For Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, witnessing his son’s tearful reaction to his nomination as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate at the Democratic National Convention earlier this month was an incredibly meaningful experience.

In a CNN interview with Harris that aired Thursday, Walz reflected on the heartfelt moment when his 17-year-old son Gus joyfully exclaimed, “That’s my dad!” This moment is just one of the numerous reasons he feels thankful to be part of the Democratic ticket.

“It’s crucial for my son to take pride in me as I strive to do the right thing,” Walz shared with interviewer Dana Bash during a campaign event in Savannah, Georgia. “The whole experience was so emotional for me, and I am truly grateful to have had that moment. I’m really proud of him.”

The former educator expressed his hope that viewers would take a moment to embrace their children a bit more tightly.

This touching moment was aired live as Walz delivered a speech and accepted his nomination on the DNC stage on August 21.

Gus Walz, who faces challenges related to a nonverbal learning disorder along with anxiety and ADHD, was visibly emotional as he rose from his seat, pointing his finger in excitement, and saying, “I love you, Dad,” alongside his enthusiastic declaration, “That’s my dad!”

Harris gains momentum in recent poll against Trump

The CNN interview follows significant polling successes for the ticket.

A recent YSL News/Suffolk University Poll released Thursday reveals that Harris now leads nationally with 48% to Trump’s 43%, a notable eight-point increase since June when President Joe Biden was still the nominee.

This shift in polling is attributed to segments of the traditional Democratic coalition “returning home” following the candidate change and the DNC.

• Voters aged 18 to 34 shifted from supporting Trump by 11 points to now supporting Harris by 13 points, at 49%-36%.
• Hispanic voters changed their stance from supporting Trump by two points to backing Harris by 16 points, now at 53%-37%.
• Support among Black voters transitioned from Biden ahead by 47 points to Harris leading by 64 points, with a score of 76%-12%.
• Voters with an income below $20,000 moved from Trump by three points to backing Harris by 23 points, at 58%-35%.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll released the same day echoed similar results, showing Harris ahead with 45% to Trump’s 41% among registered voters. In this poll, she holds a 13-point advantage over Trump among women and Hispanic voters. Moreover, a Wall Street Journal poll published on the same day reported Harris leading by 48%-47% in a direct comparison and 47%-45% when including alternative candidates. Finally, a Bloomberg/Morning Consult poll released late Thursday indicated that Harris is either leading or statistically tied in various Midwestern and Sun Belt battleground states.

A Fox News survey of battleground states saw Democrats slightly ahead in most Sun Belt regions.

According to this poll, the standings are as follows:

• Arizona: Harris at 50% – Trump at 49%
• Georgia: Harris at 50% – Trump at 48%
• Nevada: Harris at 50% – Trump at 48%
• North Carolina: Trump at 50% – Harris at 49%

In the analyses, Trump matched his 2020 vote share in every battleground state, except Georgia, while Harris either matched or exceeded Biden’s 2020 vote totals across these states.

Contributed by: James Powel