Tim Walz was a surprise guest at the DNC’s LGBTQ Caucus. This is everything he said. In his speech, the Minnesota governor stressed that “rights don’t work like pie; there’s enough for everybody.” (Andrew Harnik, Mandel Ngan/Getty Images)
Tim Walz, Democratic governor of Minnesota and newly announced running mate to Vice President Kamala Harris, made a surprise appearance at the Democratic National Convention’s LGBTQ Caucus. Echoing Harris’ sentiment, Walz emphasized, “There’s good work to be done, and one place we’re not going is back!”
The crowd quickly picked up the refrain, chanting “We’re not going back!” in response. Walz wasted no time in addressing the urgency of mobilizing votes for the Harris-Walz campaign, stressing that voting rights extend beyond preventing a GOP victory in the presidential race.
“It’s [about] voting for a better future,” he said, alluding to his campaign alongside Harris’. “It’s voting for kindness.”
He expresses that per his and Harris’ vision, there is a place for everybody. He continues to say that the GOP operates under a simplistic notion that expansion of rights is like a shared pie that is finite. While praising the LGBTQ Caucus, he said, “Rights don’t work like pie; there’s enough for everybody.”
Since being chosen as Harris’ running mate on Aug. 6, Walz stance on LGBTQ rights, particularly transgender issues, has been a point of contention, with conservatives and many anti-trans news outlets deeming him a supporter of child abuse, pedophilia and genital mutilation.
Supporters argue that Walz’s policies protect vulnerable individuals and promote equality. Critics, however, contend that some of these policies go too far and infringe on parental rights or women’s spaces.
In his opening speech, Walz references Trump supporters, saying “you can always tell by their hats,” perhaps acknowledging that the pushback he has received for his pro-LGBTQ advocacy has yet to stop him from showing support to the queer and trans community.
Walz addressed key campaign issues, including healthcare decisions, LGBTQ rights, and education. “Let’s make sure that people are free to live their lives as they choose and we mind our own damn business,” he said, highlighting that granting vulnerable communities rights does not equate less rights for others.
Political analysts note that while Walz’s message resonates strongly with the Democratic base, it may face challenges in swing states where voters hold more moderate views on social issues. The Harris-Walz ticket will need to balance appealing to their core supporters while also reaching out to undecided voters.
Republican strategists have signaled their intent to make Walz’s record on transgender issues a key point of attack in the upcoming campaign. The GOP argues that their policies better reflect the views of mainstream America.
With 78 days left until the election, Walz urged the caucus to work towards “a forward-looking, inclusive society that’s willing to tackle tough problems.” He highlighted environmental concerns, stating, “Our kids are asking for some pretty simple things: give us some clean air and some clean water, for God’s sake.”
While acknowledging that the presidential race would be close, Walz emphasized the importance of giving their all to the campaign. He concluded his speech with a powerful message: “Joy, love, and kindness are strengths, and I’m here to tell those guys on the other side: don’t ever mistake our kindness for weakness, because when it’s time to come out hard, we will come out hard at you.”
The crowd responded with enthusiasm, giving Walz a standing ovation for his passionate and inspiring address.
