Minnesota governor Tim Walz aimed to fire up Democratic activists at the party’s state convention in South Carolina, continuing to build his national profile after being selected by Kamala Harris as the 2024 vice presidential nominee.Walz, a former teacher, congressman, and now governor, delivered the keynote address in Columbia, an event known for drawing national Democratic figures and possible future presidential candidates. In a 30-minute speech, he used blunt language to criticise US President Donald Trump and called on Democrats to stand firm against what he described as a “bully” in the White House.“Maybe it’s time we get a little tougher,” Walz said to applause. “When it’s a bully like Donald Trump, you bully the s—- out of him. … This is a … cruel man.”The speech was Walz’s third major address in less than 24 hours. He also spoke at a fundraising dinner and at a fish fry hosted by representative Jim Clyburn alongside Maryland governor Wes Moore.Addressing the crowd again on Saturday, Walz warned that Trump is “the existential threat that we knew was coming,” while commending South Carolina Democrats for their persistence in a deeply Republican state where the party hasn’t won a statewide race in nearly two decades and holds only one congressional seat—Clyburn’s.“Damnit, we should be able to have some fun and be joyful,” he added. “We’ve got the guts and we need to have it to push back on the bullies and the greed.”Walz is seen as a potential contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination and has been traveling to early primary states. He was also scheduled to address the California Democratic convention in Anaheim, where state party chair Rusty Hicks praised him as “a former teacher, a veteran, and a trailblazer” who has dedicated his career to fighting for working families and Democratic values.
