Harris Makes History as the First Black Woman to Lead a Major Party’s Presidential Ticket, Reigniting Hope for Americans at the Democratic National Convention
Just over a month ago, Democrats worried President Biden might not be their strongest candidate against Trump, fearing a potential landslide loss in November. What a difference a convention makes.
As Biden passes the torch, Harris made history by officially accepting the nomination, becoming the first Black woman to lead a major party’s presidential ticket. The Democratic Convention, filled with optimism and competence, contrasted sharply with the Republican Convention, which relied on fear, anger, and falsehoods. The Democratic and Republican conventions told very different stories as the divide between the parties has only grown wider.
The Speech
Harris’ aspirational, 37-minute address strongly contrasts Donald Trump’s 93-minute acceptance speech, as the divide between the two parties became a chasm.
Democratic delegates and officials gathered in Chicago for the 2024 Democratic National Convention, praising Mr. Biden’s legacy while enthusiastically embracing Vice President Kamala Harris and the energy she brought to the top of the ticket. Over the course of the week, speakers preached unity and joy as they contrasted her leadership and personality with Trump’s.
Top Highlights From DNC
This year’s DNC convention was marked by protests, featured celebrities, and brought forth conversations about the next generation of leaders. Here’s a look back at some of the top highlights from this year’s Democratic convention:
Biden Gets Emotional During Send-Off
President Biden wiped away tears as he took the stage on Monday after an introduction by his daughter, Ashley Biden. The president embraced his daughter for nearly 30 seconds, pulling a tissue out of his pocket to dry his eyes, before repeatedly thanking the crowd during a lengthy standing ovation.
A month ago, Mr. Biden was set to accept the nomination on the convention’s final day. But Democrats and the public feared he could not beat Trump in November and pressured him to end his campaign.
The Obamas Put Trump’s Ambiguities to Bed
Michelle Obama, in her speech, endorsed Kamala Harris and criticized Trump, subtly suggesting that the presidency might be a “Black job,” a nod to Trump’s previous remarks about immigrants taking Black jobs. She highlighted how Trump has tried to instill fear and feels threatened by successful Black individuals. Meanwhile, Barack Obama mocked Trump’s fixation on crowd sizes, subtly implying it was a childish obsession, and portrayed Trump as a divisive leader during his keynote address.
Doug Emhoff Introduces Himself to the Nation
Harris won’t be the only one making history if she wins the White House in November. If Kamala Harris wins the White House, Doug Emhoff would become the first first gentleman. Currently the second gentleman, Emhoff introduced himself at the convention, sharing how he nervously left Harris a voicemail before their first date, which she still plays on their anniversary. Emhoff praised Harris for always rising to the occasion. His son, Cole, introduced him in a heartfelt video, with Emhoff’s ex-wife, Kerstin, also supporting them at the convention.
Gus Walz Wins the Heart of Families Across the Nation
Tim Walz’s family was present during the DNC as 17-year-old Gus Walz, who has a nonverbal learning disorder, ADHD, and an anxiety disorder, was in the front row with his mother and sister. As the vice presidential nominee spoke about his family being his “entire world,” Gus, overcome with emotion, stood up with tears streaming down his face and shouted, “That’s my dad!” Gus’s intense emotional response at the convention made him an unexpected breakout star and brought good and bad attention to his challenges.
Warren + Star Power
AOC and Elizabeth Warren takes the stage at the 2024 DNC with a fiery speech against Trump, while Lil Jon and Oprah add star power to DNC
In an emotional speech, Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized Trump for lacking a plan to lower costs for families, saying he doesn’t care about everyday expenses like gas or groceries, only about paying his criminal defense lawyers.
She added that she wouldn’t trust Trump or Vance to handle crucial issues like housing, healthcare, or taxes, joking that she wouldn’t even trust them to move her couch. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez delivered a fiery primetime speech, calling Trump a “two-bit union buster” focused on enriching himself and his Wall Street allies.
The convention also featured a lively roll call with musical tributes to each state, energized by a surprise performance from rapper Lil Jon. Additionally, Oprah Winfrey made a rare political appearance, criticizing Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, and expressing concern about the stakes of the upcoming election, particularly regarding abortion rights.
As the DNC wrapped up last week, Trump and Harris are now ramping up their grassroots campaigns. Former President Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance, are set to hold multiple events in swing states, while Harris and Walz will kick off a bus tour across Georgia.
