By Michael Sol Warren
BU News Service
Tim Kaine is officially the Democratic nominee for vice-president.
The Virginia senator formally accepted the nomination in a speech at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Wednesday night.
Kaine used the speech as an opportunity to introduce himself to America, praise Hillary Clinton’s readiness for office and portray Republican nominee Donald Trump as unfit for the presidency.
“I never expected to be here,” Kaine said before laying out the timeline of his political career.
Using his father-in-law, former Republican governor of Virginia Linwood Holton, as an example, Kaine said that many Republicans do not recognize the current state of the GOP and are open to voting for Democrats as a result.
A large portion of Kaine’s speech was dedicated to bashing Trump’s rhetoric and policy proposals. He opened his speech with a reference to his son Nat, a Marine who had recently been deployed to Eastern Europe to work alongside America’s NATO allies. This was a clear shot at Trump’s recent statements that called into question his dedication to upholding alliance commitments. Kaine went even further in questioning Trump’s ability to serve as commander-in-chief.
“I trust Hillary Clinton with our son’s life,” Kaine said. “You know who I don’t trust? Donald Trump.”
Kaine attempted to turn one of Trump’s most repeated phrases, “believe me,” against him as he listed examples of the Republican nominees actions contradicting his campaign promises.
“Do you really believe him?” Kaine asked the crowd, who responded with a resounding “no”. This exchange led directly into a chant of “Not on word!”
In an effort to promote party unity, Kaine praised Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders for his successful campaign and the influence it had on shaping the Democrats’ progressive platform. He urged Sanders supporters to remain active in the election and to vote for Clinton.
“We all should feel the Bern, and we should not get burned by the other guy,” Kaine said.
Kaine closed by describing Clinton as “ready” to serve as president.
“She’s ready because of her faith. She’s ready because of her heart. She’s ready because of her experience,” Kaine said. “She’s ready because she knows in America we are stronger together. My fellow Democrats, this week we begin the next chapter in our proud story.”
