In a high-energy rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, Tim Walz made his debut as Kamala Harris’s running mate, delivering a fiery speech that took direct aim at former President Donald Trump and his Republican allies. The Minnesota governor, recently announced as Harris’s vice-presidential pick, emphasized his rural roots and framed the election as a battle to move the country forward, contrasting sharply with Trump’s vision.
Addressing a crowd of over 10,000 supporters at Temple University, Walz, 60, positioned himself as a champion of the working class and rural Americans, regions where Trump has garnered significant support. Recalling his small-town upbringing in Nebraska and his service as a national guardsman and teacher, Walz criticized Trump for his lack of public service experience. “He doesn’t know the first thing about service—because he’s too busy serving himself,” Walz said, drawing enthusiastic cheers.
Walz’s remarks included a pointed critique of Trump’s legal troubles, eliciting chants of “lock him up” from the audience. The governor also used a popular campaign line to label Republican challengers as “creepy and, yes, just weird as hell,” a phrase that resonated strongly with the crowd and has become a notable part of the Harris-Walz campaign’s rhetoric.
In his speech, Walz promised a vigorous debate with Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance, jokingly challenging him to “get off the couch and show up.” The rally showcased Walz’s straightforward, folksy style, which has earned him praise within Democratic circles. He took a strong stance on issues such as abortion rights and gun violence, telling the audience, “Mind your own damn business!”—a remark that was met with significant applause.
Harris, currently the U.S. Vice President, introduced Walz as a “fighter for the middle class” and a “patriot,” setting the stage for their campaign’s focus on defending individual freedoms. Both Harris and Walz are embarking on a five-day tour of key battleground states, aiming to solidify their support ahead of the November election.
The Harris-Walz ticket is gearing up for the Democratic National Convention, scheduled from August 19 to 22 in Chicago. Their campaign will continue to spotlight contrasts with their Republican opponents, aiming to build momentum as they prepare for a closely contested election.
