Before he could say anything, around a dozen players from the squad he assisted in coaching to a Minnesota state championship many years ago ran on stage, some still sporting their old high school uniforms, and bounced to the loud marching band horns.
When Mr. Walz finally arrived, representatives in the crowded arena held signs that said, “Coach Walz,” and the audience erupted in cheers, “coach, coach, coach!”
Since this was Mr. Walz’s first major chance to address the country, he focused a lot of his speech on his personal history, including his stint as a football coach, his childhood.
His son Gus, 17, and daughter Hope, 23, were spotted crying in the arena’s front row during some of his address. “That’s my dad!” With the TV camera trained on him, Gus pursed his lips.
Telling the crowd he was “ready to turn the page on these guys”—a reference to Donald Trump and his running mate, JD Vance—he adopted the folksy manner that the Democratic team hopes appeals to moderate voters in the pivotal Midwestern states.
“So say it with me: ‘We are not going back.'”
On the third night of the convention in Chicago, he was followed by a wide array of speakers and performers, with Oprah Winfrey receiving the most enthusiastic reception following a surprise.
