Five takeaways from Dems convention
THE RACE IS ON
A month ago, at the Republican convention in Milwaukee, after Joe Biden’s disastrous debate performance and Donald Trump’s assassination attempt, it appeared that the 2024 presidential election was heading towards a clear win for Trump. Four weeks is indeed a long time in politics, for the Democratic meet in Chicago has shown that the party is ready to fight till the last vote.
DEMOCRATS ARE UNITED
A big tent party that has seen deep divisions between its centrist and progressive factions, between its older and newer generation of leaders, between its Jewish American and pro-Israel and Arab American and progressiv members, is today largely united in their opposition to Donald Trump.
OBAMAS STILL HAVE IT
The stars of the convention were undoubtedly Michelle and Barack Obama. Eight years after their exit from White House, the first Black couple to live in the presidential home retain their aura. Michelle’s speech and unapologetic attack on Trump galvanised the party base, Obama’s one liners and support for Harris but also his thoughtful analysis of social divisions in US offered a blueprint to Dems. Both also warned against complacency.
WOMEN AND MINORITIES MATTER
This Democratic Party is a party of women and a party of immigrants. It is a party of Black Americans and the LGBTQ+ community. It is a party that looks like America in ways that Republicans don’t, in the composition of the leadership, the support base, policies and statements.
THE HARRIS-WALZ MAGIC IS REAL
Few had thought that Kamala Harris was popular till a month ago. Few knew Tim Walz till three weeks ago. But the combination of a half Black, half Indian daughter of immigrants and a regular White army veteran, school teacher and football coach — both willing to fight for liberal beliefs, but in a pleasant and joyful manner — has changed the mood and optics of American politics.