WATCH LIVE: Tim Walz and Bill Clinton Rally Democrats in Day Three of the Freedom Fight

CHICAGO — Tim Walz, the Minnesota governor, is stepping into the national spotlight as he headlines the Democratic National Convention’s third day alongside former President Bill Clinton. With a reputation as a relatable Midwestern figure, Walz aims to connect with voters while countering Republican critiques of his service record and personal narrative.

The convention’s Wednesday theme is “a fight for our freedoms,” spotlighting issues like abortion access, which Democrats are emphasizing in response to campaign efforts led by Republican nominee Donald Trump. Various speakers aimed to highlight the Democratic commitment to safeguarding individual liberties against perceived threats from Republican policies.

Among the speakers, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis leveraged an oversized book representing the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025. This initiative, which outlines rightward shifts for the government if Trump wins, drew attention as Polis symbolically tore out a page to emphasize its implications for undecided voters.

Democrats are rallying support around stories highlighting the need for reproductive rights. Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz recounted a devastating case illustrating the impact of new abortion restrictions in her state. Meanwhile, Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel delivered a passionate message regarding LGBTQ+ rights, boldly rejecting Republican opposition.

Upcoming speeches include contributions from Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Their presentations will be supported by video testimonials from everyday Americans discussing the stakes of the upcoming election.

Entertainment highlights for the night include performances by music luminaries such as Stevie Wonder and Oprah Winfrey, alongside country star Maren Morris and poet Amanda Gorman. Comedian Kenan Thompson is also slated to appear.

Clinton’s address is expected to draw contrasts between Democratic ideals and Republican self-interest, affirming that Kamala Harris is the leader who can authentically represent the people’s interests. The former president emphasized Harris’s commitment and capability to navigate both challenging and fortunate circumstances.

Walz’s journey from relative obscurity to national candidate began with his selection as Harris’s running mate. Initially unknown to many voters, he has garnered attention for his Midwestern roots and is seen as a necessary counterbalance to Harris’s coastal image.

However, Walz’s candidacy has not been without challenges, as scrutiny regarding his background has emerged. His wife clarified previous claims about their fertility treatments, and Republicans have criticized his statements regarding military service. Despite this, polling indicates a stronger favorability rating for Walz compared to Republican counterpart JD Vance.

As he prepares to speak, Walz plans to share stories from his upbringing, National Guard service, and career in education and politics. A musical tribute honoring Prince is scheduled just before his address, further emphasizing his connection to Minnesota.

While Harris remains in Chicago, her attendance at Walz’s speech is not anticipated.

Associated Press writers contributed to this report.