The 2024 Democratic National Convention kicked off Aug. 19 and and concluded Aug. 22 In Chicago.
The past three months have been chaotic politically for both parties, presidential candidates and Americans. It seems like history changing election events are finally plateauing and the Democratic party officials know that. Throughout the day-one DNC broadcast it felt like quite a celebration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. While Harris did not speak very much on Day One, the night’s theme was touted as “For the people.”
The event mostly featured speakers who were supportive of and there to speak about Harris. Speakers showed support in various ways, often by highlighting Harris’ character, achievements, past as a prosecutor and leadership as a vice president. Some told stories about her if they knew her personally. Often times, speakers would also talk in support of Biden and opposition of former President Donald Trump. Phrases like “Never go back” were repeated often.
Occasionally a small break would happen either breaking off into a segment or a video package talking about Trump. One of the segments was ”Two Lies and a Lie.” They went over three lies Trump allegedly said and explained why they were lies. Some topics covered were claims Trump made about jobs, economy and manufacturing jobs growth during his tenure as president.
A musical performance about halfway through featured Jason Isbell singing “Something More Than Free.” It’s a beautiful song about a hardworking regular man who works so much he’s too tired to go to church by the time Sunday rolls around.
Abortion was a main topic as well. Three women took the stage and give harrowing accounts of their struggles with abortion laws after the recently overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. This is something Harris is very vocal and adamant about changing if she is elected in November. They went over tough topics like miscarriages, incest and rape and shed some light on the pro-life stance. For workforce, a video showing U.A. Local 469 workers from Arizona speaking about the growth of their local plumbing and steamfitters’ union, thanks to investments made by Biden and Harris in American manufacturing.
Some special guest speakers included Hillary Clinton, New York U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, NBA coach Steve Kerr, Texas U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crocket, California U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia and Georgia Sen. Georgia U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock.
AOC delivered a fiery speech “To love this country, is to fight for it’s people” delivering remarks against Trump saying he only fights for the wealthy and big business. Hillary Clinton endorsed Harris, talking about how they are similar in experience as prosecutors. “Kamala carries with her the hopes of every child she protected, every family she helped, every community she served, so as president she will always have our backs,” she said.
Near the end of the evening, the Biden family started to come out. First lady Jill Biden came out to lend support to Harris but also to her husband Joe Biden, who would take the stage at the end of the night as the closing speaker. The first lady praised the president for being a hardworking man and a loving husband and father. She also praised Harris. “Joe and I know Kamala. We have seen her courage, her determination and her leadership up close. Kamala and Tim, you will win.”
The first daughter (include name of daughter) said a few words before introducing the president to the Chicago crowd. A chanting standing ovation filled the hall as Biden made his way to the podium after intently hugging his daughter.
Biden deliverd a high energy 50-plus minute speech on his decision to step down and to endorse Kamala Harris. He also took on Trump, U.S. issues and more. Biden ended it on a positive note. “I can honestly say I’m more optimistic about the future then I was when I was elected as a 29-year-old United States Senator. I mean it.”
On other DNC days the headlining speakers included former President Barack Obama, Vice President nominee Tim Waltz and Harris, Michelle Obama, Bernie Sanders, Oprah Winfrey and former President Bill Clinton.
