In a spectacular display of political theater, Vice President Kamala Harris is set to step into the spotlight at the Democratic National Convention, aiming to secure her place as the party’s top nominee for the presidency. This grand finale coincides with President Joe Biden’s recent exit from the race, something that many Democrats viewed as a necessity for a much-needed change at the top. It seems that after the Biden administration’s less-than-stellar performance, Democrats are clinging to the hope that Harris can weave an enticing narrative to woo back voters.
Harris is reportedly gearing up for a speech that will have her promoting her rise from a middle-class background while simultaneously trying to paint Republicans, particularly Donald Trump, as the boogeymen of the political landscape. Her strategy is to juxtapose her “optimistic” vision—an ill-fated dream that has been defined by divisive policies—with the supposed “dark” agenda of the Right, which is more accurately described as a commitment to law, order, and traditional values. Meanwhile, she hopes to unite her party by invoking a flimsy sense of patriotism while overlooking the fact that many Americans see her leadership as anything but unifying.
After a stellar line up of thought leaders and and people leaders over four incredible nights, Kamala Harris delivered a barn burner tonight, to cap off the convention like no one else could and perhaps better than anyone ever has. What an amazing talent and intellect. We are… pic.twitter.com/8E5KWeTw00
— Rick Blasi (@RichardBlasi100) August 23, 2024
Earlier in the week, Harris made a couple of appearances, thanking President Biden for his “leadership,” which is a brain teaser in itself considering the Biden presidency has driven a wedge between Americans with its series of policy blunders. Additionally, the convention has lined up a medley of speakers, including some familiar faces such as Governor Gretchen Whitmer and civil rights leader Al Sharpton, who likely find themselves out of touch with the average American struggling under the weight of inflation and crime.
Adding yet another layer to the convention spectacle, Harris has introduced her running mate, Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz. Most voters might be wondering why they should care about Walz, who seems to only have recently emerged from relative obscurity, but hopes are riding high that he can balance out Harris’ “coastal elite” image with his Midwestern charm. He shared anecdotes about his background, a heartfelt pitch that might land well with those looking for a narrative to latch onto, but skeptics remain as hoping for “joy” from a convention is a tall order.
Not to be left out of the drama, Walz’s son found himself in tears as he watched his father speak, a moment many Democrats are undoubtedly swooning over. Yet, this emotional display raises questions about the political theater overtaking real issues like rising crime, educational failures, and economic turmoil under the current Democratic leadership. As Harris prepares to deliver a speech that may ultimately be heavy on rhetoric and light on substance, the real question remains: can Democrats actually convince the American people that they’re the solution to the challenges facing the nation? Or will this convention be nothing more than a distractive media circus that fails to confront the urgent issues at hand?