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Chicago was buzzing Monday night as the Democratic National Convention kicked off in high gear, just a month after President Joe Biden made the surprise move to withdraw his candidacy, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to take the top spot on the Democratic ticket.

The first night was a mix of emotions and energy. President Biden took the stage to a roaring crowd that greeted him with chants of “Thank you, Joe” and “We love Joe.” His speech, a mix of reflection and resolve, revisited the dark days of the Trump administration, including the January 6 insurrection, while positioning Harris as the leader America needs now. Biden didn’t hold back, taking direct shots at Trump, calling him “the loser” and celebrating his choice of Harris as the best decision of his career. The crowd was electric, their cheers almost drowning out his praise for Harris, whom he lauded as the prosecutor America needs.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez brought the fire with one of the night’s most impassioned speeches. She reminded the audience of her humble beginnings and emphasized Harris’s relatability to everyday Americans. “Kamala Harris is from the middle class, and she’s fighting for the middle class,” AOC declared, highlighting Harris’s commitment to civil rights, reproductive rights, and taking on corporate greed. Her nod to Harris’s work on securing a ceasefire in Gaza and bringing hostages home earned thunderous applause.

Outside the convention, pro-Palestinian protesters made their voices heard, adding a layer of tension to the night. But inside, the energy was unwavering as speaker after speaker, including Dr. Jill Biden, praised the president for stepping aside. “He loves the job, but he loves his country more,” she said, echoing the sentiment that Biden put the nation’s needs above his own.

Night two of the convention kept the momentum going, with former President Barack Obama delivering a keynote that was as much a tribute to Biden as it was a rallying cry for Harris. The night featured speeches from political heavyweights like Michelle Obama, Doug Emhoff, and Bernie Sanders, but it was the roll call vote that turned into a full-blown party. DJ Cassidy set the tone, spinning tracks from Eminem to Tupac, as states awarded their delegates to Harris in what felt more like a celebration than a convention.

Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, made a strategic move, leaving Chicago for a rally in Milwaukee, showing that they’re not taking any votes for granted. Walz, relatively unknown on the national stage, is being positioned as a voice of Midwestern common sense, aiming to bring rural, white voters back into the Democratic fold.

The night’s lineup also featured a heartfelt speech from Doug Emhoff, who shared personal anecdotes about his life with Harris, aiming to humanize the vice president and connect with voters on a personal level. Emhoff’s message was clear: Harris is tough, but she’s also someone who finds joy in justice and stands up to bullies.

As the convention rolled into its third night, it was a star-studded affair with appearances from former President Bill Clinton, musical icon Stevie Wonder, and, in a surprise twist, Oprah Winfrey. Winfrey, with her trademark eloquence, made an emotional appeal to independents and undecided voters, urging them to back Harris and painting the 2024 election as a battle for decency and respect.

“I have actually traveled this country from the redwood forest – love those redwoods – to the Gulf Stream waters. I’ve seen racism and sexism and income inequality and division. I’ve not only seen it at times, I’ve been on the receiving end of it, but more often than not, what I’ve witnessed and experienced are human beings, both conservative and liberal, who may not agree with each other, but who still help you in a heartbeat,” Winfrey said. “If you are in trouble, these are the people who make me proud to say that I am an American. They are the best of America. And despite what some would have you think. We are not so different from our neighbors. When a house is on fire, we don’t ask about the homeowner’s race or religion. We don’t wonder who their partner is or how they voted no. We just try to do
the best we can to save them. And if the past place happens to belong to a childless cat lady. Well, we try to get that cat out too.”

 

Governor Walz’s speech, closing out the night, was a powerful appeal to voters who have felt left behind, contrasting Republican book bans with Democratic efforts to fight hunger. His message was one of unity and common sense, themes that the Democratic Party hopes will resonate with voters across the nation.

As the DNC continues, one thing is clear: Kamala Harris is not just stepping into Biden’s shoes; she’s stepping into her own. The Democratic Party is rallying behind her with the full force of its star power, and they’re making it clear that this election is about more than just winning—it’s about defining the future of America.