'Football Coach' Walls: "Got the Ball... Will Fight to Win"

Acceptance Speech for Vice Presidential Nominee
"Harris Will Fight for Freedom... Trump Is Strange"

Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential candidate and governor of Minnesota, a former high school teacher and football coach, appealed for support by saying, "We gave up a field goal in the 4th quarter, but we got the ball," and "If we fight, we will win."

On the 21st (local time) at the Democratic National Convention held in Chicago, Governor Walz appeared introduced by a student he once taught and took the microphone. He began by saying, "I am honored to accept the nomination as the U.S. vice presidential candidate," and "I am grateful for President Joe Biden's strong and historic leadership over the past four years."

Team Walz Minnesota Governor
Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

Governor Walz introduced his life, having been born in a small town in Nebraska in the American Midwest, working as a high school teacher and football team coach, having a father who was a Korean War veteran, and serving in the National Guard. This is a strategy to maximize the image of a humble 'neighborly uncle' and 'ordinary person.'

In response, the audience held up 'Coach Walz' placards to cheer for Walz. Also, former members of the football team coached by Governor Walz appeared on stage wearing uniforms.

He emphasized, "I grew up in a small town with a population of 400, and there were 24 students in my high school, but none went to Yale University." While emphasizing his 'dirt spoon' background like Governor Walz, he positioned himself against former President Trump’s running mate, Senator JD Vance, a Yale graduate and successful venture capitalist.

He then shared the story of how he was inspired to enter politics with the support of football players and students. Governor Walz said, "It was the players and students who inspired me to run for Congress," adding, "They saw in me values such as dedication to the community, the understanding that everyone is in it together, and the belief that one person can bring change to their neighbors." Although he had no political experience, he eventually secured a seat, joking, "Don't underestimate public school teachers." Walz served six terms as a federal representative from Minnesota before being elected governor.

He also spoke about reproductive rights. It is widely known that Walz had his first daughter, Hope, after years of infertility treatment. He opened up by saying, "If you haven't experienced infertility, you probably know someone who has," sharing his experience with infertility procedures. When Walz expressed that "family is my everything," his son Gus Walz in the audience was moved to tears.

Former President Trump holds a negative stance on abortion rights. Trump’s running mate, Senator Vance, opposed federal support legislation for in vitro fertilization and takes an even more hardline position that pregnancy termination is not allowed under any circumstances. Walz told them, "There is a golden rule in the Midwest: mind your own business." Then, when he said, "This is about choice. It is freedom," Democrats responded by chanting "Freedom."

He continued, "Whoever you are, Vice President Harris will fight for your freedom to live the life you want," adding, "That is what we want for ourselves and for our neighbors." He listed Vice President Harris’s pledges, including middle-class tax cuts, lowering drug prices, and support for home purchases, encouraging, "This is the core. Save the clip and send it to relatives who haven't decided yet."

Governor Walz is known for his clear communication style using short and simple expressions. On a TV broadcast, he referred to former President Trump and Senator Vance as "They're weird," which became a kind of meme among Democratic supporters.

In his speech that day, he used his meme again. He warned that if former President Trump returns to the White House, middle-class housing costs will rise, social safety nets and health insurance will be abolished, and abortion will be banned nationwide. He added, "This agenda helps no one except the wealthiest and most extreme among us," saying, "Isn't it weird? Absolutely. Also, it is wrong and dangerous." He then urged, "Let's keep shouting together," saying, "We will not go back."

Governor Walz, who also worked as a football coach during his teaching days, compared the presidential race to football to encourage the Democratic Party and its members. "It is the 4th quarter now. We gave up a field goal, but we are on offense and have the ball," he said, urging, "For the next 76 days, we have to block and tackle. Inch by inch, yard by yard, we have to make calls and knock on doors." He emphasized, "If we fight, we will win."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.