Former President Donald Trump's campaign criticized Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's veiled dig at running mate Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, during the Democratic National Convention. Walz, who accepted the Democratic vice presidential nomination, spoke about his small-town upbringing in Butte, Nebraska, contrasting it with attending Yale.
Walz's remark about none of his high school classmates going to Yale was seen as a subtle jab at Vance, known for his memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy' and Yale Law School background. Vance, raised by his grandmother in Appalachia, highlighted his humble beginnings and the sacrifices made for his success.
Vance, a Marine Corps veteran, attended Ohio State University before Yale Law School. Responding to Walz's comment, Vance emphasized his pride in his family's efforts to provide him with opportunities and achieve the American Dream.
Walz, a former Army National Guard member, faced criticism for retiring to run for Congress while his unit deployed to Afghanistan. Despite his Nebraska college education, Walz also has ties to Harvard University through a teaching program in China.
The exchange between Walz and Vance underscores the contrasting paths and backgrounds of the two politicians, reflecting broader themes of class, education, and service in American politics.
