DNC 2024 Day 3 live updates: Walz tells Democrats to 'leave it on the field'

Walz introduced himself to the country and touted his accomplishments.

ByAlexandra Hutzler, Ivan Pereira, Meredith Deliso, Tal Axelrod, and Brittany Gaddy
Last Updated: August 22, 2024, 12:09 AM EDT

The third night of the Democratic National Convention continued the themes of joy and freedom.

A who's who of speakers, including a surprise speech from Oprah Winfrey, headlined the night aimed to showcase vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

"Coach Walz" brought his energy to the crowd touting his and Vice President Kamala Harris' vision for the future of the country.

Photos: 2024 Democratic National Convention

1 of 80
Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris takes the stage on Day 4 of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, Aug. 22, 2024.
Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

    Latest headlines:

    Here's how the news is developing.
    Aug 21, 2024, 11:59 PM EDT

    Booker's favorite speech

    Just asked Sen. Cory Booker (who presided over the session today) what his highlight was. He seemed to think it through a second and then smiled: "The last speech!"

    -ABC News' Rick Klein

    Aug 21, 2024, 11:54 PM EDT

    A home run for DNC's chair

    DNC Chair Jaime Harrison just caught my eye and pantomimed a big swing -- then pointed to where he imagined the ball was hit. It looked like a home run of a night to him.

    -ABC News' Rick Klein

    Aug 21, 2024, 11:53 PM EDT

    Harris called Walz ahead of DNC speech: 'Enjoy the moment'

    Harris shared a video on social media of a phone call between her and Walz earlier Wednesday ahead of his DNC speech and told him to “enjoy the moment.”

    “You’re gonna be fantastic tonight,” Harris told Walz.

    “I’m ready," he said.

    -ABC News' Fritz Farrow

    Aug 21, 2024, 11:49 PM EDT

    Walz did his job in his convention speech.

    He touted his own background, rattling through his experience in the Army National Guard and as a high school teacher.

    "It was those players and my students who inspired me to run for Congress. They saw in me what I hoped to instill in them: a commitment to the common good," he said.

    He also promoted his policy accomplishments, garnering particularly loud applause for his policy providing free breakfast and lunch in Minnesota public schools.

    Walz said that while Republicans were banning books in schools, "we were banishing hunger in ours."

    Minnesota Governor and 2024 Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz speaks on Day 3 of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago, Aug. 21, 2024.
    Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

    And then, he served the duty of a loyal No. 2 -- boosting his boss.

    "If you're a middle class family or a family trying to get into the middle class, Kamala Harris is going to cut your taxes," he said. "If you're hoping to buy a home, Kamala Harris is going to help make it more affordable."

    And then, in true "Friday Night Lights" fashion, he issued a call to action with a football metaphor.

    "We're down a field goal, but we're on offense and we've got the ball," he said before touting Harris as the team leader. "We're driving down the field, and boy, do we have the right team."