The Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Thursday was move by the speech of Tim Walz’s, the Governor of Minnesota. His family members were present, including his son Gus who is 17 years old.
As he received the Democratic vice presidential nomination, his words visibly showed how much he meant them to his family. In posts on social media such as a poignant clip that was shared on X (previously known as Twitter), Gus Walz can be seen shedding tears next to his mother Gwen while clapping and cheering for his father.
In his address, Walz’s shared some personal details about how long it took for him and his wife to conceive their children. “Minnesota we always respect our neighbors even though their decisions may not have been what we would have chosen ourselves due to our “golden rule” which says mind your business,” said Walz.
He said, “This includes IVF and fertility treatments. This is personal for Gwen and me. If you’ve never experienced the hell that is infertility I’m sure you know somebody who has and I think back to every night praying for a phone call; the sick feeling in your gut whenever the phone would ring; and the sheer devastation when those treatments failed. Gwen and I tried for several years before we could access fertility treatments, when she arrived we gave her this name Hope.”
During his speech, Walz talked directly to his family saying, “Hope, Gus, and Gwen – you’re my world.” Gus exclaimed pointing at his father after hearing these words: “That’s my dad!”
Hope Walz also captured that moment at 23 years old as her family later joined Walz’s on stage where they hugged each other tightly in celebration. Many people online found resonance in Wahl’s personal story about infertility struggles faced by many families including references made by him concerning this topic.
Governor’s speech also had a nostalgic nod towards him being an educator/mentor before this time in office. He concluded, “We will have time to sleep when we are dead and this is how we will keep moving forward by leaving it on the field.” This was a connection between his past experiences as a teacher and coach and his present political journey.
