Backlash erupts over criticism of Tim Walz’s emotional son: ‘families are everything’

The vice-presidential nominee's son, Gus, was unrestrained in his reactions at the Democratic convention

For Gus Walz, the Democratic national convention in Chicago last week may not have been the light, good vibes fest that it was for adults in the 17,000-seat Chicago arena.

The intense emotional response of vice-president hopeful Tim Walz's son to seeing his father on stage - That's my dad!" - thrust him into the spotlight as the convention's breakout star and with them raised the issue of nonverbal learning disorders, ADHD and an anxiety disorder that the 17-year-old is reported to experience.