Harris’ big moment, Dems’ rising stars, Gaza protesters shut out. Takeaways from DNC’s last night
CHICAGO– The Democratic National Convention concludes Thursday with the vice president Kamala Harris to accept her party’s presidential nomination. She is the first black woman and the first person of South Asian descent to be nominated, and her supporters dressed in white to mark the moment.
Before Harris’ appearance in the convention hall, rising Democratic stars were scheduled to address the crowd, along with survivors of mass shootings and others who highlighted various issues. Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who voted to impeach Donald Trump and served on the House committee that investigated the matter. January 6 attackswould also speak.
The crowded lineup reflects the immense work Democrats have ahead of them, as they have managed to mount a new presidential campaign less than a month after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.
Here are some key points from the latest Democrats’ night.
The convention not only formally marked the 81-year-old Biden’s departure from the campaign trail. It served as a showcase for younger Democrats in the political talent pool.
Speakers included swing state up-and-comers such as Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who was scheduled to appear in primetime on Thursday. Other guests this week included Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, both of whom were on Harris’ shortlist when he was looking for a running mate.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel sent the House into meltdown with her speech earlier this week, in which she warned Republicans and the U.S. Supreme Court: “You can pry this wedding ring out of my cold, dead, homosexual hand!”
There were also rising blue-state celebrities in attendance, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Maryland Democratic candidate Angela Alsobrooks for an open Senate seat, and 34-year-old New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who was seen as representing a new generation of Democrats.
It was only a few years ago that Democrats worried they had too little talent in the pipeline after dozens of officeholders were swept aside in the off-year elections under President Barack Obama. But they’ve seen a resurgence in the Trump era.
It appeared that pro-Palestinian delegates would not get a chance to address the convention from the podium. It was a reflection of how the party has tried to avoid one of the most divisive issues of this election season, as the US alliance with Israel has become a political flashpoint.
Israel’s response to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 has sparked outrage over the high casualties and human rights violations in Gaza.
Pro-Palestinian protesters marched outside the arena every day, but their supporters were not on the congressional agenda.
“Uncommitted” Rep. Abbas Alawieh was in talks with DNC officials about speaking. After being rebuffed, he and other delegates chose to spend Wednesday night on the sidewalk outside the convention hall in protest.
“When we as non-committee delegates ran out of options, we just sat down together,” Alawieh said Thursday.
Harris and Biden have both called for a ceasefire and the release of hostages taken in the October raid. On Wednesday parents of one of the young men who was held hostage in Gaza, gave a speech at the convention.
Harris’s nominating convention was a four-day affair, imbued with a festive atmosphere and a sense of optimism. It’s safe to say it would have been a very different gathering had Biden been the party’s nominee.
Democrats have suffered an emotional blow since Biden withdrew from the race last month, clearing the way for Harris.
For months, Democrats had been discouraged by Biden’s poll numbers and disappointing speaking engagements. And many Democrats were convinced that Trump could run away with the election.
Contrast that with the convention held to nominate Harris in Chicago: There was laughter, the mood was electric, and there were plenty of sharp Trump jokes. The event also attracted A-list talent, from John Legend to Pink.
And let’s not forget: there have also been words of warning about the hard work that lies ahead.
Polls show voters consistently feel supported Republicans are better on economics — a perception Democrats are trying to change.
High inflation was a threat to Biden’s popularity. Now Trump is trying to blame Harris, too, going so far as to call her a communist, nickname her “comrade Kamala,” and misleadingly claim that a relatively healthy economy is in fact in shambles.
It’s unclear how much Trump’s criticism of Harris will resonate, but Democrats on Thursday sought to prove her economic credibility.
Democrats believe Harris can do more for the middle class and entrepreneurs as the party tries to redefine social issues as economic issues.
Harris wants to offer $25,000 in down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers. “She knows that housing is a human right and a path to the middle class,” Marcia Fudge, the former secretary of Housing and Urban Development, told the convention.
Harris also wants a $6,000 tax credit for new parents and an expanded child tax credit. “Child care keeps our economy going,” Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Mass., told delegates.
Inflation is a persistent problem for Democrats and the message Thursday was that greedy corporations are to blame.
Both Sens. Bob Casey, D-Pa., and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., have tried to make that argument. But most economists say the inflation stemmed from supply chain problems, higher commodity prices for energy and food, and other disruptions caused by the pandemic response.
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Riccardi reported from Denver.