'That’s my dad!': Gus Walz tearfully cheers on his father as he accepts Democratic VP nomination

Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, second from right, poses with his wife Gwen Walz, from right, son Gus Walz and daughter Hope Walz after speaking during the Democratic National Convention Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Republished August 22, 2024 - 6:14 PM

Original Publication Date August 21, 2024 - 10:41 PM

Gus Walz sat in the front row for the biggest moment of his father's life, and his pride exploded out of him.

“That's my dad!” the 17-year-old could be seen saying. He stood, tears streaming down his face, and pointed to his father, Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, who was accepting the Democratic nomination for vice president in a speech to thousands of people in a packed arena and millions more watching at home.

The teen's exuberance captured hearts and went viral, becoming perhaps the defining image of his father's address and further humanizing a running mate picked by Vice President Kamala Harris in no small part for his everyman appeal.

Gus wept through much of his father's speech, and when it was over, climbed on stage with his family and wrapped his dad in a tight bear hug, burying his face in his shoulder.

The moment was still causing such a stir nearly 24 hours later that, when organizers played “Born in the U.S.A.” during Thursday night's program, Gus was shown on the arena's large screens dancing as his father and other family members sang along.

Gus is a high school senior. His parents recently disclosed to People magazine he has a non-verbal learning disorder, ADHD and an anxiety disorder. But they called his condition “his secret power” and said he’s “brilliant” and poised for success. He got his driver’s license last fall.

When Tim Walz was elected governor, Gus cheered because it meant he could get a dog. They adopted a black lab named Scout a few months later.

Gus Walz is getting his own turn in the spotlight after his older sister, 23-year-old Hope Walz, delighted Americans with the playful social media videos she filmed with their dad.

Tim Walz talks often about the fertility treatments his wife, Gwen, underwent to get pregnant with Hope, a journey he says inspired her name. As he told the story Wednesday, Hope made a heart with her hands and held it over her chest.

“Hope, Gus and Gwen,” Walz said to his family, “you are my entire world, and I love you.”