Gus Walz Tearfully Cheers for Dad Tim at DNC: “That’s My Dad”

At the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night, an emotional scene unfolded when Tim Walz’s son, Gus, cheered for his father. With tears streaming down his cheeks, 17-year-old Gus proudly shouted, “That’s my dad!”

This marked a significant moment for the Minnesota governor as he delivered what is considered the biggest speech of his political career. Cameras captured Gus, sitting in the audience alongside his mother, Gwen, and his 23-year-old sister, Hope, as they watched Tim speak.

One particularly poignant moment came when Walz discussed the fertility challenges he and Gwen faced over several years. After enduring seven years of treatments, they celebrated the arrival of their daughter, whom they named Hope.

In a heartfelt declaration, Walz said, “Hope, Gus and Gwen, you are my entire world. And I love you.”

At that moment, Gus jumped up, tears still in his eyes, sobbing and clapping. With a mix of joy and pride, he shouted, “That’s my dad! That’s my dad!”

Gwen and Hope also sat with emotional expressions on their faces, sharing in the moment.

At the conclusion of his father’s 17-minute address, Gus joined his family on stage. The Walz family embraced, raising their joined hands together in appreciation, which prompted a standing ovation from the crowd.

Gus has been open about his challenges, including having a non-verbal learning disorder, ADHD, and anxiety disorder. Earlier this month, his parents spoke with People magazine, sharing that they see these conditions not as setbacks but as a part of what makes him “brilliant” and “hyper-aware.” They emphasized that he is an “excellent son and brother.”

This emotional display garnered widespread attention and touched many attendees at the DNC. Commentators from across the political spectrum took notice of Gus’s heartfelt reaction to his father’s speech.

MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle shared her thoughts on social media, stating, “Forget politics. If you aren’t moved seeing 17-year-old Gus Walz in tears watching his Dad walk on stage as the Vice Presidential nominee… then please just move on.”

Another MSNBC host, Jen Psaki, expressed that the moment made her “ugly cry.”

CNN’s Dana Bash commented, “That is the clip-and-save moment that everyone is going to be seeing. If you didn’t get moved by that moment, I don’t even know.”

Fox News hosts Martha MacCallum and Dana Perino also acknowledged the touching moment, with Perino describing Gus as “delightful.”

The Walz family has shared moments in the spotlight together, especially since Tim was chosen as Kamala Harris’s running mate. Hope has garnered attention on social media after appearing in videos with their father, including one where he humorously trolled her about being a vegetarian.

Tim Walz has previously addressed his family’s fertility journey. Recently, Gwen Walz spoke openly with Glamour about how they went through intrauterine insemination (IUI) during their struggle to conceive.

Gwen shared that their experience was deeply personal and challenging. “Like so many who have experienced these challenges, we kept it largely to ourselves at the time,” she said, noting that many of their friends were surprised when they later revealed these struggles.

This week at the DNC, Kamala Harris’s family also drew attention, with her stepchildren and husband attending to show support. Cole, Harris’s stepson, introduced his father during his speech on Tuesday night, sharing a touching story about their blended family.

Cole concluded with a powerful message: “We might not look like other families in the White House, but we are ready to represent all families in America.”

Kamala Harris is set to deliver the closing speech on Thursday night as she officially accepts the Democratic party’s presidential nomination.