Tim Walz accepts the nomination for vice president and calls on the Democrats to fight in November

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz formally accepted the vice presidential nomination on the third night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Wednesday, introducing himself to the nation with an impassioned speech highlighting his Midwestern roots.

In a folksy, blunt tone, Walz recounted his career as a public school teacher and his record as governor of Minnesota. He touted the progressive policies he implemented, including paid leave and protections for reproductive rights, and used his experience as a football coach to urge Democrats to keep working to win voters through Election Day.

“It's the fourth quarter. We're down a field goal. But we're on offense. We're charging down the field. And, boy, do we have the right team. Kamala Harris is tough, Kamala Harris is experienced and Kamala Harris is ready,” Walz said. “We've got 76 days left. That's nothing. We've got time to sleep when we're dead. We're going to give it our all on the field.”

That evening, notable speeches were given by former President Bill Clinton, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and, in a surprise appearance, Oprah Winfrey. The TV legend expressed her unconditional support for Harris and portrayed her life story as a continuation of a long American tradition of overcoming adversity.

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On the third night of the Democratic National Convention, several party leaders will deliver speeches before Minnesota Governor Tim Walz accepts the vice presidential nomination and introduces himself to the nation.

Speakers Wednesday at the United Center in Chicago include former President Bill Clinton, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and others. A handful of senators and governors are also expected to speak, including Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, who was a finalist for the vice presidential pick.

Walz will officially accept his role as Kamala Harris's vice presidential running mate in his prime-time speech at the end of the evening. It will be the most important and significant speech of his political career. Walz, a former high school teacher and football coach, will be introduced by one of his former students and Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar.

On Tuesday, Barack and Michelle Obama spoke at the convention, laying out the case for Harris and Walz and urging Democrats to maintain the enthusiasm felt in Chicago.

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The third Democratic Party Convention will continue in Chicago on Wednesday. The focus will be on how the party's new list will fight for American freedom.

On the second day of the convention, assembled delegates effusively expressed their support for the Harris-Walz ticket. State by state, delegations gathered Tuesday in a ceremonial roll call vote to nominate Vice President Kamala Harris for president, with prominent Democrats – and celebrities like rapper Lil Jon and actress Eva Longoria – representing their states.

Former President Barack Obama headlined the second night of the convention, delivering a spirited speech about his hope for the future and paying heartfelt tribute to his former Vice President Biden while issuing dire warnings against a return of Donald Trump to the White House. Other speakers that night included former First Lady Michelle Obama and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff. And the most eagerly anticipated appearances – those of Harris and her running mate – are yet to come.

What's on the agenda?

Each day of the convention will have a theme related to the slogan “For the People, For Our Future.” Wednesday's theme is “A Fight for Our Freedoms,” with the party highlighting how Harris will work to protect Americans' freedoms while portraying Trump as a threat to those same principles.

The Day 3 schedule begins at 5:30 p.m. CT or 6:30 p.m. ET. For a detailed list of events, see the DNC schedule on its website.

Who is speaking?

Several prominent Democrats will deliver speeches on the third day of the convention, although an official schedule has yet to be announced. Harris' running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, is expected to deliver the keynote address when he officially accepts the vice presidential nomination and introduces himself on the national stage.

Delegates will also be joined by former President Bill Clinton, former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Senators Cory Booker of New Jersey, Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Chris Murphy of Connecticut will speak Wednesday evening. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Governors Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Wes Moore of Maryland are also expected to speak.

How to watch the 2024 DNC on cable TV

CBS television stations will have coverage over the four days beginning at 10 p.m. ET. Find your local CBS station here.

How to watch DNC 2024 without cables

CBS News 24/7 covers Congress throughout the day and streams keynote speeches each evening to your mobile phone or streaming device.