Harris' running mate takes stage at Chicago Democratic convention

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 is taking his big oral exam 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 Democrats' great mass.

Tim Walz, “he's that uncle you want to spend time with. Every time he comes home, you can't wait,” compared Jaime Harrison, the chairman of the Democratic Party, on CNN on Wednesday morning.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Wisconsin, January 25, 2024 © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA – Stephen Maturen

“The +coach+ will be out tonight,” he added of the former high school football coach.

Coach Walz “is going to deliver a big, big speech, and show people why he is so beloved in Minnesota.”

At 60, Tim Walz was propelled to the forefront 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.

– Professor turned governor –

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 her record on protecting abortion rights – a major issue ahead of the Nov. 5 presidential election.

US Vice President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz, in Milwaukee, on August 20, 2024 © AFP – KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI

“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 met by AFP at the Chicago convention.

The Democratic Party convention, hastily reorganized after Joe Biden's shock withdrawal, has already had its share of highlights.

Former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, at the Democratic convention in Chicago, August 20, 2024 © AFP – Mandel NGAN

At the opening, the 81-year-old president received a warm tribute from delegates on Monday, cheered for long minutes by supporters in tears.

Before electrifying speeches on Tuesday by Michelle and Barack Obama, the party's star couple, who made the Chicago Bulls arena roar to the sounds of “Yes she can!” (Yes, she can!).

But the highlight of this meticulously choreographed gathering will come Thursday, when Kamala Harris formally accepts her party's nomination.

The occasion for a spectacular party, 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, scheduled in less than 80 days.

Former US president and Republican candidate Donald Trump, during a campaign rally in Michigan, August 20, 2024 © AFP – JEFF KOWALSKY

The 78-year-old former president was forced to review his entire electoral strategy after the abandonment of his best enemy, Joe Biden.

Anxious to stop the momentum gained by his new rival, this week he is increasing his trips to the most contested states in the presidential election.

The billionaire is on Wednesday in North Carolina, alongside his running mate J.D. Vance, for a meeting focused on national security and foreign policy.

Before other campaign meetings in Arizona and Nevada.

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