I’d suggest that that was the theme of her speech: “Kamala Harris, for the People,” just as she said and did in her role as District Attorney. That was emphasized throughout; that Harris would enact policies that benefited the American people. She did get in a few digs at Trump, pointing out that he was in it for himself, but always in context of whatever policy she was talking about. But then it was right back to “Kamala Harris for the People.”
I’m sure that speechwriters had a hand in this. How large a hand, I cannot even guess, and certainly, Harris would be able to make suggestions and have the final say over what it said. Regardless, it was a perfect way to get across that Kamala Harris is indeed, for the people.
Loved Kinzinger’s speech. Great job pointing out that Trump does not represent the Conservative movement and that even if you disagree with Democratic policies you can still see the need to vote for democracy itself.
Still can’t get over how well done this convention was. It was a party full of joy and hope for the future.
I also love how organically the campaign is progressing. They clearly went in with a few slogans “When we fight, we win” and “Kamala Harris for the people” which I think was her slogan from 2020. However, they have shown the willingness to adopt the slogans that have taken hold, especially “We are not going back” and now “ Do something “. I think they may have been wary of “We are not going back “ because the campaign is about looking forward but the crowds have embraced it especially since it is a direct rebuke to MAGA and speaks to the reproductive rights issue.
Finally, just a little more about Harris’ speech. No m nation of breaking the glass ceiling or being the first black or East Asian female president. Again, what I saw was someone who was running on competence and a lifetime of service and strength mixed with compassion. I want this person to be president.
Finally, just a comment on Pelosi. I thought she was not one of the best speakers. Based on her speech and recent interviews I got the impression that she didn’t want a coronation of Harris and wanted more of an open primary. She has hinted that it was Biden’s endorsement combined with Harris’ own hard work soliciting endorsements and votes that got her the nomination so fast. If that is true, Harris is a really good politician.
At some point after July 21 somebody in the DNC said “How about we stop talking about Democracy, and re- brand ourselves as the party of joy, and community values and flag-waving patriotism and support for the military (and of course for reproductive rights) and yay for fly-over states… and use the convention to roll out this new brand”.
Yep. Democrats have managed to co-opt back from Republicans patriotism, freedom, liberty, and flag waving. While at the same time not abandoning their core principles. I never would have guessed it would go this well.
They also crushed the RNC in the ratings the first three nights. I am curious to see what they were on night four. It may be because the candidates are less familiar but the convention was also a lot more fun. The viewers apparently stayed for the late speeches but there were fewer young people watching than in 2016.
That was key to the whole four days, I think: that Democrats sent the message that Republicans don’t hold a monopoly on “patriotism, freedom, liberty, and flag waving.” Adam Kinzinger said it best when he said (paraphrased), “Guess what, Republicans? Democrats are just as patriotic as we are.” But other DNC speakers touched on these points too, and I’d suggest that Republicans are going to face an uphill climb in fighting the Democrats’ claims in this regard.
Just watched the full Kamala speech again. Only saw clips before. I am way more than impressed or speechless. I’ve seen some prosecution videos of her out here on n CA years ago. She was always on point, like she was today.
She dug at Orangeboy, but not too much. She talked more about her and her focus on policies. She handled Israel/Gaza… fairly well. Toed the line.
But she really gave some overall confidence more than was already there at this convention.
At first, I thought a Harris campaign wasn’t possible. Now I can’t imagine a better campaign.
Kinziger was terrific, including here, but I was screaming: “Ahem, Democrats are a thousand times more patriotic. Anyone who votes for Trump hates America, self-evidently.” But I understood why he couldn’t say this (sadly).
Joy has to be the most focused group word of all time. It’s a damn good word right now.
I think Biden, and this is selling him way short, felt more of just an anti-Trump vote. That’s kind of how he was campaigning - Beware of Trump. That wasn’t going to work in 2024.
Harris feels like more than an anti-Trump vote - Joyful Warrior. She’s bringing an energy and presented a platform that you could vote for against anyone.
I think of myself as a pretty good life partner, but a lousy flirt. I was hilariously awful at dating when I was single.
Biden is the presidential equivalent of a lousy flirt and a good partner. As president, he’s getting the job done, and his backroom negotiation skills are extremely strong. But he couldn’t sell himself on the campaign trail. Clinton had something of the same thing going on.
Harris? Goddamn her Match profile is strong. Let’s hope she’s as good at the job as she is at selling herself.
Yep, I thought he was great and I also understood why his message had to be tempered. This wasn’t a pep talk to the home team (though it also served that purpose). He wasn’t talking to us. He was trying to reach a different cohort.
I thought this convention was very well done and I haven’t felt this much hope since Obama’s first campaign. That being said, I do hope that the enthusiasm extends beyond the people who are already firmly in the Democratic camp. I doubt many die-hard Trump supporters will be converted. So the two big hopes are swinging the undecideds and energizing people to get out and vote. Turnout is going to be critical because Trump people are definitely voters.
Yeah, there’s a lot of obligatory silliness in political messaging. Harris hit a few of these in her speech (“my story could only happen in America!” / “the greatest democracy in the history of the planet!” / etc). Having lived outside the US for many years and escaped the cult of exceptionalism, these kinds of things make me roll my eyes, but I understand why they have to be said. “Voting for Trump is a vote against America and against democracy” is absolutely true, but it’s not something a national leader can say out loud.