Tim Walz accepts Democratic nomination

Photo: Charles Rex Arbogast Associated Press “It is the honor of my life to accept your nomination,” Tim Walz told delegates gathered in Chicago Wednesday night.

Camille Camdessus – Agence France-Presse in Chicago

Published at 17:29 Updated at 23:37

• United States

Tim Walz, Kamala Harris' choice to be vice president if she wins the US presidential election in November, officially accepted the Democratic Party's nomination on Thursday.

“It is the honor of my life to accept your nomination,” he told delegates gathered in Chicago.

At 60, Tim Walz was thrust into the spotlight 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.

The balding Democrat with 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.

Stevie Wonder, John Legend

For a presidential candidate, choosing a running mate often serves the purpose 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 the very rural state of Nebraska, should reassure the party's more moderate voters who might have considered Kamala Harris too progressive.

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Democrats also praise his record on protecting abortion rights — a major issue ahead of the Nov. 5 presidential election.

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Democrats’ enthusiasm for this new “ticket” is clearly palpable in the halls of the convention, exactly one month after Joe Biden’s stunning withdrawal.

The hastily reorganized grand mass has already had its share of highlights.

The 81-year-old president received a glowing tribute from delegates on Monday, receiving a long standing ovation from tearful supporters.

Before electrifying speeches on Tuesday from Michelle and Barack Obama, the party’s star couple, who have makes the Chicago Bulls arena roar with the sounds of “Yes she can!”.

Democratic delegates roared with laughter Wednesday night as former President Bill Clinton mocked Republican Donald Trump over his age; danced to a Stevie Wonder performance.

Gathered in the Chicago Bulls arena, they also wiped away tears as they listened to the moving testimony of the parents of an American hostage held by Hamas — one of the most solemn moments of the convention.

Photo: J. Scott Applewhite Associated Press Former President Bill Clinton delivered his speech on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.

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 celebration, 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.

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

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

The billionaire was in North Carolina on Wednesday, alongside his running mate J.D. Vance, for his first outdoor rally since the assassination attempt on his life. Protected by bulletproof glass, he gave a speech focused on national security and foreign policy.

Ahead of other campaign events in Arizona and Nevada.