By Mary Alice Miller
Just a few short weeks ago, President Joe Biden stepped away from his campaign for re-election and endorsed his vice president, Kamala Harris. An explosion of energy emerged, and that energy is palpable at this week’s Democratic National Convention. Nominee Kamala Harris has made her presence felt, even when she campaigned in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Day 2.
President Biden keynoted the first day of the DNC with a heartfelt message: “It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve as your President. I love the job, but I love my country more.”
Biden said he decided to run for president when he saw the violence in Charlottesville in 2017. His son Beau had just died of cancer two years earlier. He was still grieving his son. But Biden said there is no place for political violence.
In addition, Biden said he also ran “to rebuild the backbone of the middle class,” citing the creation of 16 million jobs and reducing drug prices for seniors. He spoke of creating American jobs by building semiconductor chip factories and charging stations for electric cars. “The job of the president is to deliver for all Americans,” he said.
He talked about strengthening NATO, with the addition of new NATO members Finland and Sweden.
Biden excoriated Trump and emphasized the importance of saving democracy.
“In 2024, we need you to vote. We need you to keep the Senate. We need you to win back the House of Representatives,” said Biden. “And above all, we need you to beat Donald Trump and elect Kamala and Tim President and Vice President of the United States of America.”
Reflecting on his 50 years in public service, Biden concluded by saying, “I gave my best to you.”
We didn’t know how much we missed him. The swagger in his walk. The wry humor. The audacity of hope. The response when the crowd boos: “Don’t boo. Vote!” Barack Obama did what he came to do, make the case for change.
Left unsaid was that 16 years ago, the youth of the United States saw that it was normal to have a man of color in the Oval Office. For the next eight years, they experienced that new normal. Those young people are now eligible voters. It will not be a stretch for them to vote for a woman of South Asian and Black Caribbean descent.
But others may have to think twice before voting for Kamala Harris simply because of her diversity. This is why Obama said, “To make progress on the things we care about, the things that really affect people’s lives, we need to remember that we’ve all got our blind spots and contradictions and prejudices. And that if we want to win over those who aren’t ready to support our candidates we need to listen to their concerns. And maybe learn something in the process.”
Obama further explained, “After all, if a parent or grandparent occasionally says something that makes us cringe, we don’t automatically assume they’re bad people. We recognize that the world is moving fast. That they need time and maybe a little encouragement to catch up. Our fellow citizens deserve the same grace we hope they’ll extend to us. That’s how we can build a true democratic majority.”
Other DNC speakers spoke to specific constituencies.
Day 1 Speakers included:
UAW president Shawn Fain, lauded President Biden when he joined the picket line outside a General Motors facility, the first president in this country’s history to do so.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who campaigned to become the first woman president in 2016.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, notable for getting elected and re-elected statewide as a Democrat in a Republican state.
Conservative commentator Rich Logis, a former Trump supporter who is now among Republican supporters of Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who reminded listeners that Kamala Harris is “working tirelessly to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and bringing hostages home.”
Congressman James E. Clyburn, who changed the course of the 2020 presidential campaign in South Carolina when he endorsed Biden.
And First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and New York State Governor Kathy Hochul.
Notable Day 2 Speakers:
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer spoke of the need for a Democratic majority in Congress to work with the potential Harris/Walz administration.
Senator Bernie Sanders issued a progressive wish list including taxing the rich, price gouging protections, expanding Medicare and increase social security benefits.
President Jimmy Carter’s grandson, Jason Carter, said, “Kamala Harris carries my grandfather’s legacy.”
Former Trump White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said that behind closed doors, Trump mocks his supporters, calling them basement dwellers.
Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Kamala Harris’ husband, spoke of their courtship and Harris’ role in their blended family.
Among Scheduled Day 3 Speakers are Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senator Cory Booker, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Former President Bill Clinton.
The Democratic National Convention concludes on Day 4 with Kamala Harris accepting the nomination for president.