CHICAGO – The Minnesota lieutenant governor, Peggy Flanagan, opened he 2024 Democratic national convention with enthusiasm for the Kamala Harris and Tim Walz ticket. As convention co-chair, it was Flanagan’s highest profile moment. She portrayed Walz as always at her back and always, she said, he would be at the backs of the American people.

Verbatim

Flanagan: “Our theme tonight is ‘For the People.’ We will hear from union leaders, civil rights advocates, and our fellow citizens. And we’ll hear from our president, Joe Biden, who has been a champion for the people for his entire life.

“My name in the Ojibwe language is Geji  Waudamukwe or in English ‘Speaks with a Clear and Loud Voice Woman.’ I am a member of the White Earth Nation, and my family is the Wolf clan, and the role of our clan is to ensure that we never leave anyone behind. That is why I am supporting Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.

“For almost six years I have worked side by side with Governor Walz. I’ve seen how hard he has worked for Minnesota to be the best place for kids to grow up. He does it all with a big heart, a buffalo plaid jacket and a bottomless bag of snacks — Nutter Butters, cheese curds and Diet Dew. Every time we meet he brings me something for me because he always got my back, and when he’s vice president, he will always have yours. He and Kamala Harris have spent their lives fighting for you, for your family, for your future.

“Four years ago the CoVid epidemic upended our lives. My brother Ron was the second person to die of CoVid in the state of Tennessee. We couldn’t see him. We couldn’t have a memorial. And millions of American families went through the same thing. Our communities were suffering. Our economy was struggling. And Donald Trump was playing games.  Our country was bought to the brink by his failure to respond. But the Biden-Harris Administration stepped in with quick and decisive action. They contained the virus, created millions of jobs, and invested in our nation’s future. Under their leadership, America began to heal.

Flanagan. Minnesota lieutenant gpvernor in greetings as co-chair of the Democratic national convention.