Gus Walz Breaks Silence on Emotional Reaction to Dad Tim Walz’s VP Nomination
Over the summer, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s son Gus became (for better or worse) a viral sensation. When the now 18-year-old saw his dad accept the Democratic nomination for Vice President of the United States alongside presidential candidate Kamala Harris, he broke down in tears.
Cameras panned to the crowd where Gus was cheering, weeping, and saying, “That’s my dad!” It was a raw moment that tugged on the heartstrings of so many Americans who loved to see a young man being so openly emotional. And it was a moment that unleashed the trolls who made fun of this display of overwhelming love.
It smashed traditional depictions of masculinity, and many outlets linked the reaction to Gus’ non-verbal learning disorder, anxiety disorder, and ADHD. Because apparently we’ve gotten to a point where it’s unfathomable that a teenage boy’s visible emotions can be stemmed by anything other than neurodivergency.
Now, Gus is breaking his silence on the viral moment and the divisive reaction to his unfiltered display of affection.
“Here’s the thing that’s so encouraging about human nature, the vast majority of people had [a positive reaction] no matter the politics,” Gus told CBS News.
“I was just being emotional. There’s nothing wrong with showing emotions,” he continued. “If people are going to say there is something wrong with that, then those are not the people that I want to be associated with.”
Abso-freakin-lutely, Gus! Can you repeat that louder for the people in the back?! A statement like that has us wanting to clap, cry, and say, “That’s our favorite teen!” There’s nothing wrong with being emotional, especially in such a mind-blowing, life-changing, inspiring moment when he must have been so proud.
“It was super overwhelming, because to me, he’s just regular, old dad,” Gus said of the politician who was lauded for his down-to-earth demeanor. “[He] golfs with me, makes food, cleans the cars.”
“In that moment, it was something bigger,” Gus continued. “It was just surreal.”
So surreal, that it led to sobs that rocked the country’s understanding of what it means to “be a man,” and it taught a teen an invaluable lesson. There is nothing wrong with feeling things deeply, there is no need to put up a front, and anyone who disagrees is not worth a second thought.