CHICAGO (AP) — The Democratic National Convention enters its third day on Wednesday.
After receiving the blessing of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, the focus of the penultimate day of the DNC shifts to Kamala Harris’ vice presidential running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. The former schoolteacher and football coach is expected to accept the Democratic nomination as the party argues that Americans’ fundamental freedoms are at risk if Donald Trump returns to the White House.
Former President Bill Clinton, Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are also expected to address the convention.
Here’s what you can see on the third day:
Walz’s big moment
After a turbulent few weeks that saw Harris’ running mate rise from unknown Midwestern governor to front-runner on the Democratic ticket, Walz is expected to step into the spotlight himself on Wednesday when Democrats formally nominate the 60-year-old as their vice presidential candidate.
Walz wasn’t well-known outside Minnesota before Harris picked him to join her on the Democratic presidential ticket. But they hit it off when the vice president interviewed him, and she was impressed by his record as governor and congressman — and the buzz he made on TV.
He will get the chance to show that to the American public on prime time on Wednesday.
‘A fight for our freedoms’
According to convention organizers, the theme of Wednesday’s events will be “A Fight for Our Freedoms,” a message that has become a centerpiece of Harris’ campaign as the Democrat seeks to portray a second Trump presidency as a threat to Americans’ ability to make choices about their own lives.
Organizers said the focus will be on highlighting Walz as a “champion for America’s working families and a staunch defender of those same fundamental freedoms.” And on the flip side, Democrats said they will focus on Trump’s efforts to “take away our rights” when he was president and what he might do if given another four years.
Reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ issues and racial equality are expected to be some of the policy areas where Democrats will try to differentiate themselves from Republicans.
