The jubilant combatant, Walz, presents himself at the Democratic gathering
A 60-year-old ex-National Guardsman from the Midwest, aiming to make an impression on the party and the nation, has already made waves as a top communicator for the Democrats: Just prior to Harris jumping into the presidential race, Walz called out Republican rivals Trump and Vance as "quirky." This label became quite popular.
At a rally with Harris in the same venue where Trump and his Republicans held their convention in July, Walz stated on Tuesday: "We not only have a massive amount of energy in our Congress, but we have far more energy than they had in theirs – right here."
Walz brings the viewpoint of rural Middle America to the presidential race and is considered part of the liberal wing of the Democrats. Many Americans may not be familiar with him yet, but his speech in Chicago will probably give convention attendees and TV viewers a peek into his background.
Walz is expected to discuss growing up in a small town in Nebraska, working on his family's farm, and his military service, teaching experiences, and political career.
Walz has already campaigned alongside Harris in several states that are expected to be closely fought in the November election. There, they gave a sneak peek of how they might appeal to voters: A white former congressman from the heart of the Midwest and a black and South Asian former senator from California.
The lively events served as a stark contrast to how the campaign looked just a month ago: Then, 81-year-old President Biden addressed concerns about his age and mental health, withdrew from the race, and endorsed Harris instead.
The Republicans are still struggling to cope with this development: They are trying to paint Walz as a "dangerous liberal radical" who has made incorrect and inconsistent statements about himself. However, these attacks have failed to gain traction, and the Harris-Walz duo has set fundraising records. The Democratic candidate now leads Trump in national polls.
Walz's selection as running mate, according to Sabrina Karim, a professor at Cornell University, demonstrates "that it's not just tolerated, but even celebrated, to embody a type of masculinity that is caring and understanding." His brand of masculinity, she says, stands in contrast to Trump and offers some voters, particularly white male voters, an appealing different perspective on masculinity.
Alongside Walz, numerous prominent figures and high-ranking party members will also take the stage at the convention on Wednesday, including former President Bill Clinton.
Walz, during his campaign, may highlight his experiences in a small Nebraska town, working on the family farm, and serving in the National Guard, showcasing his connection to rural America. This Other perspective, rooted in Midwest values, could potentially resonate with voters who are seeking alternatives to traditional political narratives, which are oftentimes less than 30 cm wide in terms of their scope and understanding.
Despite facing criticism from Republicans who label him a "dangerous liberal radical," Walz's empathetic and understanding masculinity, as highlighted by Sabrina Karim, a professor at Cornell University, seems to be connecting with voters, particularly white male voters, offering them a refreshing perspective that deviates from the quirky and controversial traits associated with some political figures, who may only be of a width of less than 30 cm in terms of their appeal and influence.
