Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton encountered a spirited response from the audience during her speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
As reported by NBC News, the crowd broke into chants of "lock him up" after Clinton criticized former President Donald Trump's legal troubles. The chant echoed the "lock her up" refrain often heard at Trump's 2016 campaign rallies, but with a reversed target.
Clinton, 76, did not verbally respond to the chants but continued her speech. As the chanting intensified, she paused at the podium, smiling and nodding until the audience quieted down. The incident occurred after Clinton made remarks about Trump's recent legal issues, including his appearance in a Manhattan courtroom.
Clinton's speech at the convention included pointed comments about Trump's current legal situation. She specifically mentioned his recent trial in Manhattan, where he faced charges related to falsifying business records. Clinton's remarks about Trump's courtroom behavior sparked the audience's reaction.
Clinton stated, "When he woke up, he made his own kind of history: the first person to run for president with 34 felony convictions." This statement referred to Trump's conviction in May on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, charges connected to hush money payments made before the 2016 election.
The crowd's response to Clinton's remarks was enthusiastic and vocal. The chant of "lock him up" spread quickly through the audience, creating a moment reminiscent of Trump's 2016 campaign rallies, but with the roles reversed. This reaction highlighted the charged political atmosphere at the convention.
Clinton's presence at the podium elicited strong emotions from many in attendance. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who is Harris's running mate, was observed mouthing "wow" as Clinton took the stage. Walz's wife, Gwen, was seen crying during the former first lady's speech. The former presidential candidate's remarks drew sustained applause and standing ovations from the Democratic delegates. Clinton used her platform to energize the crowd and express support for the current Democratic ticket.
The incident at the convention recalls the contentious 2016 presidential campaign between Clinton and Trump. During that election cycle, chants of "lock her up" became a regular feature at Trump rallies, often in reference to Clinton's use of a private email server while serving as Secretary of State.
Clinton said in her speech:
I wish my mother and Kamala's mother could see us. This is our time, America. This is when we stand up. This is when we break through!
These words resonated with the audience, emphasizing the historical significance of Harris's candidacy and the evolution of women's roles in American politics.
The chanting incident at the convention raises questions about campaign strategies and the potential impact of such rhetoric. NBC News has reported that Vice President Harris has attempted to discourage similar chants at her campaign events, possibly to avoid complications with ongoing legal proceedings against Trump.
There are concerns that any signs of approval from high-ranking officials for such chants could potentially affect the pending federal criminal charges Trump is facing. This includes the case brought by special counsel Jack Smith regarding the events of January 6 and alleged 2020 election interference.
In conclusion, Hillary Clinton's appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago led to a notable moment when the audience chanted "lock him up" in response to her criticisms of Donald Trump. Clinton's speech touched on Trump's legal issues and celebrated the historic nature of the current Democratic ticket. The incident echoed similar chants from the 2016 campaign but with reversed roles, highlighting the ongoing political tensions and the complex interplay between campaign rhetoric and legal proceedings in the current political landscape.
