Democrats play up unity, diversity on second night of convention

Linda Henry, a delegate from Missouri, was equally pleased with how Democrats treated the outgoing Biden.

“I thought it was a wonderful tribute to him,” she told Courthouse News. “I thought he was able to talk about his own accomplishments, which was beautiful, and then paved the way for the new generation.”

Asked about other highlights from Monday evening, Henry said she was particularly impressed with remarks delivered by former Secretary of State and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

Clinton, who nearly became the first female U.S. president, gave a heartfelt and at times emotional tribute to Harris, who if elected herself will become the first Black woman in the Oval Office.

“The glass ceiling thing just really hits home, being a woman of a certain age,” Henry said.

Meanwhile, as convention-goers filed into the United Center, some chatted over Chicago-style hot dogs and ogled the paltry offering of Harris-Walz merchandise on sale.

Compared with the loud and sometimes gaudy Donald Trump swag available at the Republican National Convention in July, the campaign chic for many DNC attendees was more conventional — though several convention-goers were spotted wearing the viral Harris-Walz camouflage caps, a reference to breakout indie star Chappell Roan’s similarly-styled “Midwest princess” hat.

And, true to the DNC’s quest to capture the youth vote, there was no shortage of internet and media personalities milling about outside. Former YouTube star turned TikTok news aggregator Philip DeFranco made his way through the crowd, and Jordan Klepper of the "Daily Show" needled attendees.

Klepper was heard quipping to one convention-goer about President Joe Biden’s Monday night speech, which began more than an hour after its scheduled start time and sparked accusations — albeit with no evidence — that Democrats were relegating him to a minor role in the event.

“It’s like, thanks Biden, don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out,” Klepper joked to the attendee he was interviewing.

Delegates began their ceremonial roll call vote after a brief lull in which the whole arena had its photo taken by a 110 year-old camera. The roll call was mostly on-script, with every state and territory throwing their weight behind Harris and Walz. The only bump in the proceedings came when Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers momentarily struggled to recall Harris’ name.

Convention attendees watched Harris herself from her rally in Milwaukee, where she addressed both crowds.

“We are so proud to be your nominees. This is a people-powered campaign, and together we will chart a new path forward,” Harris said. 

Several states, like Illinois and Hawaii, also played up their connections to Barack Obama when announcing their delegate votes — foreshadowing the night’s scheduled headline appearance by the former president.

Both Michelle and Barack Obama took the stage before the night ended, playing to their respective hits. 

Michelle urged attendees at the convention to “do something!” 

“Because this is going to be close. In some states, just a handful of votes in every precinct could decide the winner. So we need to vote in numbers that erase any doubt,” she said.

The former president, meanwhile, referenced his “Hope” presidential campaign slogan, told convention-goers booing Trump’s name "don't boo, vote," and poked fun at the Affordable Care Act being called "Obamacare." His speech stirred the crowd, which erupted into raucous applause at multiple points. 

He concluded his remarks by urging for a “return” to a kinder, gentler America vis-a-vis a Harris presidency.    

“We’ll elect leaders up and down the ballot who will fight for the hopeful, forward-looking America we believe in. And together, we too will build a country that is more secure and more just, more equal and more free,” he said. “So let’s get to work.” 

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