August 22, 2024

• The primary mission of Day 3 of the DNC was to introduce Minnesota Governor — and Vice Presidential candidate — Tim Walz to the country. (And yes, in case you missed the many references to “Coach Walz”, he was also a high school football coach.) He was backed up by another incredible group of political speakers, including former President Bill Clinton, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Senator Cory Booker, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, among others. And lest you think it was all politicians, there were also appearances and/or performances by the likes of Mindy Kaling, Stevie Wonder, John Legend and Sheila E., Kenan Thompson, and a surprise appearance and endorsement by Oprah Winfrey. The Democrats definitely know how to keep people entertained. LINK
• A side note to the previous story: I’d like to personally commend Gov. Walz and his wife, Gwen’s parenting skills with their kids — particularly their son Gus. The Walz family has spoken openly about not only their fertility struggles, but also the teenager’s nonverbal learning disorder and ADHD, and as a parent of neurodivergent children myself, I give them massive amounts of credit for appearing to be excellent parents. Gus’s joyously tearful, “That’s my dad!” from last night proves it beyond a shadow of a doubt. LINK
• Moving from the national stage to focus on Pennsylvania (but remaining on the Presidential election topic), Democrats in the state have won a legal challenge which keeps the far-left Party for Socialism and Liberation off of the ballot in November. Their candidate, Claudia De la Cruz, wasn’t likely to do tremendously well, but given the Commonwealth’s battleground nature in the polls, every vote counts. While this is happening, though, a lawyer with longstanding ties to Republican candidates is fighting to get independent candidate Cornel West on the ballot. Chances are likely that both these efforts will see further action as we move closer to Election Day. LINK