He told students that government and the law aren’t untouchable, but things that regular citizens have the capability to change. And that it works both ways — it’s the government’s role to be responsive.

Walz recalled a veteran who was having trouble with his benefits. The guy told Walz he didn’t vote for him and didn’t expect him to help, so he was all the more surprised when Walz got it sorted out (still didn’t mean Walz was getting his vote, though).

Walz is technically still a teacher at West High School because he’s only on unpaid leave, which he can be on for four more years. If his wistful memories of West are any indication, he might be back someday.

“There have been far better debates in this room,” he said, “... than get argued on the floor of the House of Representatives.”