DNC Day 3: Tim Walz Accepts VP Nomination, Rallying Democrats To Fight In November

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz formally accepted the vice presidential nomination on the third night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Wednesday, introducing himself to the nation with an impassioned speech that showcased his Midwest roots.

Deploying a folksy, no-holds-barred tone, Walz recounted his career as a public school teacher and his record as governor of Minnesota. He touted the progressive policies he implemented, including paid leave and protections for reproductive rights, and drew upon his experience as a football coach to rally Democrats to continue working to win over voters through Election Day.

"It's the fourth quarter. We're down a field goal. But we're on offense. We're driving down the field. And, boy, do we have the right team. Kamala Harris is tough, Kamala Harris is experienced and Kamala Harris is ready," Walz said. "We got 76 days to go. That's nothing. We got time to sleep when we're dead. We're going to leave it all on the field."

The night included notable speeches from former President Bill Clinton, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and, in a surprise appearance, Oprah Winfrey. The TV legend offered a full-throated endorsement of Harris, portraying her life story as the continuation of a long American tradition of overcoming adversity.

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The third night of the Democratic National Convention will feature speeches from several leading party figures before Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz accepts the vice presidential nomination and introduces himself to the nation.

Wednesday's lineup at Chicago's United Center includes former President Bill Clinton, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and others. A handful of senators and governors are also slated to speak, including Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, who was one of the finalists for the vice presidential pick.

Walz will formally accept his role as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate in his primetime address at the end of the night, the most important and high-profile speech of his political career. A former high school teacher and football coach, Walz will be introduced by one of his former students and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar.

On Tuesday, Barack and Michelle Obama addressed the convention, laying out the case for Harris and Walz while urging Democrats to maintain the enthusiasm that has been on display in Chicago. 

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The Democratic National Convention continues on Wednesday as Day 3 gets underway in Chicago, with a focus on how the party's new ticket plans to fight for Americans' freedoms.

The second day of the convention featured an exuberant presentation of support for the Harris-Walz ticket by the assembled delegates. State by state, delegations rallied around Vice President Kamala Harris' nomination for president Tuesday in a ceremonial roll call vote, with prominent Democrats — and celebrities like rapper Lil Jon and actor Eva Longoria — representing their states. 

Former President Barack Obama headlined the second night of the convention, delivering a spirited address about his hope for the future and an earnest tribute to his former vice president, Mr. Biden, while issuing stark warnings about Donald Trump returning to the White House. The night also included speeches from former first lady Michelle Obama and second gentleman Doug Emhoff, among others. And the most anticipated appearances — from Harris and her running mate — are still ahead. 

What's on the agenda?

Each day of the convention features a theme related to the tagline, "For the People, For Our Future." Wednesday's theme is "A Fight for Our Freedoms," where the party is set to highlight how Harris will work to protect Americans' freedoms, while portraying Trump as a threat to the same principles. 

The Day 3 programming gets underway at 5:30 p.m. CT, or 6:30 p.m. ET. For a detailed list of events, see the DNC's schedule on their website. 

Who's speaking?

A number of prominent Democrats are expected to speak on Day 3 of the convention, although an official schedule has yet to be released. Harris' running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, is expected to deliver the keynote address as he officially accepts the vice presidential nomination and makes his introduction on the national stage. 

The delegates will also hear from former President Bill Clinton, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey, Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Chris Murphy of Connecticut are scheduled to speak on Wednesday night. And Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, along with Govs. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Wes Moore of Maryland are set to speak as well. 

How to watch the 2024 DNC with cable

CBS television stations will have coverage beginning at 10 p.m. ET during the four days. Find your local CBS station here.

How to watch the 2024 DNC without cable

CBS News 24/7 will have coverage of the convention throughout the day, and will stream each night's keynote speeches on your mobile or streaming device.