a B|E brief
Of course, we’re all being overwhelmed by millions of astute and unique takes on this past week’s Democratic National Convention, which is a sign that Democrats did indeed pull it off. And we’re all just simply overwhelmed by the Convention itself. We still can’t help but contribute to that avalanche of takes; it’s very hard not to. But there is no take as compelling as the level of stark contrast this event established between a now ebullient and hopeful Democratic Party and a Republican Party that finds itself utterly trapped in a cauldron of ugliness. We’re watching a “Grand Old Party” gripped in political vendettas, nasty taunting of the disabled, corruption and unadulterated don’t-care racism. It continues to collapse around itself as Trump continues to maintain a hold over it, grifting every campaign dollar he’s able to get his hands on.
Democrats were all too ready this week to highlight the contrast and, more importantly, to show the absolute danger in American voters making the wrong choice. So bad is that collapse of the Republican Party that even high profile Republicans themselves - albeit few of them currently elected - were carried by such a sense of urgency as to offer passionate pleas of support for the Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris … at the Democratic National Convention. It was surreal.
Overall, this was a political convention for the political history books, with Democrats re-taking, rightfully, themes that for years had long eluded them for various reasons: themes like “Freedom” and audience chants like “U.S.A.” It was refreshing to watch the inflection point happen, and beautiful in the sense that it captured the full, multi-faceted tapestry of America, with Oprah Winfrey at one point quoting the late great civil rights hero and Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) that “[w]e may have all come here on different ships, but we're in the same boat now.”
This was a brilliant production. Democrats were selling a unified American theme, with Vice President Harris herself urging those listening to during these course of this election hold fast to “… a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past.” The messaging throughout the week was about achieving a common good; Harris’ speech, capping that, was focused intensely on how to fight for and secure that same common good.
Also brilliant, however, was the untouchable sales of both Harris and her running mate Governor Tim Walz (D-MN). Walz being pitched as the helpful neighbor and high school football coach. Interestingly enough, especially in Harris’ speech, there wasn’t much pitching of a nation potentially breaking glass ceilings to elect a first Black South Asian and woman president. That seemed intentional - and also a smart move given the demographic complexities of running a campaign like this. The focus is on civic credentials and capabilities, on strength as a “for the people” warrior. So there was - with the raucous emphasis on joy - this very smart unification and common good epistle, keeping it positive over the next 70+ days, blended in with Gov. Walz’s folksy love-thy-neighbor creed. These don’t seem like people obsessed with running for office or placing political trophies atop their personal ego mantles. This convention appeared to showcase people who are genuinely concerned about the nation’s state of affairs, the catastrophic consequences of selecting, as Harris put it, “an unserious man.”
At the moment, electorally, it seems infectious. Trump and the Republican Party have no response to it. But keep an eye on how they will figure out ways to cheat their way through it.