The Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago showcased a deliberate attempt to revive the themes of hope and change, reminiscent of Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign, as Kamala Harris emerged as the Democratic Party's leading candidate for the upcoming election.
In a strategic move, Democrats placed their faith in Harris, seeking to echo the success of Obama’s era while minimizing Joe Biden’s role, as the Washington Free Beacon reports.
Former first lady Michelle Obama was a prominent voice at the convention, passionately speaking about the enduring power of hope. "Something wonderfully magical is in the air, isn't it?... It’s the contagious power of hope," she remarked, invoking memories of her husband's groundbreaking campaign 16 years ago. Her speech set the tone for the convention, aligning Harris with the Obama legacy.
Throughout the event, key Democratic figures, including former President Obama, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, rallied behind Harris. They presented her as the natural successor to Obama, a leader capable of restoring the Democratic Party’s momentum.
The convention was marked by efforts to re-energize the electorate with the spirit of the Obama years. Democrats aimed to leverage the nostalgia for Obama’s presidency to propel Harris toward victory in the upcoming November election.
Support for Harris extended beyond political figures. Iconic entertainers Stevie Wonder and Oprah Winfrey also made their endorsements evident. Wonder performed at the event, while Winfrey’s words echoed the party’s resolve: "We won’t go back. We won’t be sent back, pushed back, bullied back, kicked back. We’re not going back."
In stark contrast to the praise for Harris, the DNC was relentless in its criticism of Donald Trump. Democrats condemned Trump for his alleged role in the January 6th insurrection and labeled him a figure of divisiveness, bigotry, and lawlessness. The party’s speakers emphasized the need to reject Trump’s vision for America, portraying it as a threat to democracy.
The DNC also targeted Trump’s economic policies and took aim at the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, which they argued would further entrench inequality in the country. Despite Trump distancing himself from the project, it remained a focal point of the Democrats’ attacks.
Notably absent from the spotlight for most of the week was Biden. Following his Monday speech, Biden was largely sidelined, with minimal acknowledgment of his contributions. Instead, the convention’s narrative emphasized his withdrawal from the race and his endorsement of Harris. Biden’s relegation to a ranch in California symbolized the party’s shift toward a new chapter under Harris’s leadership.
The convention highlighted Harris’s past political endeavors, particularly her progressive platform during the 2020 campaign. However, it also acknowledged her challenges, including her early exit from the race before the Iowa caucuses. To address these challenges, Harris has embraced the guidance of David Axelrod, a key strategist from Obama’s 2008 campaign.
Axelrod’s strategy for Harris centers on a message of future promise, inclusivity, and practical solutions to lower costs for Americans. While the convention generated significant enthusiasm among Democrats, there were notable gaps in addressing the concerns of young men and working-class voters who feel alienated by the current economic and social landscape.
Despite the overall success of the event, Harris’s acceptance speech received mixed reviews. Critics pointed out the lack of a defining moment or memorable lines, though her remarks on foreign policy were seen as a strong point. Tim Walz, governor of Minnesota and VP hopeful, praised Harris, stating, "Kamala Harris is tough. Kamala Harris is experienced. And Kamala Harris is ready." However, the general consensus was that Harris would need to refine her rhetorical approach to secure a victory in November.
The DNC in Chicago served as a pivotal moment for Kamala Harris’s campaign, as Democrats rallied behind her with hopes of reigniting the spirit of Barack Obama’s presidency. The event underscored the party’s commitment to opposing Donald Trump and setting a new course for the future. However, as Harris moves forward, she faces the challenge of connecting with a broader electorate and delivering a compelling message that resonates beyond the core Democratic base.
