‘You Do You, and I Do Me,’ Gov. Tim Walz Tells Excited Youth at DNC

On the second day of the Democratic National Convention, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, made an unexpected appearance at the Youth Council meeting at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago where a series of daytime panels was held for attendees. Catching many delegates by surprise, his presence energized the event.

Walz took the stage and received loud applause from the crowd. He passionately addressed topics such as the need to improve educational systems, tackle student loan debt, combat climate change and mobilize the youth vote.

“All the issues that impact you, the issues that matter to you, be engaged with them,” he urged the audience.

“Part of the plan for some folks is to make you believe it doesn’t matter,” he said. “But somebody ask me: I’m a forty-something high school teacher with no money, no political experience, and my students got me engaged, and the next thing you know you are a vice president nominee.”

Walz reaffirmed the Democratic Party as “the party of freedom and the party that loves this country.”

He emphasized that the country should embody justice and liberty for all, highlighting policies and regulations that Republicans have implemented or attempted to implement, such as banning books, opposing same-sex marriage and overturning Roe v. Wade.

“Your generation knows this: You do you, and I do me, and mind your own damn business,” Walz said.

Among According to Circle, 57% of youth, ages 18-34, 57% say they’re “extremely likely” to vote in 2024, underscoring the growing influence of youth in this race, according to Circle, the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement.

Their participation will be a decisive factor shaping the outcome, as younger voters bring fresh perspectives and priorities, a point frequently emphasized at the event.

Tyler Senecharles, a 25-year-old delegate from Maryland, expressed relief that Walz acknowledged and planned to address the issues important to her and other young people.

“The presumptive vice presidential nominee spoke to issues that young people care about, like student loan forgiveness,” she said. “He seems to understand what we’re looking for.” Senecharles shared that she left the event feeling hopeful and energized.

Similarly, attendee and music journalist Kyle Denis highlighted Walz’s efforts to connect with the youth and applauded him for doing so.

“I love how he’s doubling down on the whole Coach Walz thing and connecting with young people, not really where they are, but five steps ahead, where they need to be,” Denis said, referencing Walz’s time as a former school teacher and football coach.

Senecharles echoed this sentiment. “Everyone is here because they have some sort of interest in politics, and his [Walz’s] primary message is that we should all harness that and use our energy to ensure we create a better generation for the people after us,” she said.

Mother-daughter duo Rosalyn and Allyson Kelly, both volunteers, attended the youth counsel event together.

“Everyone talks about the youth and how it’s their time tomorrow, but I see that they are stepping up to the plate now, and I’m so happy about that,” Rosalyn Kelly said.

After Walz’s speech, the energy in the room remained high as Tennessee Rep. Justin Pearson took the stage.

Pearson ended the meeting by firing up the crowd, highlighting the stakes of the upcoming election and the crucial role of young people in shaping the future of politics.

“We are the movement that will carry the torch with those who marched before, fought before, and gave their lives before us.