Gus Walz, with tears in his eyes, proudly cheers for Tim Walz at the DNC, exclaiming, "That's my dad!"

 

**Politics**  

**Gus Walz Tearfully Cheers on Tim Walz at DNC: "That's My Dad!"**  

**Minnesota**  

**Updated on: August 22, 2024 / 8:40 AM CDT / CBS/AP**

CHICAGO — Gus Walz, seated in the front row for the most significant moment of his father's life, couldn't contain his pride.

"That's my dad!" the 17-year-old exclaimed, standing with tears streaming down his face. He pointed towards his father, Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, who was accepting the Democratic nomination for vice president. The arena was packed, and millions more were watching from home as Tim delivered his speech.

Gus's outburst of joy touched hearts and quickly went viral, becoming one of the most memorable moments of the night. His display of emotion further humanized Tim Walz, who was chosen as Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate in part for his relatable, everyman appeal.

Throughout his father's speech, Gus was visibly emotional. When it ended, he climbed onto the stage with his family and embraced his dad in a tight bear hug, burying his face in his father's shoulder.

The viral moment sparked reactions across social media, including from U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar.

"You know you've done well as a parent when your kids are as proud of you as Gus and Hope are of Tim Walz. 'That's my dad.' No three words better describe our next Vice President," Klobuchar said on X.

Gus, a high school senior, has been open about his challenges. His parents recently shared with *People* magazine that Gus has a non-verbal learning disorder, ADHD, and an anxiety disorder. They described his condition as "his secret power" and praised his intelligence and potential for success.

Unlike learning disorders that affect reading ability, a non-verbal learning disorder impacts different types of learning, including recognizing patterns and understanding concepts, as noted by the Child Mind Institute. This disorder can also make it difficult for individuals to interpret non-verbal social cues like body language and facial expressions.

When Tim Walz was elected governor, Gus celebrated because it meant he could finally get a dog. The family adopted a black lab named Scout shortly after. Gus earned his driver's license last fall.

Now, Gus is enjoying his own moment in the spotlight, following in the footsteps of his older sister, 23-year-old Hope Walz, who captured America's attention with the playful social media videos she made with their dad.

Tim Walz frequently talks about the fertility treatments his wife, Gwen, underwent to conceive Hope, a journey that inspired her name. As he recounted the story during his speech on Wednesday, Hope formed a heart with her hands and held it over her chest.

"Hope, Gus, and Gwen," Tim said to his family, "you are my entire world, and I love you."

Tim Walz, 60, is currently serving his second term as governor of Minnesota, after spending 12 years as a U.S. congressman. He won his first gubernatorial race in 2018.

Earlier this month, Vice President Harris announced Tim Walz as her running mate.

"As a governor, a coach, a teacher, and a veteran, he's delivered for working families like his," Harris said in her announcement. "It's great to have him on the team."

Walz was selected from a strong group of potential running mates that included Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.