The second night of the DNC featured support for Kamala Harris from Barack and Michelle Obama, a lively state roll call that turned into a dance party, and a focus on courting disaffected Trump voters. Doug Emhoff shared personal stories about Harris, while speakers warned about the implications of Project 2025.
Chicago (AP) — The second night of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) is over, and it sure packed some punch. With a notable presence of Obama power, Vice President Kamala Harris was validated while former President Donald Trump got heavily criticized. Also, it felt like one giant dance party during an animated roll call of states.
Harris, and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, made a brief appearance in Milwaukee, rallying voters in Wisconsin, a key battleground state. This move likely reflects the Democrats’ awareness that this election isn’t going to be a walk in the park, but instead, they expect a nail-biter.
A few highlights from the night’s events:
**The Obama Legacy**
If the spotlight was primarily on Trump during the Republican convention, the Democrats aimed to elevate Harris to the level of past presidents this time around. Former President Barack Obama and Michelle, his wife, were the biggest endorsers of the night. Michelle directly told the audience, “America, hope is making a comeback.” Meanwhile, Barack Obama connected Harris to his legacy by bringing up his own 2004 convention speech. “I am feeling hopeful — because this convention has always been pretty good to kids with funny names who believe in a country where everything is possible,” he noted. This push wasn’t solely from the Obamas; even the grandsons of Jimmy Carter and John F. Kennedy were there to reinforce Harris as a leader in the lineage of Democratic politicians.
**A Change of Tone**
Interestingly, the Obamas didn’t hold back when it came to attacking Trump. Michelle invoked her old saying about “when they go low, we go high” but it seemed that standard took a backseat. Barack Obama bluntly referred to Trump as: “a 78-year-old billionaire who hasn’t stopped whining about his problems since he rode down his golden escalator nine years ago.” Michelle added her voice, saying, “His limited and narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hardworking, highly educated, successful people who also happened to be Black.” She also insinuated that Trump was going “small,” calling it “unhealthy and, quite frankly, unpresidential.”
**The DNC Dance Party**
Political conventions have their traditional roles, primarily for the nomination of candidates. But in a twist, the Democrats managed to hold a highly energetic ceremonial roll call that felt more like a party. With DJ Cassidy spinning tunes onstage, states proclaimed their support for Harris and Walz with each state getting their own theme song. There were rousing moments where citizens associated with issues—like Kate Cox, an abortion rights advocate, and a survivor of the Las Vegas shooting—used their votes to make powerful statements. The roll call reached a standout moment when rapper Lil Jon made a splash, rapping his support in what was both unexpected and entertaining.
**Doug Emhoff’s Heartfelt Message**
Doug Emhoff took a few moments to share their personal love story, hoping to endear voters to Harris. He recounted their flirtation, joking about a voicemail she still makes him replay on their anniversaries. “I love that laugh,” Emhoff said, indirectly addressing Trump’s jabs at Harris. Meanwhile, he stressed his admiration for Harris, painting her as someone who “stands up to bullies.” This is an interesting tactic: using personal anecdotes to connect with the electorate.
**A Message for Some Trump Voters**
This time, the Democrats are eagerly courting those who might have fallen out of favor with Trump. They even had Stephanie Grisham, a former White House aide, denounce him saying, “He has no empathy, no morals, and no fidelity to the truth.” She expressed feeling unable to continue amid the “insanity.” Even Republican Mayor John Giles of Mesa, Arizona, voiced his support for Harris, saying Trump’s policies were detrimental to his city.
**Project 2025 & Democratic Warnings**
In a unique move, speakers at the DNC showcased an oversized book symbolizing the Project 2025 policy agenda from the Heritage Foundation. This initiative, linked with many who once served in Trump’s circle, aims to create a detailed plan for the next possible Republican presidency. Democrats paint this as a potential disaster for civil services and public welfare going forward. On Tuesday, Pennsylvania’s Malcolm Kenyatta waved the book and remarked, “It is a radical plan to drag us backwards.”
As events unfold, the DNC continues to stir up energy within the party as they gear up for a challenging election season ahead.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
