Vice presidential candidate Tim Walz and former President Bill Clinton are set to take the stage at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, continuing the party’s introduction of Kamala Harris and her platform to voters. Walz has the challenge of introducing himself to a national audience and emphasizing the message of the evening about the dangers of a potential second term for President Donald Trump, particularly regarding American freedoms.
The convention’s third day will focus on the theme “a fight for our freedoms,” with Harris highlighting Trump’s perceived threats to democracy and personal liberties like abortion rights. To reinforce this message, speakers like Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Nancy Pelosi, Hakeem Jeffries, and grassroots representatives will address the audience. Mini Timmaraju, president of Reproductive Freedom for All, will speak on reproductive rights, a critical issue for Democratic voters.
Other prominent speakers scheduled for the evening include governors Wes Moore of Maryland and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, as well as senators Cory Booker, Chris Murphy, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Amy Klobuchar. Meanwhile, Trump is planning his first outdoor rally since a recent incident in Pennsylvania, featuring heightened security measures.
Despite some controversies surrounding Walz’s background, polling data suggests he has had a smoother entry into the vice presidential race compared to Republican counterpart JD Vance. While about one-third of U.S. adults view Walz favorably, Vance lags behind with a positive opinion from only a quarter of respondents. The convention continues to strike a balance between energizing the Democratic base and emphasizing the competitive nature of the upcoming election.
The second day of the convention featured a mix of celebratory moments and serious warnings, with a symbolic roll call vote evolving into a dance party with special performances. Former President Barack Obama delivered a solemn message in his keynote address, underscoring the gravity of the electoral battle ahead. Harris echoed this sentiment in Milwaukee, stressing the high stakes of the 2020 election and the need for vigilance among supporters. The convention’s activities will continue in Chicago on Wednesday evening.
