Adam Behan and Ashe Tambke detail the 4-day long convention’s highlights and prominent speakers
With the conclusion of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on the night of August 22, delegates and spectators worldwide witnessed one of the Democratic Party’s most bombastic and eclectic national conventions to date. Each day had its seminal moments, with prominent speakers giving their endorsement for the selection of Vice President (VP) Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate.
Monday 19th
Kicking off the DNC, prominent figures of the American liberal establishment gave rousing speeches to call attention to Harris’ unique characteristics, including her position as the first woman of colour to run as a presidential nominee.
Former First Lady and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton spoke of VP Harris’ “character, experience and vision” which would propel women through to the other side of a “glass ceiling” which had kept them out of the political establishment.
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also spoke on Monday night, praising Harris’ fight for blue-collar workers in the USA. It was a speech not without her characteristic vitriol for Wall Street elites and the “two-bit union buster” Donald Trump.
Concluding the first night, President Joe Biden, who had withdrawn his stake for incumbency, gave his full endorsement for his VP, while also acknowledging that the pro-Palestinian protestors outside the convention “had a point” in their demands for a ceasefire and a solution to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Harris also made a surprise appearance to cap off the end of the first night.
Tuesday 20th
Following on from the previous day’s energy, the second day of the DNC was peppered with speeches from former Democratic leaders. Harris and her running mate Tim Walz spoke remotely to the Chicago crowd via telecast from a rally in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, accepting their nominations from the ceremonious roll call of state delegates.
Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama gave their endorsements for Harris’ nomination, pleading to the American people to block Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump from re-entering the White House as, to quote Mr. Obama, “we do not need four more years of bluster, and bumbling and chaos. We have seen that movie before.”
Mrs. Obama spoke of the vice president’s “life of service” to America, never having been afforded the “grace of falling forward” or the “affirmative action of generational wealth.”
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, his speech not missing any of his outwardly socialist ideals, was filtered out of mainstream coverage in favour of his colleagues' more rousing speeches. The Senator gave his full endorsement to VP Harris’ nomination.
American rapper Lil Jon made a surprise appearance for Georgia’s roll call, to the bewilderment of many watching.
Wednesday 21st
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz headlined Wednesday night at the DNC. Walz accepted his nomination as VP Harris’s running mate. Walz has been a progressive mainstay of the Democratic party since becoming Governor of Minnesota in 2018. He has been a member of the National Guard, a teacher, and a football coach before entering politics in 2006.
His optimism was punctuated by his references to football to appeal to ordinary Americans. “We’re on offence. We’re driving down the field. And, boy, do we have the right team to win this.” Gov. Walz has been cited as being a particularly progressive Democrat due to his policies on the legalisation of cannabis, provision of public healthcare, abortion rights, and labour rights.
Former President Bill Clinton also headlined on Wednesday, giving his endorsement for Kamala Harris. Clinton’s speech was notable for his disapproval of Mr. Trump, stating that his term as president was marked by a “paragon of consistency” for his divisiveness and chaos, emblematic of a presidency that was about “me, myself and I.” To Mr. Clinton, VP Harris is the “pretty clear choice” for America.
Thursday 22nd
Headlining the fourth night’s lineup of speakers, VP Harris accepted the Democratic nomination for president on Thursday. Contained within her speech were various elements outlining her vision for America under her stewardship as President.
She condemned Mr. Trump as an “unserious man”, whose re-election would constitute “extremely serious” consequences, such as cuts to social security and education, and tax breaks for the affluent and wealthy.
Harris affirmed her aim to support the middle class while sustaining economic growth through her aim to create an “opportunity economy”, which would bring together workers and entrepreneurs by upholding one of the core ideas of liberalism.
Harris devoted part of her speech to the conflict in Gaza, where she reiterated her intent to uphold Israel’s “right” and “ability” to defend itself, while working to secure the release of the hostages taken on October 7 2023, and a ceasefire to end the “suffering in Gaza”.
Pro-Palestinian activists have been critical of Harris’ commitment to continue arming Israel, including staunch condemnation from the uncommitted delegation of the Democratic party. Having been denied their proposal for a Palestinian speaker at the DNC, the group gathered in protest outside the United Center, before locking arms and entering, calling for a ceasefire and an end to the killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.