In this discussion, Dana Milbank, a seasoned political columnist; Jennifer Rubin, a sharp voice on policy; Jonathan Capehart, a keen political journalist; and Jim Geraghty, a Republican-focused commentator, delve into the changing dynamics within the Democratic Party. They explore the implications of Kamala Harris stepping into the spotlight, the absence of gender discourse in the campaign, and the party's struggle with working-class identity amid inflation. The conversation mixes insights with humor, comparing the DNC's excitement to the Olympics.
Biden's farewell speech at the DNC balanced pride in his accomplishments with a critical stance against Trump, emphasizing his connection to party members.
Clinton's address highlighted her personal evolution and urged Kamala Harris to embrace her candidacy, reinforcing the party's working-class identity amidst critiques of elitism.
Deep dives
Biden's Defiant Valedictory
President Biden's recent speech at the Democratic National Convention was noteworthy for its emotional tone and sense of finality, marking his departure from the electoral stage. He emphasized his accomplishments and expressed pride in what he achieved, especially in contrast to his critics, including a clear disdain for Donald Trump. The audience reaction was overwhelming, with a five-minute standing ovation illustrating the gratitude and connection he fostered with party members over his tenure. Despite the positive reception, some critiques highlighted that much of his address felt repetitive, echoing familiar themes from his prior speeches.
Hillary Clinton's Resurgence
Hillary Clinton delivered a speech that resonated strongly with attendees, showcasing her journey and the lessons learned from past political battles. Her demeanor conveyed a sense of vindication, particularly in light of her historical struggles against Trump, and she encouraged Vice President Kamala Harris to seize her moment as a candidate. Clinton's assertive acknowledgment of the 'lock him up' chants reflected her evolution and strengthened her standing among party members, who appeared to appreciate her renewed confidence. This shift in perception illustrates the growing recognition of the challenges she faced in 2016 and the missed opportunities for the Democratic Party.
Democrats' Working-Class Messaging
The Democratic Convention aimed to reinforce the party's identity as the champion of the working class, concurrently addressing criticisms about elitism, particularly in light of economic concerns. Sean Fain, the head of the UAW, effectively branded Trump as disconnected from working Americans, enhancing the narrative of Democrats as the party of the people. Highlighting Kamala Harris's background and her relatable story served to challenge the perceptions of her being an elite. This strategic messaging seeks to redefine the Democratic Party's relationship with the middle class, contrasting it with the wealthy lifestyle associated with Trump's image.
We are in Chicago, where it's Kamala Harris's party now. Columnists Dana Milbank, Jennifer Rubin, Jonathan Capehart and Jim Geraghty discuss why gender isn’t being talked about in this campaign so far, and they do the math on what percentage of the Democrats’ energy is from excitement, relief and just avoiding existential dread.