In this era of knock-down, drag-out politics, it’s often observed that there is very little off the table. Candidates and supporters on both sides of the aisle will say and do whatever is necessary to fan the flames in their favor.

One thing most people can agree on, though, is that we don’t attack kids.

But you’ll not that I had to qualify that with “most,” because some people are just garbage. We found that out the hard way after last night’s DNC lineup, when Tim Walz took the stage.

We had already seen some pretty major support from kids in the audience during the DNC speeches. Tuesday night, we watched Kamala’s husband, Doug Emhoff, give an outstanding speech where he honored not just his wife and her abilities and potential, but his entire family.

We got to see Cole and Ella Emhoff absolutely beaming with pride at the fierce compassion their father showed, as he ran through a hallway of good memories not just with his own family, but after “Momala” joined the clan as well.

But last night, the man who would take over Kamala’s job when she gets this upcoming promotion spoke, and Tim Walz’ kids were in the audience too.

In fact, his son Gus, a 17-year-old boy with a non-verbal learning disorder and severe anxiety, overcame his fears for the night and watched as his father gave the most important speech of his life so far. And when it was over, the emotions welled up in Gus and spilled over into tears, and a standing exclamation:

“THAT’S MY DAD!”

If you watched it, you were moved. If you weren’t, you might be Ann Coulter.

The longtime right-wing curmudgeon best known for her sarcasm and disgusting attitude swung herself right back into the spotlight, among the first to mock Gus for his elation:

Social media users had no time for her gross display. “I was wondering who would be the first a-hole to make fun of Walz’ son. Turns out Ann Coulter is just that a-hole. Girl, that’s American’s Little Brother you’re talking about. Be best,” wrote one poster. “Being moved to tears by pride in someone you love is the coolest and most normal thing there is. Also, he’s 17 years old, you irredeemable monster. I’d tell you to go to hell, but you’re already there,” said another.

Thankfully it was quickly clear that people were not going to sit by and watch people make fun of a BOY with ADHD who was proud of his dad.

But Ann wasn’t the only monster hiding under the bed last night:

Did he seriously call a 17-year-old a “beta male” and compare him to the kid (who everyone left alone while he was underage) that we just found out killed small animals and pulled knives on other students at his school? But Mike wants the kid who killed bunnies and dogs to lead the country.

But support for Gus came from all over. Much of it was in the form of outrage at the folks who made fun of him. Lots and lots of rated-R language. And why shouldn’t there be? The people who are saying negative things about Gus are the same ones that think Kyle Rittenhouse is a hero and that Trayvon Martin deserved to die.

They don’t care about kids. They care about their politics. And it’s just plain horrifying.

In the end, this is what matters anyway, young or old, neurodivergent or neurotypical, son of a politician or a policeman or a pet store owner:

Gus Walz’s reaction last night doesn’t need justification. It doesn’t matter if he’s neurodivergent.

Men can cry. Men can show emotion.

His reaction to his father’s speech was absolutely beautiful. 💙 pic.twitter.com/fkR6Cj74oP

— Skyler Johnson (@SkylerforNY) August 22, 2024