On Thursday, the first Black woman to secure a major party nomination framed her “remarkable journey” to the Democratic candidacy as a catalyst to elevate the nation beyond years of deep-seated division.
The vice president, who was an unexpected candidate just five weeks ago, presented voters with a decisive choice during her resolute and patriotic speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Americans can either continue down the path of “chaos and disaster” under Trump—whom she described as an “inconsiderate man” who poses a “serious threat” to democracy and fundamental freedoms—or they can renew their commitment to the values she highlighted, drawn from her own experience as a daughter of immigrants supported by a nurturing California community. These values include “Freedom. Opportunity. Compassion. Dignity. Fairness. And boundless potential.”
Old Shadows Still Loom Over Democrats
Despite the vibrant atmosphere at the United Center this week, lingering fears of past defeats—especially Hillary Clinton’s 2016 loss to Trump—cast a shadow over the celebration. Party veterans reminded Democrats that enthusiasm alone doesn’t guarantee victory. Former President Bill Clinton, still haunted by the election that could have seen his wife in the White House, warned: “We’ve seen more than one election slip away from us when we thought it couldn’t happen.”
Former President Barack Obama also cautioned against disrespecting Trump’s supporters, aiming to avoid repeating the “deplorables” label used by Clinton years ago. “If a parent or grandparent occasionally says something that makes us cringe, we don’t automatically assume they’re bad people,” Obama remarked. “We recognize that the world is moving fast, that they need time and maybe a little encouragement to catch up. Our fellow citizens deserve the same grace we hope they’ll extend to us.”
Democratic leaders are likely to view the convention as a success. Over three days, former presidents, first ladies, and rising stars painted a portrait of Harris—a college worker who once flipped burgers—as a champion for the working and middle classes. They highlighted her blend of joy and resilience, emphasizing her connection with ordinary Americans and their struggles.
The convention also marked a strategic shift, as Biden receded from the spotlight, facilitating a generational transition and allowing Harris to emerge as a distinct force for change. The event showcased the party’s diverse, youthful, and female leadership, offering a compelling reason for base voters to turn out in November. By managing to keep pro-Palestinian demonstrations at bay, Democrats avoided echoing the tumult of the 1968 Chicago convention and deflected GOP narratives of a nation divided.
New Dynamics in a Tight Race
The convention’s tightly orchestrated final days revealed critical shifts in an already turbulent campaign. Democrats revamped their case against Trump, with Biden previously focusing on the GOP nominee’s threat to the “soul of the nation,” while the Obamas and Clintons took a more scathing approach. Obama likened Trump’s impact to an incessant, irritating neighbor, while Michelle Obama and Bill Clinton used sharp critiques to challenge Trump’s legitimacy and age.
The convention also refined the party’s stance on “freedom,” countering Republican claims of socialist tendencies by redefining it in terms of protecting rights such as reproductive freedom and voting rights. The aftermath of the pandemic and high inflation, partly driven by Biden’s emergency relief programs, remained a concern, prompting Harris to bolster her populist economic stance by targeting corporate giants. This strategy aims to address her association with inflation and appeal to rural and suburban swing voters.
However, economic issues and immigration continue to pose challenges for Harris, keeping the election a tight race despite Trump’s unpopularity. Walz’s pep talk underscored the urgency: “Team, it’s the fourth quarter. We’re down a field goal. But we’re on offense and we’ve got the ball.”
As the convention wraps up, Harris now faces the critical task of proving she can be the formidable figure needed to lead her party to victory. Her first major test will come on September 10 with a crucial debate against Trump.
Echoing Michael Jordan’s iconic slogan from the arena where she spoke, it’s time for Harris and her supporters to “Just do it.”
