PROFILE - Democratic Vice Presidential hopeful Tim Walz: Small-town hero fighting for promise of America

By Efe Ozkan

ISTANBUL (AA) — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz officially accepted the Democratic nomination for US vice president at the party’s national convention in Chicago, in the Midwestern state of Illinois, late Wednesday.

"I'm all in. Vice President (Kamala) Harris is showing us the politics of what's possible. It reminds me a bit of the first day of school. So, let's get this done, folks! Join us," Walz wrote on X during the convention, the Democrats' largest gathering, normally held once every four years.

- The 'blue collar' of the Democratic blue

Walz was born on April 6, 1964, in West Point, Nebraska, and grew up working on his family's farm in a rural community in the northwestern part of the state.

The son of a veteran of the Korean War, Walz was quick to join up with the US National Guard and follow in his father' footsteps in 1981, when he turned 17. In his 24 years of service, Walz was deployed to Arkansas, Texas, the Arctic Circle, Minnesota, and Italy, finishing out his service as a decorated command sergeant major.

During his time in the US National Guard — a service that is often done part time or on standby — Walz worked in a tanning bed factory in Arkansas and finished his education as a social science teacher at Nebraska’s Chadron State College. Walz's blue-collar background provides a stark contrast to JD Vance, the Republican vice president nominee, which could help explain Walz’s strong lead over Vance in the polls.

As decorated as he is as a soldier, Walz is more recognized by his fellow democrats as the high school American football coach that turned a Minnesota high school's 27-game losing streak into its first state championship in 1999. The crowd chanted "coach!" as Walz spoke in his home state of Nebraska on Aug. 18, reflecting his approval by Democratic voters for not only his political career but also his sports background.

In his keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, Walz stressed his commitment to "growing the rural economies and taking care of veterans." Combining his background as a veteran and long career as a public school teacher with his statements at the convention, Walz's strongest aspect is perhaps his ability to — as he says it — "compromise without compromising my values," a value many feel as sharply needed amid the deepening divide of American politics.

- The making of a Midwestern governor

In 2006, Walz entered the political arena by winning a seat in the US House of Representatives, representing Minnesota's First Congressional District. For 12 years, he became known for his pragmatic approach and ability to bridge partisan divisions. Throughout his tenure, Walz prioritized veterans' rights, health care reform, and renewable energy initiatives, often collaborating with Republican members of Congress to achieve tangible outcomes.

As the governor of Minnesota since 2019, Walz further solidified his commitment to a progressive agenda. His leadership during the coronavirus pandemic was characterized by a focus on public health, economic recovery, and education, necessitating swift and decisive action. Walz's policies during the tumultuous period demonstrated a commitment to the well-being of Minnesotans and showcased his capacity to lead in crises.

- Vice presidential nominee

Walz not only brings the wisdom of experience but also offers an energetic vision for the future. The upcoming elections will be a critical test for the Democratic Party, with stakes higher than ever in a deeply polarized political environment. By backing a candidate like Walz, the Harris campaign aims to connect with voters who are increasingly seeking authentic leadership and practical solutions to the nation's pressing issues.

Walz stands out from Harris, Vance, and Donald Trump as a rural American who resonates with blue collar workers due to his background, giving him ammunition against claims that Democrats represent "elites." His appeal may resonate particularly well in battleground states, where his record in governance, bipartisanship, and as a game-winning coach could attract a broader base.

Though armed with strong domestic policy convictions, Walz's ideas on many foreign policy matters — including Gaza, an issue that has threatened to tear the Democrats apart — are less clear. Although he has never officially diverged from the party line of unconditionally supporting Israel, he told Minnesota Public Radio in March: "You can hold competing things (in mind): That Israel has the right to defend itself, and the atrocities of Oct. 7 are unacceptable, but Palestinian civilians being caught in this ... has got to end."

But last month, before Walz got the vice presidential nod, the Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR) branch in Minnesota says he abruptly canceled a meeting with Palestinian families seeking state disinvestment in entities supporting the Israeli occupation of Palestine. With a mixed record behind him and little foreign policy experience, Walz's stance may become clearer if Harris wins the White House and she and Walz work to formulate their own policy.

In general, Walz has experience as both a governor and member of Congress, which provides him with a solid platform to connect with voters. He will, however, face challenges from established figures within the party and potentially from popular Republican candidates.

Using his background in American football, Walz said in his speech at the Democratic National Convention that now is the time to "get in the trenches and do the blocking and tackling."

Walz ended his speech with a pep-talk similar to the hundreds he gave during his time as coach, saying: "We're on offense and we've got the ball. We're driving down the field."

Governor, coach, teacher, and veteran: Can Tim Walz help clinch the victory in the home stretch for the Democratic Party? Only time will tell.