In this discussion, Vice President Kamala Harris shares insights as she prepares to lead the Democratic ticket, marking a pivotal shift from Biden's presidency. Franklin Foer, a staff writer for The Atlantic and author of "The Last Politician," reflects on Biden's legacy and his key achievements like the Inflation Reduction Act. The conversation also highlights the role of celebrity endorsements, featuring potential appearances by stars like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, and the importance of voter engagement as the party looks ahead to future elections.
President Biden's speech at the DNC marked a reflective farewell, celebrating his key policies while acknowledging the shift to Kamala Harris as the party's future leader.
The role of celebrities in the DNC is evolving, emphasizing their genuine political engagement and the importance of encouraging voter registration over mere endorsements.
Deep dives
Biden's Achievements and Farewell
President Joe Biden reflected on his tenure during the Democratic National Convention, highlighting key accomplishments while also marking the end of his political career. He reported that democracy has prevailed under his leadership, and emphasized progress in combating COVID-19, improving infrastructure, addressing climate change, and strengthening gun control. Notably, he has also played a pivotal role in uniting NATO against Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, the tone was bittersweet as this was not the anticipated celebration of a second term but rather a farewell as the party shifts its focus to Vice President Kamala Harris.
Biden's Progressive Legacy and Expectations
Discussions surrounding Biden's legacy point to a progressive agenda that includes significant reforms such as expanding access to birth control and medication abortion, enhancing Title IX protections for LGBTQ students, and reducing prescription drug prices. His administration also took steps to address student debt and pursued antitrust actions against tech companies. Despite these major achievements, there were unrealized expectations for a more monumental legacy akin to the New Deal. Critics suggest that while Biden targeted transformative change, the failed ambitions of the Build Back Better plan, largely due to infighting within the party, have left a mixed perception of his presidency.
Celebrity Influence and Political Engagement
The Democratic National Convention is poised to attract significant celebrity attention, with speculation about stars like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift potentially attending. Observations indicate that celebrity involvement has evolved, with a greater expectation for public figures to be authentically engaged in political discourse rather than merely endorsing candidates. This shift is underscored by the importance of celebrities encouraging voter registration rather than dictating voting choices. However, there is also concern about over-representation of celebrity culture at political events, with calls for a focus on substantive issues rather than superficial entertainment.
On Monday night, President Joe Biden kicked off the Democratic National Convention. In his speech, a political swan song, Biden looked back on his major accomplishments during his term as president. And, somewhat awkwardly, many people clapping and cheering on Monday were the same people who pressured Biden to drop his re-election bid. The party is moving on with Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the ticket while Biden winds down his political career. Franklin Foer, a staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of "The Last Politician: Inside Joe Biden's White House and the Struggle for America's Future," discusses Biden's legacy.
While the GOP had to settle for Kid Rock and Hulk Hogan, the Democrats will have no problem bringing the star power to the DNC. Olivia Craighead, a writer covering pop culture and celebrity for The Cut, highlights the famous folks throwing their support behind the Harris-Walz campaign this week.