of the undercard was former president Bill Clinton, who delighted the crowd with his 12th appearance at the Democratic convention and said Harris had "knocked it out of the park" by picking Walz as her running mate.
"Two leaders with all-American but still improbable life stories -- it could only happen here," Clinton said.
"If you vote for this team, if you can get them elected, and let them bring in this breath of fresh air, you will be proud of it for the rest of your life."
Minnesota first lady Gwen Walz will introduce her husband for the biggest speech of his political career, with Grammy and Oscar-winning musician John Legend providing the soundtrack with a tribute to one of the state's most iconic artists, Prince.
A rousing rendition of "Higher Ground" by Stevie Wonder warmed up the crowd for the main event, alongside turns from comic actors Mindy Kaling and Keenan Thompson.
Walz will tee up Harris's Thursday speech and the climax of a convention that has defied predictions of disunity or even chaos in the wake of President Joe Biden's decision to drop his reelection bid on July 21.
On Tuesday, it was Democratic superstars Michelle and former president Barack Obama who spoke, following up on Biden's emotional speech Monday, where he passed the torch to his vice president.
Biden left Chicago after his address for a break that turned into a working vacation in California, as he pushed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Wednesday to reach a Gaza ceasefire deal with Hamas as talks on a
truce faltered.
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