OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Tim Walz emphasized his Nebraska roots during his first visit back to his home state since becoming the Democratic vice presidential nominee. He highlighted the differences between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
Walz connected with the audience by mentioning his love for Nebraska football and joking about the Stonehenge replica made of classic cars, Carhenge, near where he used to teach in the Panhandle. He spoke about the values he learned growing up, like helping neighbors and respecting privacy.
“Similar to Nebraska, Minnesota’s strength stems from our shared values,” he stated, referring to the state he governs.
Walz emphasized his and Harris’ commitment to helping all Americans succeed, not just the wealthy individuals that Trump favors. This was part of his appeal for the electoral vote in Omaha’s swing Second Congressional District, which can be split from the largely Republican state.
Accusing Republicans of intruding into people’s lives, Walz criticized their attempts to control healthcare decisions, including abortion rights, and undermine Social Security. He described these actions as “dangerous” and “un-American.”
Walz claimed that Trump and other Republicans are overly focused on private matters such as bedrooms, exam rooms, and libraries.
Nebraska Democrats Chairwoman Jane Kleeb playfully renamed Omaha as “Kamaha” during the event, urging attendees to work diligently to elect Harris and Walz in November.
Supporters are hopeful that Walz’s understanding of rural America, having grown up in small towns in the Sandhills, could help Democrats appeal to traditionally Republican areas where they have not been competitive in recent elections.
His appearance in Omaha highlights the campaign’s interest in securing the single electoral vote from the swing 2nd District, which both Joe Biden and Barack Obama won previously. Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance is expected to visit Omaha next week for a private fundraiser hosted by Nebraska Sen. Pete Ricketts.
Omaha teacher Wes Jensen explained, “I think it just proves the importance that we as the blue dot — CD2 — hold.”
Former state Sen. Al Davis, from Alliance where Walz once taught, believes that Walz can uniquely connect with rural communities and potentially sway votes in Nebraska and across the Midwest.
Residents of Alliance are planning their own rally next week to watch Walz speak at the Democratic convention in Chicago.
Prior to his speech in Omaha, the Republican National Committee criticized the Harris-Walz ticket for not representing “Midwestern values” and predicted that Nebraska voters will support Trump’s return to office.
Bill McCamley of Lincoln shared memories of teaching Walz in the seventh grade and never imagining he would become governor or potentially vice president. McCamley recalled Walz’s initiative in building a veterans memorial during their time in Valentine, demonstrating potential leadership qualities.
McCamley had to contact the state Democratic Party to attend Saturday’s rally, as the online registration system closed after reaching its limit. Despite the unlikely reunion, McCamley hoped to reconnect with Walz and humorously confront him about a valentine he gave McCamley’s daughter in seventh grade.
Julie Long, McCamley’s daughter, cherished the valentine from Walz for years due to its humorous message. She reminisced about their competitive intelligence battles, having both grown up in education-centered families.
Long lost touch with Walz until his public appearances as governor during challenging times like the protests following George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis.
After successfully navigating through difficult situations and pushing for legislative priorities, such as abortion protections and free school lunches, Walz has built a track record that resonates with Democratic voters.
Long believes Walz’s qualities of intelligence, humor, and empathy might also attract Republican voters if they are willing to listen to his message.
“I think if people are willing to listen — really listen — to the things that he says and, and those kinds of things, that it will open some doors,” said Long, who lives in Hot Springs, South Dakota, and will not be able to attend the rally with her father.
