Takeaways from the 2024 Democratic National Convention
After four eventful days, the Democratic National Convention (DNC) has concluded, highlighted by Kamala Harris delivering an acceptance speech that emphasized unity, strength, and freedom. Similar to the Republican National Convention, the DNC featured nightly themes: “For the People,” “A Bold Vision of America’s Future,” “A Fight for Our Freedoms,” and “For Our Future.” The convention showcased several high-profile Democratic speakers, including Bill and Hillary Clinton, the Obamas, and Oprah. Celebrities like Kerry Washington and Mindy Kaling also made appearances, reflecting the newfound energy that has characterized the Democratic Party recently. The convention proceeded smoothly, with only a few late nights and minimal disruption from protesters. News outlets drew comparisons between the excitement and energy of this year’s DNC and the 2008 convention, with even Republican critics acknowledging its success. Read some highlights from the week below.
President Biden's Farewell Address
While the convention centered on enhancing Vice President Harris’ image and policy positions, President Biden was the star of the first night. He received a warm welcome on stage, greeted by chants of “Thank you, Joe! We love you, Joe!” that brought him to tears. He told the crowd, “I’ve got a lot to do. I intend to get it done. It’s been the honor of my lifetime to serve as your president. I love the job, but I love my country more.” This message echoes his recent decision to step aside, announced just weeks ago. President Biden sounded strong, blending wit with sincerity. He concluded his 50-minute speech by reflecting on his career: “I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but I gave my best to you for 50 years. Like many of you, I gave my heart and soul to our nation.” His remarks set the stage for a convention dedicated to showcasing Kamala Harris.
Doug Emhoff and Family Showcase Harris' Personal Side
One major critique of Harris is that voters do not know her personally. To counter this perception, her husband, Doug Emhoff, and her stepchildren spoke on the second night of the convention. Emhoff shared their history and expressed pride in her accomplishments as California's Attorney General, a U.S. Senator, and now Vice President. He emphasized her long-standing stance against antisemitism, saying, “Her empathy is her strength.” He also highlighted the family-focused themes of her campaign, stating, “I trusted Kamala with my family ten years ago, and it was the best decision I made. Now it will be the best decision you make.” Throughout the convention, Harris’ stepchildren and nieces made special appearances.
“Coach” Tim Walz Rallies the Team
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz captivated the audience with his small-town charm and background as a high school football coach, delivering his most significant speech yet. It was also the most policy-oriented address of the convention up to that point. Walz discussed his achievements as governor, emphasizing reproductive freedom's importance not only to the Walz-Harris campaign but also to his family, noting that his daughter Hope was conceived through IVF. His light-hearted yet passionate speech contrasted sharply with JD Vance’s address at the Republican convention weeks earlier, with the Republican VP choice becoming the subject of several jokes throughout the week.
Harris’ Keynote Speech
On Thursday night, 26.2 million viewers tuned in to watch Harris deliver her keynote speech, bringing the average total viewership for the DNC to 21.8 million over four nights. Her address called for unity and a path beyond the “bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles” of modern American politics. While vague calls for unity have been common in past presidential hopefuls' rhetoric, when Harris did address policy, she spoke in generalities such as “lowering the cost of everyday needs” and “preserving freedom.” These themes are central to her campaign, though specific details are yet to be articulated. She devoted a significant portion of her speech to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, discussing the Biden Administration's efforts to broker a ceasefire and bring hostages home. She pledged to ensure Israel's right to defend itself and condemned the brutality of the October 7 Hamas attack. Harris concluded her speech by warning that electing Donald Trump would have “serious consequences” and referenced the January 6 Capitol attack. Overall, her 45-minute address marked a strong advance for the Harris campaign, leading to a notable convention bump reflected in her poll numbers in swing states.
The Whirlwind Comes to an End
After an eventful week, the DNC achieved its goal of energizing its base and attracting undecided voters. Notably absent from the discussions was a specific policy platform, despite her campaign announcing an economic platform the week prior. When policy was mentioned, it often related to the conservative Project 2025, from which the Trump campaign is now distancing itself. Throughout the convention, former President Trump expressed his frustrations on Truth Social, particularly regarding Harris’ claims to protect Israel and the repeated references to Project 2025. For the Harris campaign, the next 72 days will be crucial. While the convention was undoubtedly a success, the hard work for the new Democratic nominee begins now.