DNC Night Two: The Democrats' Trump Card, The Obamas
Special Edition 003
Night two in Chicago opened with a moving performance by Patti LaBelle, honoring those who have dedicated their lives to political service and have since passed. The largest portion of the evening was the historic delegate roll call vote, officially nominating Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate. If Monday’s theme was “Kamala Harris cares,” Tuesday’s focus was “choosing freedom.” From Sen. Bernie Sanders to the first Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and the Obamas, the night was infused with heart and determination, showcasing a deeply earnest side of the Democratic Party. Here’s a look at how the Democrats made their mark on night two.
“The Torch Has Been Passed to a New Generation”
Once again, the Democratic Party emphasized its commitment to passing the proverbial torch to a younger generation, symbolized by Biden’s endorsement of Harris. The night began with remarks from the grandsons of former Presidents Jimmy Carter and John F. Kennedy, and continued with praise for young party members from established figures, including President Barack Obama and Majority Senate Leader Chuck Schumer.
On night two, Bernie Sanders took the stage and strongly criticized Trump, warning of the dangers his presidency would pose. Despite Sanders being a seasoned leader, he very much represents the new generation—the left wing of the party. His passionate speech on progressive policies—like campaign finance reform, tackling big pharma, universal healthcare, raising the minimum wage, and strengthening education—energized the crowd. And Sanders on the mainstage of the DNC even called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. While it's still early to gauge the authenticity of this shift, if the Democrats maintain this momentum, they might just win me over.
They Hit Project 2025 Again—Well Done
“This is not a radical agenda, but let me tell you what is, Trump’s Project 2025.” - Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders
On Tuesday night, Pennsylvania State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta brought Project 2025 back into the spotlight. While Monday focused on Trump’s authoritarian ambitions, Tuesday shifted to the threat against workers' rights. While I could do without seeing that oversized book again, the Democrats’ message is both crucial and impactful. Project 2025 exposes a major vulnerability for Trump and the Republicans. Expect this to be a recurring theme throughout the convention, and I’m eager to see which aspects of Project 2025 will be highlighted on nights three and four.
In 2024, We Choose Freedom—Harris is the Freedom Vote
Democrats are making the case that Kamala Harris is the fierce leader the country needs, fighting relentlessly “for the people.” Last night, we heard from her supporters about why they’re choosing freedom in November and voting for Harris. They’re prioritizing their country, pursuing their dreams, and seeking to eliminate the strange and dangerous from our political landscape.
Country First
Country over party was a central theme. Last night, we heard from former Trump supporters, including a voter who cast his ballot for Trump three times, one of his former close advisors, and the lifelong Republican Mayor of Mesa, Arizona. Each shared compelling reasons for their shift away from Trump and today’s Republican Party, citing a loss of faith in their leadership and a desire to prioritize the country's needs over party loyalty.
Choose Opportunity
Harris supporters are backing a candidate who will empower Americans to pursue their dreams and seize new opportunities. Throughout the night supporters spoke about how Harris advocates for expanded healthcare access, defending Medicaid and Medicare programs against Trump’s cuts. Her commitment to reproductive freedoms includes supporting the right to choose and access treatments like IVF. For working families, Harris promises to uphold American values, restore manufacturing jobs, and protect pensions, Social Security, and Medicare. Michigan Sen. Gary Peters and Teamsters underscored this commitment at the DNC, even as Teamsters President Sean O’Brien was absent.
They’re Not Just Weird, They’re Dangerous
Throughout the night the Democratic party hit all the right notes, highlighting the weird behavior and controversial comments of Donald Trump and JD Vance, with even Barack Obama delivering a few jabs later on in the night. But Tuesday night’s ad went further, framing the Trump-Vance ticket not just as unusual but as a significant threat to the nation’s well-being. It underscored the need to eliminate this dangerous and weird influence from U.S. politics and the Harris-Walz ticket as the way to do it, making it one of the most impactful and memorable ads of the night.
Democrats Play Their Trump Card: The Obamas
“Who going to tell him that the job he’s currently seeking might just be one of those ‘Black jobs’?” - Former First Lady Michelle Obama
The DNC's second night was electrified by former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. As each took the stage, you could barely hear yourself think under the crowd’s intense roars.
I don’t know how else to describe it, but night two of the DNC felt Black, and like a return to the vibrant energy of the 2008 era. Michelle Obama captured a “familiar feeling” of the past, just this time it’s “forward” instead of “hope.” Harris’s packed rallies have evoked memories of the Obama days, but tonight revealed the deeper, strategic parallels between their campaigns. The energy of the room was indescribable. The room was filled with an indescribable energy—joy, conviction, and earnest engagement—as Michelle took the stage. And the fervor only grew as Michelle as the former first lady took jabs at Trump and touted Harris’s qualifications and commitment to the nation. (P.S. Michelle’s stylist, you are loved!)
Barack Obama, perhaps the only person in this entire lineup over these four days that could adequately follow a speech by Michelle Obama, brought back his signature charisma from 16 years ago when he first made his run for president. He praised Joe Biden, took jabs at Trump, and drew meaningful connections between himself and Kamala Harris, aiming to transfer the hope he inspired to her.
The DNC has been focused on filling in the biography of Kamala Harris, and what better people to help deliver that message and strengthen her stance than America’s first First Black Family? Michelle and Barack’s unmatched presence and aura make them the best spokespeople in all of the Democratic Party, maybe even in all of politics. I could write an entire post dedicated to each of them, but maybe that’s a story for another time.
All I know is that with the Obamas' powerful presence setting such a high bar, the next two nights of the convention have big shoes to fill.