Night three of the Democratic National Convention was a night of high emotion and excitement, with a theatrical touch or two, and surprises.
Vice presidential nominee Tim Walz’s speech was met with chants of “Coach, Coach, Coach,” as he talked about the life of a smalltown Minnesota public school teacher in a community where people look out for one another but otherwise mind their own damn business.
It was capped off with a parade of former students whom he coached — a perfect, physical way to drive home that Walz is a beloved guy still and has a true connection to Middle America.
But son Gus’s emotional, loving response to his Dad’s speech was extremely touching and melted every heart with its unabashed expression of love.
Former President Bill Clinton was outstanding as usual, especially when he said as the “Man from Hope” he was supporting the joyful warrior Kamala Harris. Team Hope and Joy!
In a surprise appearance, Oprah Winfry made a direct appeal to independents to support Harris. The crowd loved it.
Throughout the night, the theme was Freedom. Saturday Night Live regular Kenan Thompson showed up on stage with a big copy of Project 2025 and proceeded to interview people from Zoom about its impact on them – telling a Department of Education employee that the plan called for doing away with her department and her job. It was fun and factual at the same time.
Reproductive freedom, freedom to be who you are, freedom to marry whom you love, freedom of opportunity for immigrants – all had their speakers and their turn on the convention stage.
And former Republicans appeared at the podium to explain why they couldn’t support their former boss anymore.
But the party came alive with musical performers such as John Legend and Stevie Wonder.
The California delegation – the convention’s largest – is seated prominently on the floor and they were animated all night. At times, they all jumped up and danced as music played. Their spontaneous joy is contagious.
Everybody was having fun. The “party” is back in the Democratic Party.
Thursday morning the Michigan Delegation breakfast was treated to appearances by David Plouffe, political mastermind for Barack Obama and now for Harris. “This election is going to be tight,” he warned. For all the excitement and fun we’re having, we haven’t won anything yet, he said.
Michigan, he said, has the reputation for getting out the vote and he called on us to deliver.
Pete Buttigieg spoke as well, both at the convention and at the breakfast, joking about people recognizing him from his appearances on Fox News.
He also reminded the convention how far the nation has come in accepting gay people, noting 25 years ago a family like his would not have been accepted. It was a battle, change just didn’t happen, he said.
Over and over, delegates are being told, we have 75 days to preserve our freedoms and our democracy.
