By Parker Soughers
From August 19th-23rd, America’s eyes turned to the Democratic National Convention to witness history. After Joe Biden ended his campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris quickly became the democratic candidate of choice for president in the 2024 election. Her electrifying campaign has brought a renewed sense of hope to democrats in the election against former President Donald Trump.
From the very start of the DNC, crowds were enthusiastic. That enthusiasm carried on throughout the entire convention, until its culmination with the nomination of Kamala Harris as the democratic presidential nominee.
Monday night was devoted to Joe Biden, and his success as President of the United States of America. Former candidate Hilary Clinton spoke on women’s history in politics, while endorsing Harris throughout her speech, saying “the future is here,” in reference to Kamala Harris. Then, she saluted President Biden, calling him “democracy’s champion at home and abroad.”
Joe Biden’s keynote address on Monday night was met with unrivaled support from the convention crowd. A standing ovation that lasted over four and a half minutes was only the beginning of the support that Biden received during his speech. Throughout his speech he described his reasons for running for office in 2020, and his accomplishments as President. Described as “a victory lap” by CBS Chief Political Analyst, John Dickerson, Biden’s speech set the stage for what was to come at the DNC.
The energy from earlier night persisted and continued to build as the DNC continued. Tuesday’s keynotes speakers Michelle Obama and Barack Obama both made remarks on Trump’s behavior and campaign, as well as endorsed Harris’s message and campaign. In what was considered one of the memorable speeches in the history of the DNC, Michelle Obama began with a tribute to her mother who had recently passed.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama compared the values instilled in her to those that Harris’s immigrant mother instilled in Harris at a young age. Those ideals being integrity and perseverance through hardship. Michelle Obama’s overall message with her speech was in her own words “Hope is making a comeback,” in reference to Harris’s campaign.
Following Michelle Obama, was Former President Barack Obama. He made remarks on the current status of the election and the country itself. “This will be a tight race in a closely divided country,” said Obama. When making comments about Donald Trump’s ideals, Obama shut down the booing crowds with the phrase “Don’t boo. Vote!”
Obama concluded the night by encouraging the crowd and viewers at home that the way forward was through determination and work, stating “Our job is to convince people that democracy could actually deliver.”
Other speakers at the DNC included celebrities such Oprah Winfey and John Legend. Former and current politicians such as Bill Clinton, Pete Buttigieg, Nancy Pelosi, and Hakeem Jeffries. Tim Walz concluded the penultimate night of the DNC with his background and rise to the position as governor and prospective Vice President.
Concluding the Democratic National Convention was Kamala Harris accepting the Democratic party’s nomination for president. In her speech, she identified where her ideals came from: her family. She criticized Trump, calling him, “An unserious man.” Harris explained to the country her plans for her presidency if should she get elected. While addressing the American people, she promised “To be a president for all Americans.”
With only 11 weeks remaining until election day, the Harris-Walz campaign was bolstered by the energetic and historic convention. Harris has laid out her plans for the presidency, and garnered momentous support for her path to the White House.
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