Mmission accomplished. The convention of the American Democratic Party ended on Thursday evening, August 22, in Chicago with a monster tricolor balloon release, as tradition dictates, but above all with the euphoria of an unexpected success a month earlier, when Joe Biden, then an eight-year candidate in the presidential election on Nov. 5 appeared to be leading his camp to almost certain defeat against Donald Trump.
The miracle happened on July 21 when President Biden decided to withdraw from the race in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris, 59. In stark contrast to the somber atmosphere of the 2020 campaign, the four days of self-celebration, newfound unity and joy as the thousands of Democratic supporters in Chicago have just experienced around their elected officials, has confirmed the enormous momentum that Kamala Harris’s candidacy has brought to the party, transformed into a red-hot political locomotive. This momentum also translates into successful fundraising, thanks to which the party will be able to flood the airwaves with promotional messages and videos for the next two months.
Highly anticipated, the closing speech given by the candidate allowed her to easily establish a presidential image of the future commander-in-chief. Optimistic, patriotic, centered and focused on the future of the middle class, vague enough to bring people together, this half-hour speech was not designed to present a government program, but to inspire confidence and hope in the leadership of a child of Jamaica and Indian immigrant student who became California attorney general, then senator, then vice president: an authentic American story. The goal was undoubtedly achieved.
Insufficient binding
Cleverly, Kamala chose Harris’s campaign as her slogan “a new way” making her appear as the candidate for change rather than having to justify a record, a role left to Joe Biden. The second slogan, “no way back”, targeting Donald Trump’s record, which all the attacks have focused on and which is proving to be the most powerful unifying factor for Democrats. No false note came to disturb the line-up of party stars who, in perfect working order, including left-wing personalities, prepared the ground for their candidate for four days. Especially eloquently, Michelle Obama gave nothing about Donald Trump. Vice presidential candidate Tim Walz’s warm speech, Minnesota’s governor, confirmed the wise choice of a Midwestern man for the Democratic ticket.
By stealing the theme of freedom from the Republican camp, presented as a supporter of a limitation of individual rights, especially abortion, and by disciplinedly confirming their last-minute tandem, the Democrats have now firmly established their campaign. However, former President Barack Obama’s caution is justified: the hardest thing will be done in seventy-five days against established Republicans. The jump in opinion polls is not yet sufficient, especially in key states. Destabilized by this unexpected turn that stole the limelight, Donald Trump may return. Kamala Harris has yet to face the press or questions about her show. The big challenge now is to mobilize voters beyond the party, so that this convention is not just an enchanted bracket.