‘Turn the page on Trump’, Tim Walz says as Democrats put spotlight on January 6 riot
It’s time to “turn the page” on Donald Trump, Tim Walz said in a landmark speech setting his stall out against the Republicans.
Kamala Harris’s pick for vice president formally introduced himself to the Democratic faithful, and drawing on his time as a high school American football coach, he urged them to “leave it all out on the field” until election day.
“Our job is to get in the trenches and do the blocking and tackling,” he said, speaking on the third night of the Democratic National Convention.
“One inch at a time, one yard at a time, one phone call at a time, one door knock at a time, one $5 donation at a time.
“We’ve only got 76 days to go. That’s nothing. We’ll sleep when we’re dead. And we’re gonna leave it all on the field.”
Tim Walz Pic: AP
Earlier this week, Mr Walz was accused of lying about his wife using IVF to have their daughter, Hope.
He previously suggested he and Gwen Walz had undergone IVF to conceive their daughter, but Mrs Walz later said they used intrauterine insemination (IUI).
He took on the topic in his speech, saying: “We also protected reproductive freedom because, in Minnesota, we respect our neighbours and the personal choices they make.
“And even if we wouldn’t make the same choices for ourselves, we’ve got a golden rule – mind your own damn business.
“That includes IVF and fertility treatments. This is personal for Gwen and I. If you’ve never experienced the hell of infertility, I guarantee you know somebody who has.”
‘Don’t forget who saved democracy’
Over the course of the night, Democrats put the spotlight on January 6, with a video showing Mr Trump urge supporters to fight before they stormed the US Capitol to try to block Joe Biden’s 2020 victory.
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Pelosi savages Trump but does not name him
Nancy Pelosi, who was House speaker on that day, said: “Let us not forget who assaulted democracy on January 6 – he did.
“But let us not forget who saved democracy that day – we did.”
Never before had a president of the US “so brazenly assaulted the bedrock of our democracy”, she added, and “so gleefully embraced political violence, so wilfully betrayed his oath of office”.
She gave her thanks to outgoing president Joe Biden, before turning her attention to Ms Harris, who she said is ready to take the US to “new heights”.
Celebrity backing
Among the celebrities turning up – including performances from Stevie Wonder and John Legend – Oprah Winfrey became the latest to endorse Ms Harris and warn about Mr Trump.
She said there are “people who seek to first divide and then to conquer” and who would have others “believe that books are dangerous and assault rifles are safe”.
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‘No-nonsense’ address from Oprah
Quoting late congressman John Lewis, she added: “No matter what ship our ancestors arrived on, we are on the same boat now.”
“But he also knew the work is not done,” she added. “The work will never be done because freedom isn’t free.”
“Every now and then it requires standing up to life’s bullies,” she said.
‘Don’t count the lies’
Former president Bill Clinton added his voice to the convention’s theme of mocking Mr Trump, telling the audience “don’t count the lies – count the I’s” next time he speaks.
“He’s like one of those tenors opening up before he walks out on stage trying to get his lungs open by saying: Me, me, me, me.
“When Kamala Harris is president, every day will begin with you, you, you.”
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Trump is all me, me, me!, Kamala is you, you you!
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He also made fun of Mr Trump’s repeated references to fictional killer Hannibal Lector, joking he makes “endless tributes”.
Project 2025, a set of policy proposals some conservatives hope Mr Trump would adopt, also came under fire.
Comedian Kenan Thompson carried the large policy book on stage, telling the crowds: “Ever seen a document that can kill a small animal and democracy at the same time?
“Here it is.”
The King has written to former US president Joe Biden after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, Buckingham Palace said
The monarch, who is undergoing his own treatment for an undisclosed cancer, hosted the 82-year-old for tea and talks at Windsor in July 2023.
Mr Biden was diagnosed on Friday, with tests revealing the cancer had spread to his bones.
The former president posted an image of himself and his wife Jill on X on Monday and wrote: “Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”
The King and Joe Biden at Windsor Castle in July 2023. Pic: Reuters
The King’s letter comes after British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “very sorry to hear President Biden has prostate cancer”.
“All the very best to Joe, his wife Jill and their family, and wishing the President swift and successful treatment,” he added.
Meanwhile US President Donald Trump said he was “saddened” by the news, adding: “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Former US president Barack Obama said: “Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family.
“Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery.”
Read more: Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive’ form of prostate cancer
Barack Obama (right) with Joe Biden at a campaign event in 2022. File pic: Reuters
After a poor debate performance against Mr Trump and amid escalating concerns around his age and fitness to serve, Mr Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential election race and endorsed his vice president Kamala Harris.
Ms Harris wrote on X after his diagnosis: “We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time.
“Joe is a fighter – and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.”
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Mr Biden’s diagnosis: What we know
Former US president Bill Clinton wrote on social media: “My friend Joe Biden’s always been a fighter. Hillary and I are rooting for him and are keeping him, Jill, and the entire family in our thoughts.”
Hillary Clinton, who unsuccessfully ran for president in 2016, said she was “thinking of the Bidens as they take on cancer, a disease they’ve done so much to try to spare other families from”.
Speaker of the US House of Representatives Mike Johnson said it was “sad news” and his family “will be joining the countless others who are praying” for Mr Biden.
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Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi described Mr Biden as a “great American patriot” and said she was “praying for him to have strength and a swift recovery”.
Mr Trump’s secretary of state, Marco Rubio, wrote on social media that he and his wife were “united in prayer for the Biden Family during this difficult time”.
Politicians have sent messages of support to Joe Biden, who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The 82-year-old, who is the oldest person to ever serve as US president, was described as a “fighter” with people wishing him a “fast and full recovery”.
US President Donald Trump said he was “saddened” by the news, adding: “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Former US president Barack Obama said: “Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family.
“Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery.”
Read more: Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive’ form of prostate cancer
Barack Obama (right) with Joe Biden at a campaign event in 2022. File pic: Reuters
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “very sorry to hear President Biden has prostate cancer”.
“All the very best to Joe, his wife Jill and their family, and wishing the President swift and successful treatment,” he added.
After a poor debate performance against Mr Trump and amid escalating concerns for his health, Mr Biden withdrew from the 2024 election and endorsed his vice president Kamala Harris.
Ms Harris wrote on X: “We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time.
“Joe is a fighter – and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.”
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Mr Biden’s diagnosis: What we know
Former US president Bill Clinton wrote on social media: “My friend Joe Biden’s always been a fighter. Hillary and I are rooting for him and are keeping him, Jill, and the entire family in our thoughts.”
Hillary Clinton, who unsuccessfully ran for president in 2016, said she was “thinking of the Bidens as they take on cancer, a disease they’ve done so much to try to spare other families from”.
Speaker of the US House Of Representatives Mike Johnson said it was “sad news” and his family “will be joining the countless others who are praying” for Mr Biden.
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UK and EU sign reset deal – live updates
Gary Lineker to leave BBC next week
Listen to The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim every Wednesday
Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi described Mr Biden as a “great American patriot” and said she was “praying for him to have strength and a swift recovery”.
Mr Trump’s secretary of state, Marco Rubio, wrote on social media he and his wife were “united in prayer for the Biden Family during this difficult time”.
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