Boston mayor introduces himself to DNC: 'My name is Marty Walsh, and I'm an alcoholic'

(Image credit: Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images)

published 25 July 2016

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh gave a surprising opening line during his speech Monday at the Democratic National Convention.

"My name is Marty Walsh, and I'm an alcoholic," he announced. "On April 23, 1995, I hit rock bottom. I woke up with little memory of the night before and even less hope for the days to come. Everybody was losing faith in me — everybody but my family and the labor movement." Walsh, the son of Irish immigrants, said the labor community gave his family a chance and offered him a second chance. "There is no doubt in my mind that Hillary Clinton is the champion American workers need," he said, later adding that Clinton will help those struggling with addiction and believes in "an America that's not just for those with advantages, but those who need a helping hand."

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Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.