Who knew making history could be so much fun?
The last night of the Democratic National Convention was, at different points:
• A rocking dance party led by the DJ Metro.
• A fun lesson in how to pronounce Vice President Harris’ first name, led by her adorable nieces.
• An indoor beach party with delegates playfully batting around the huge red, white, and blue balloons that cascaded down from the rafters of the United Center where they had waited patiently all week for their big moment.
Delegates had waited all week as well, for the big moment when Harris accepted the Democratic nomination “For the People.” And the response was thunderous.
Little mention was made of the historic nature of a major party nominating the first African-American woman for president.
Instead, the focus was on Harris introducing herself to those Americans who don’t know her. By telling the story of her mother’s immigration, she put herself into the mainstream of American history, in which Americans have prided ourselves as being a nation where immigrants can make a new life.
She reassured the nation that she is tough enough to stand up to dictators rather than cozy up to them and promised that she will address immigration by signing the bipartisan border bill, and offering an “opportunity economy” agenda for expanding the middle class.
Patriotism was on full display. “USA” placards and thousands of small flags were waving furiously in delegates’ hands all night.
And that was especially true when Republican Adam Kinzinger, a former member of Congress who served on the Jan. 6 committee, shared a secret about Democrats with his fellow Republicans.
“Democrats are just as patriotic as we are,” he said.
The crowd agreed boisterously.
Before Harris’ big moment, both Rep. Elissa Slotkin and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer spoke in full support of Harris. Whitmer called Harris a real “badass” who will get things done.
There were somber moments as well – the members of the Central Park Five falsely accused years ago of a crime and imprisoned with Donald Trump paying for a full page ad in The New York Times calling for their execution. Trump still insists they are guilty, despite another person having been convicted.
Gun violence victims also told their stories of losing children in school shootings.
Harris’ remarks on Gaza reminded delegates of the ongoing conflict there and the tension between allowing Israel to defend itself and the horrific attacks on Gaza by Israel in retaliation.
But the dominant theme was joy. Team Hope and Joy left Chicago Friday, heading home to work for the next 74 days because despite the euphoria, this race is tied.
