DNC Night One: Kamala Harris Cares
Special Edition 002
On Monday, the Democratic National Convention (DNC) started off with some heat! The opening night was charged with energy as labor union organizers, civil rights leaders, state executives, and policymakers took the stage. We also heard from family members, friends, and high-profile celebrities like Olympic gold medalist coach Steve Kerr and everyone’s favorite TV president, Tony Goldwyn. With just 78 days left until the election, they not only set the tone for the coming days but also laid out a vision for the next four years.
Here’s what stood out to me from DNC 2024, night one:
📣 One Clear Message: Kamala Harris Cares
The prevailing theme of the night was unmistakable: Kamala Harris cares—she deeply cares about the working class, families, climate change, women’s reproductive rights, and more. This message not only highlighted the kind of leader she is and will be as president but also sharply contrasted her vision with that of Donald Trump.
🤡 Democrats & Project 2025: Keep Prop Comedy Out of Politics
Prop comedy is rarely effective, and it’s even more so when politicians try their hand at it. The giant Project 2025 prop book was definitely cringe, but the focus was on point. By simplifying the language of the mandate for everyday voters and highlighting its potential devastating impacts on the country and its people, they delivered a strong message. It’s a smart move on their part. As the DNC progresses, expect them to keep hammering this message home.
📺 The Best Ads I’ve Seen in a Long Time from the Democrats
The latest ads shown night one are electrifying! They boldly attack Trump’s criminal conviction, highlight Kamala Harris’s empathy and hopeful vision, and target Republicans wavering in their support for Trump. Adding a powerful punch are personal stories from women who faced life-threatening situations due to the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade. These ads need to be everywhere—and immediately!
🏃 Democrats Aren’t Running from Progressive Policy
Democrats are finally embracing progressive policies, something I was initially skeptical about. For years, when the right would throw around labels like “socialist” or “communist,” Democrats would tense up and shift back to the center, or even further right. But this time, things are different. They’re confidently using progressive policies to their advantage and charting a forward path. While the extent of their leftward shift remains uncertain, the signs are undeniably promising and fill me with hope.
🚼 Democrats’ Messaging on Abortion is a Winner
When the Democrats hit Trump on reproductive rights, that’s where I think they found the most success. Not only was it the ad that almost pulled tears from my eyes but their message on abortion gave more one of the most effective moments of the night. When a husband and wife and two women gave three personal anecdotes on their reproductive rights journeys—the whole gasped when they heard “what’s beautiful about a child who has to carry their parent’s child.”
🎶 Freedom x Beyoncé Has to Be One of the Best Campaign Songs of All Time
One of the most underrated decisions in any campaign is choosing the right song. While it might seem trivial, picking the wrong track can haunt you, but the right one can become unforgettable. Kamala Harris’s campaign has embraced the fight for freedom, making Beyoncé’s “Freedom” the perfect anthem. It elevates every ad and energizes the crowd every time it’s played before Harris takes the stage. The a cappella version in a new ad was a standout moment, arguably the best decision of the campaign, next to picking Tim Walz as her VP pick! And thank goodness we don’t have to hear “Fight Song” on repeat like we did in 2008.
🌟 A Platform for the Democratic Party’s Rising Stars
Though the night was looonnnggggggg, the DNC came out swinging on night one with a stellar lineup of young Democratic stars. New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez set the stage on fire, Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett gave us some new alliteration akin to her iconic “bleach blonde bad built butch body” read, Kentucky Gov. Andy “Bae” Beshear charmed the crowd, and Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock captivated with his ability to speak truth to power. Joe Biden’s stepping down allowed a younger faction of the party to take center stage, and night one of the DNC they literally did.
🎉 A Surprise Appearance from the Vice President
Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance on night one to welcome everyone to this year’s Democratic National Convention and honor President Joe Biden. Amid the roar of an electric crowd, she praised Biden’s “historic leadership” and “lifetime of service.” And let’s not overlook her tan suit—yes, a TAN SUIT, Miss Kamala! She knew exactly what she was doing, and I absolutely loved it!
👋 Goodbye Joe, Thank You Joe
On Monday night, Harris wasn’t the only one acknowledging Joe Biden’s service—it was one of the night’s major themes, right after “Kamala Harris cares.” The crowd frequently chanted “Thank you Joe,” and speakers celebrated Biden as one of the nation’s finest leaders. Biden’s “farewell speech” marked a poignant end to his political career, likely his last major address before inauguration day. While I am not particularly fond of his record, it was touching to see him honored. The speech itself wasn’t groundbreaking, but it symbolized both the end of an era and the start of a new chapter for the party with Kamala Harris. Hopefully, this transition also signals a move away from the controversial right-wing border policies of the administration.
🇵🇸 Anti Genocide Protests Take the Day
Before the DNC officially kicked off, thousands took to the streets to protest against Israel’s actions in Palestine and the Democratic Party’s continued support for an genocidal apartheid state.
While Harris’s accession to power offered hope to those disillusioned with the Democratic establishment, at her Michigan rally where she shut down pro-Palestinian protesters was a significant misstep. Monday, Biden did acknowledge the protesters and stated, “they have a point,” while calling for a ceasefire and noting that “innocent people are being killed on both sides.” But what is missed to recognize is that Palestinians and Israelis in Gaza are being killed by the IDF with the weapons the U.S. has sent them.
These protests underscore that the Israel-Gaza conflict is a critical issue for many Democratic voters and could influence their decision to vote. The DNC presents an opportunity for the party and Harris to address these concerns and engage with the uncommitted movement within the party. Whether they will take advantage of this moment remains to be seen, Biden’s acknowledgment of the protesters indicates that the party is feeling the pressure and may need to reassess its unwavering support for Israel—or at least I hope so.