Let’s Meet Gus

The world saw a 17-year-old’s emotional and proud reaction to his father who was speaking August 21, 2024, at a national political convention in Chicago, for a few moments that transcended partisan politics. 

The teenager was Gus Walz, son of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who was accepting his party’s nomination for Vice-President of the United States.

Gus, in the front row of the packed United Center, with the TV cameras suddenly focused on him, wept throughout most of his dad’s speech, wiping his eyes with tissues, and, through tears of uncontrollable excitement, proudly shouted to the massive crowd while pointing to his dad, ‘That’s my dad.’

As the massive live audience and dozens of TV cameras focused on Gus’ reaction, hardly anyone outside his immediate family knew about Gus’ neurodivergent condition, described by Nancy Doyle as one who is highly sensitive and who experiences life at the extreme ends of emotions.  Ms. Doyle is a British psychologist specializing on different people’s experiences and perceptions.

Ms. Doyle says many people ‘observe the expression of extreme emotion as weak,’ whereas Gus ‘lets it all hang out and totally goes for it.’

His parents view his condition not as a disability or setback, but instead his ‘secret power,’ as reported in People Magazine. 

Zoe Gross of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network adds that it’s good when people who are running for office are comfortable discussing any type of issues whom some may perceive as disabilities or special challenges or needs.

The link below captures a CBS News Chicago TV segment of Gus Walz reacting to his dad’s appearance on stage – a highly emotional reaction that has captured the hearts of people around the world, regardless of any political connections or beliefs.