'Beautiful' footage of Tim Walz's neurodivergent son watching his dad's DNC speech has people 'in tears'
Callum Jones
Featured Image Credit: NBC
Footage of Tim Walz's son at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) has left much of the internet 'in tears'.
The lead up to the 2024 US election is in full swing, with Kamala Harris being nominated as the Democratic Party candidate after Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race last month.
Her running mate, Minnesota Governor Walz, appeared at the DNC this week and gave a speech as he accepted the nomination for vice-presidential candidate.
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Walz's son, Gus, was in attendance at the event - which was held in Chicago -and jumped up after his father took to the stage.
As the cameras fixated on the 17-year-old, he could be seen sobbing and pointing towards the stage.
"That's my dad," Gus exclaimed as Walz continued to deliver his speech.
Many viewers flocked to social media following the wholesome moment.
"That kid had me in tears. He loves his dad, and it’s beautiful that he’s so open about it. Just a beautiful moment," one person penned on Reddit.
A second added: "This moment was so real. This kid has the best energy... just love him. Truly special moment."
While a third on Twitter wrote: "I don't cry easily, but as the dad of a teenage son with autism, ADHD & anxiety issues, watching Tim Walz's 17-year-old son (who has a non-verbal learning disorder, ADHD & anxiety disorder) standing up, crying & pointing to the stage telling everyone 'that's my dad' just gutted me."
Like the social media user said, Gus has a non-verbal learning disorder, ADHD and an anxiety disorder.
But Walz and his wife Gwen dub the conditions as Gus' 'secret power'.
The couple told People earlier this month: "When our youngest Gus was growing up, it became increasingly clear that he was different from his classmates.
"Gus preferred video games and spending more time by himself.
"When he was becoming a teenager, we learned that Gus has a non-verbal learning disorder in addition to an anxiety disorder and ADHD, conditions that millions of Americans also have."
They added: "Like so many American families, it took us time to figure out how to make sure we did everything we could to make sure Gus would be set up for success as he was growing up.
"It took time, but what became so immediately clear to us was that Gus’ condition is not a setback - it’s his secret power."