Kamala Harris' running mate Tim Walz accepts nomination with 'joy'

Democrat promises benefits, skips foreign policy in brisk 15-minute speech

Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz speaks during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 21. © AP

KEN MORIYASU, Nikkei Asia diplomatic correspondent

August 22, 2024 14:58 JST

CHICAGO -- The Democratic candidate for U.S. vice president, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, accepted the nomination Wednesday in a short speech that projected the party's new theme: "joy."

"We're all here tonight for one beautiful, simple reason. We love this country," Walz said at the party's convention. Speaking to delegates who gathered in Chicago and to voters watching at home, the former school teacher and football coach said: "Thank you for your passion. Thank you for your determination. And most of all, thank you for bringing the joy to this fight now."