By Stephanie Kelly
Former U.S. President Barack Obama took center stage on the second night of the Democratic National Convention, highlighting Kamala Harris' nomination to challenge Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election. Here are the key takeaways from Tuesday night.
Republicans Take the Spotlight
The Democrats showcased Republican voices to sway conservative voters away from Trump. Stephanie Grisham, Trump's former White House press secretary; Mesa, Arizona, Mayor John Giles; and former Trump supporter Kyle Sweetser all made appearances at the convention. Grisham shared her journey from a Trump loyalist to the first senior White House staffer to resign after the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021. Despite this, Trump advisor Jason Miller dismissed their remarks, emphasizing that voters care more about their wallets and border security. However, some Republican voters have rallied around Harris, forming groups like Republicans for Harris with the motto "Country over party."
Celebrity Roll Call
The ceremonial roll call vote, where states pledged their support for Harris, featured a lineup of celebrities. Rapper Lil Jon pumped up the crowd with "Turn Down for What" for Georgia, while Spike Lee represented New York, Eva Longoria spoke for Texas, and Sean Astin and Wendell Pierce endorsed Indiana and Louisiana, respectively. A DJ even curated state-specific songs, such as "Sweet Home Alabama" for Alabama. Hollywood seems to be backing the Harris campaign, a shift from their stance during Joe Biden's candidacy.
Analysis:
Barack Obama's appearance at the Democratic National Convention highlighted the party's push to appeal to conservative voters through Republican voices. While Trump's former associates shared their disillusionment with the former president, his advisor downplayed their impact, focusing on economic and security issues. The star-studded roll call vote added a touch of glamour, showcasing support from celebrities across the country. This strategic move aims to broaden Harris' appeal and unite voters under the Democratic ticket, emphasizing unity and change over party lines. This shift in tactics reflects the party's efforts to secure a victory in the upcoming presidential election and shape the future of American politics.