DNC Night Three: The Highs and Lows of the Democratic Party
Special Edition 004
Welcome to the DNC’s weakest night so far. While energy remained high in Chicago with remarks and performances from celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Mindy Kaling, Stevie Wonder, and John Legend, day three saw the party facing significant setbacks. Despite strong messaging about the fight for freedom and freedom’s cost of hard work, the DNC stumbled with its lack of empathy for Palestinians and confusing border security positions. As the night wrapped up, I couldn’t help but wonder: Did the DNC frontload all the good stuff?
A Fight For Our Reproductive Freedoms
“Our freedom is on the ballot, our bodies are on the ballot.” — Alexis McGill Johnson, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood
One of the party’s greatest strengths—and Trump’s biggest vulnerabilities—is reproductive rights. On night three, leaders of NARAL Pro-Choice, Planned Parenthood, and Emily’s List shared the devastating realities from a post-Roe world: a young girl forced to carry her rapist’s child and women traveling across states in search of an abortion. The threat could worsen under a potential Trump second term, with Project 2025 proposing extreme measures like jailing doctors, mandating miscarriage reporting, banning IVF, and enforcing a rigid family model which only includes a married mother and father—where only the father works. As these leaders emphasized, true freedom is only achievable when women have the freedom over their own bodies.
The Democratic Party's Border Strategy Blunders
Night three aimed to capture the largest Latino vote in history but again saw Democrats stumble on border strategy. The party’s increasingly rightward shift on border security seems to benefit solely from Trump’s demonization of migrants, yet this approach is baffling. Especially confusing as later, Congressman Pete Aguilar championed the American Dream and how Kamala Harris has promoted pathways to citizenship, with praise from DACA recipients. This is the message where Democrats should focus, rather than dwelling on the contentious border bill Trump blocked.
A Big Tent or a Narrow Focus? The DNC’s Exclusion of Palestinian Voices
On night three, the DNC continued to highlight the ongoing genocide in Gaza, with Vice President Harris and Governor Walz calling for a ceasefire. However, their actions revealed a troubling stance: Palestinian lives were deemed less valuable than others.
While the DNC featured the family of a Hamas hostage, it rejected the Uncommitted Movement’s request to include a vetted Palestinian American speaker. This decision reinforced a "hierarchy of human value" that diminishes Palestinian suffering and fails to acknowledge Palestinian humanity.
This refusal is deeply revealing and troubling. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib voiced her concern on Twitter (I’m not calling it X) and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar joined the Uncommitted Movement for a sit-in at the DNC following the night’s events. The decision to disregard the 700,000 uncommitted voices has led to the Muslim Women for Harris-Walz Instagram account shutting down, citing a lack of empathy from the candidate and the DNC.
Despite ongoing genocide in Gaza, Democrats have continued to support these actions while only offering empty promises of peace. Attorney General of Minnesota Keith Ellison, a Muslim man and colleague of Walz, expressed that Walz and Harris are listening and support an immediate ceasefire, but my faith in the Democratic Party is waning. Is the party’s “Big Tent” too small for Palestinians? Many, including myself, may reconsider support for Harris if this stance persists.
The Fight for Our Democracy is On
To my fellow Republicans watching at home, if you vote for Kamala Harris in 2024 you are not a Democrat, you are a patriot.” — Geoff Duncan, Former Lieutenant Governor of Georgia
Democrats are presenting this election as a fight for freedom and fundamental rights, from the American Dream to voting rights. On Tuesday, the DNC spotlighted former Trump supporters who have turned to Kamala Harris, disillusioned by Trump’s fascist policies, criminal record, and role in inciting insurrection. These voters are leaving the Republican Party to champion freedom with Harris.
Speeches by President Bill Clinton and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and many more, underscored the dangers of Trump, while a January 6th video showed Trump’s false claims of “peaceful” rioters and his plans to pardon them. The message was clear: Kamala Harris stands against political violence and for protecting democracy.
An America We Can All Believe In
On night three, the Democratic Party painted a vision of America under Kamala Harris, highlighting a future worth fighting for.
LGBTQ Rights: Supporters emphasized Harris's commitment to LGBTQ families, contrasting it with Trump’s desire to roll back protections. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel even had some strong words for the Trump judges firmly declared, "You can pry this wedding ban from my cold gay hand."
Infrastructure: The night spotlighted infrastructure as central to the freedom conversation. From fixing bridges and creating green spaces to removing lead pipes, the bipartisan infrastructure bill passed under Biden and Harris aims to reconnect communities and improve lives. Hope under Harris stands in contrast to Trump’s empty promises.
Small Business: While Trump boasts about the business acumen he doesn’t have, Harris is seen as the true champion for small businesses. Delaware Senatorial hopeful Lisa Blunt Rochester praised the Biden-Harris administration for fostering a thriving economy for Black and Brown entrepreneurs and an opportunity economy.
Rejecting Trump’s America: Kenan Thompson hit the stage with that dreaded Project 2025 book. Of course my first thought was, “Now why is Keenan not in a tub doing a French accent?” But he wasn’t here to be Pierre Escargot, he was there to highlight the dangers of Project 2025, which proposes stripping protections for LGBTQ individuals, increasing costs for life-saving drugs like insulin, banning abortion nationwide, and dismantling the Department of Education.
Beyoncé’s Soundtrack of Support
The Savage Remix instrumental played over a video of Kamala Harris showcasing her prosecutorial skills in the Senate. Earlier that day, Trump faced a cease-and-desist threat from Beyoncé for using her song “Freedom” in a campaign video (lol, embarrassing!). While Beyoncé hasn’t made a direct statement, her support for Harris is evident.
A Unified Democratic Push for November
As Democratic hopefuls take the stage, the focus shifts to reclaiming the House of Representatives and securing crucial races. While Kamala Harris embodies the fight for freedom, the night also spotlighted down-ballot Democrats like Lateefah Simon, underscoring the importance of supporting candidates across the board.
Introducing Tim Walz: America’s Finest Neighbor & Next VP?
“MIND YOUR OWN DAMN BUSINESS.” — Tim Walz, Minnesota Governor
On Wednesday night, Tim Walz took the stage to accept the vice presidential nomination, introducing himself to the American people beyond his political accomplishments.
They put Walz’s neighborliness and personal and professional compassion at the forefront. A teacher, veteran, LGBTQ advocate, and proponent of progressive policies, he has made significant strides in Minnesota.
“While other states were banning books from their schools, we were banishing hunger from ours.” — Tim Walz, Minnesota Governor
Walz’s endearing personality and genuine connection with his family were evident, and God it is so refreshing to see a politician whose kids so clearly love them. His speech highlighted his support for universal healthcare, gun reform, reproductive freedoms, and other progressive causes, making him a compelling vice presidential candidate.
Much of Tim Walz's speech focused on what Kamala Harris would achieve as president. Similar to how the Obamas used their time in an attempt to transfer their hope onto her, Walz used his time in the attempt to transfer his good progressive successes onto Harris’s vision.
While his speech was a strong and clear presentation of his and Harris’s goals (like, who doesn’t love a good coach pep talk?), the absence of any mention of Gaza or a call for a ceasefire was notable. Despite being a high point on a night of ups and downs, it remains to be seen if Walz’s speech was enough to balance out the evening's lows.