DNC Buzz: Walz Wednesday, Squad-backed sit-in, and gender neutral prayer room

CHICAGO — The third day of the Democratic National Convention featured vice presidential nominee Tim Walz as the headliner with support from his former football players.

Uncommitted delegates gathered outside the Democratic National Convention to protest the fact that no Palestinian-Americans have been scheduled to speak at the event. Democrats also provided a “gender neutral” prayer room off the convention floor at the United Center.

Here’s some of the buzz on Wednesday at the DNC, captured by the Washington Examiner.

“Walz Wednesday”

Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign tried to make “Walz Wednesday” happen before Gov. Tim Walz’s (D-MN) ceremonial acceptance of the vice presidential nomination.

Donning Walz’s camouflage baseball cap, communications director Michael Tyler also defended the governor from criticism surrounding he and his wife’s use of intrauterine insemination and not in vitro fertilization as he claimed.

“The governor is going to fully submit the introductory period here,” Tyler told reporters. “He’s been very clear so far that infertility, it’s a deeply personal journey that both he and his wife have been courageous enough to share. I think that should be celebrated. I think it’s frankly, very relatable to millions of American families across this country who have gone through the same struggle. Frankly, I think it’s a little bizarre that J.D. Vance and Donald Trump want to attack the governor for experiencing something that, again, millions of Americans go through themselves.”

Sleepy McCormick Place

McCormick Place, the convention daytime programming hub, was a hive of activity earlier this week. But after the post-Obamas’ nighttime programming, the convention center was decidedly sleepy on Wednesday.

Even Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and United Auto Workers president Shawn Fain did not draw a crowd for their appearances at the Democratic National Committee’s Labor Council meeting.

DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison apologized for his raspy voice, apportioning blame to the prior evening’s party circuit.

Walz’s former student football players take the stage

Former Mankato West football players, where vice presidential nominee Tim Walz taught and coached, took the stage ahead of his speech at the Democratic National Convention.

Delegates wave ‘big heads’ of ‘coach Walz’

Delegates on the convention floor could be seen waving big head cutouts of Walz as he spoke Wednesday night.

Signs emblazoned with “Coach Walz” made up the majority of the signs on the floor. Walz has heavily leaned on his background as a high school teacher and football coach while campaigning.

Giffords and Kelly were spotted walking

Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), a leader in the movement to end gun violence after she survived an assassination attempt in 2011, was seen walking hand in hand with her husband, Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ). They were spotted walking off the convention floor holding hands.

Gender Neutral prayer rugs

The convention space has plenty of gender-neutral bathrooms for transgender delegates and guests. Democrats also set up a “gender neutral” prayer room off the convention floor at the United Center with two prayer rugs. It’s next to prayer spaces for women and men. 

Nancy Pelosi resumes her speaker duties 

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) made the rounds Wednesday morning at delegation breakfasts, with a bit of a twist at the Maryland meeting.

Pelosi, a Baltimore native, was given a gavel to officially close out the morning gathering, reprising her role as leader of the House of Representatives.

Lack of official convention Harris merchandise

President Joe Biden’s face is featured on more merchandise than Harris considering she is the nominee – at least based on what is remaining at the McCormick Place store.

But reflecting on the last-minute change at the top of the ticket, it is also not that surprising. 

Will Beyonce show up?

Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) was a tease during the North Carolina delegation’s breakfast.

When he mentioned the possibility of “an unexpected musical guest” before Harris’s own acceptance speech Thursday night, people did not gasp – they screamed. Harris’s walkout song has been Beyonce’s “Freedom,” leading fans to suspect the superstar would make a surprise appearance on the final night.

At the same breakfast, Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD), a potential 2028 presidential candidate, really wanted to kiss a baby.

“BAD BUILT, BLEACH BLONDE, BUTCH BODY”

Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) showed up to media row Wednesday night wearing a T-shirt calling back to her infamous exchange with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) earlier this year.

Asked by the Washington Examiner if she’d trademarked the phrase, “BAD BUILT, BLEACH BLONDE BUTCH BODY,” Crocket responded simply, “I submitted for it.” 

Uncommitted delegates stage sit-in outside DNC to protest lack of Palestinian American speaker 

Uncommitted delegates gathered outside the Democratic National Convention to protest the fact that no Palestinian-Americans have been scheduled to speak at the event. The sit-in happened after the parents of an Israeli-American hostage taken during the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on a music festival in Israel took the convention stage. 

The DNC reportedly declined the Uncommitted delegates’ request to have a Palestinian American speaker. Squad member Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) tweeted support and later Facetimed to the group, while Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) also made an appearance outside.