Vice-President Kamala Harris will take center stage Thursday night at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, delivering the most important speech of her political career. As the Democrats’ nominee for the presidency, Harris is expected to formally accept the nomination and outline her vision for the upcoming November election. The event marks the culmination of a week filled with speeches from prominent party figures and supporters, all rallying around Harris as the party’s leader.
The Road to Thursday Night
The convention has been leading up to this moment, where Harris will formally accept her party’s nomination. Earlier in the week, delegates from across the U.S. participated in a ceremonial roll call, confirming their support for the vice president. Harris’s running mate, Tim Walz, spoke on Wednesday, offering a personal appeal to middle America with a speech styled like a pep talk from an American football coach. The Minnesota governor, who also has a background in teaching and coaching, aimed to connect with working-class voters.
Wednesday’s events also included speeches from other influential Democrats. Former President Bill Clinton, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro were among the high-profile names to take the stage. Additionally, Oprah Winfrey made a surprise appearance, drawing a rousing response from the crowd as she urged Americans to choose truth in the upcoming election.
A Historic Nomination
Harris’s nomination follows President Joe Biden’s decision to step aside and support her candidacy, after facing pressure from party members. This decision has cleared the path for Harris, who is poised to potentially make history as the first female president of the United States. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, representing key swing states, are expected to speak on Thursday, alongside Republican Adam Kinzinger, who has openly opposed former President Donald Trump.
Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential candidate in 2016, also made a notable appearance earlier in the week. In her speech, Clinton expressed hope that Harris would break the “highest, hardest glass ceiling” by becoming the nation’s first female president. It was an emotional week for many Democrats, especially with Biden stepping back from the race. On Monday, the president delivered a heartfelt speech, stating, “America, I gave my best to you.”
Walz’s Middle America Appeal
Tim Walz’s speech on Wednesday was his first significant opportunity to introduce himself to a national audience. In his address, he focused on his personal story—emphasizing his time as a high-school football coach, his teaching career, and his service in the Army National Guard. Walz used these experiences to try and resonate with middle America, particularly voters from rural areas and small towns who may feel overlooked by Washington.
Walz was joined on stage by a series of prominent Democrats, but it was Oprah Winfrey’s surprise appearance that stole the show. Winfrey received a warm reception as she urged the audience to choose truth in the upcoming vote, reflecting the broader theme of unity and integrity running through the convention. Alongside the former president and other party grandees, rising Democratic stars like Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also took the stage, representing the next generation of leadership.
Biden and Obama Rally Democrats
President Joe Biden, although stepping aside from the race, made a significant contribution to the convention earlier in the week. On Monday, he delivered a speech reflecting on his time in office and expressing support for Harris. His decision to step down has been one of the key moments leading up to this convention, allowing the party to rally behind Harris.
Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama also made powerful speeches. Mixing humor with serious calls to action, they urged Democrats to vote in the upcoming election. “Hope is making a comeback,” said Michelle Obama, contrasting the optimism of the future with the “chaos” of Donald Trump’s presidency, as described by Barack Obama. This appeal for unity and action underscored the Democrats’ message of moving forward with hope and vision, with Harris at the helm.
A Star-Studded Convention
As with previous Democratic National Conventions, this year’s event has been a star-studded affair. In addition to Oprah Winfrey, attendees have included musicians like Stevie Wonder, John Legend, and Lil Jon, along with comedian Mindy Kaling. Rumors have been circulating that megastars Beyoncé and Taylor Swift might make surprise appearances, though neither has confirmed anything.
The entertainment highlights add a sense of excitement to the convention, which is not just about politics but about rallying public support and creating a sense of unity around the Democratic Party’s platform.
Protests and Demonstrations
While the atmosphere inside the convention has been celebratory, outside the venue, demonstrators have been voicing their opposition to U.S. support for Israel’s war in Gaza. Protests have taken place throughout the week, with some escalating into confrontations between demonstrators and police. Several arrests have been made, and a sit-in was organized by a group of delegates who were denied the opportunity to speak at the convention. These delegates, uncommitted to any presidential candidate, have used the platform to protest the party’s stance on Gaza.
President Biden acknowledged the activists’ concerns during his speech, stating, “A lot of innocent people are being killed, on both sides,” reflecting a nuanced position on the complex issue of U.S. foreign policy. However, this did little to quell the protests, as demonstrators continued to demand a ceasefire and an end to U.S. support for Israel.
Looking Ahead to November
As the Democratic National Convention comes to a close, all eyes are now on Kamala Harris. Her acceptance speech on Thursday night will serve as the climax of the event and as a pivotal moment for her campaign. The stakes are high as she prepares to lead the party into the final sprint toward November’s presidential election.
The Democratic Party has used this convention to lay out its policy platform, focusing on issues such as inflation, climate change, and gun violence. The platform has been crafted to contrast starkly with the ultra-conservative Project 2025, a blueprint for a potential second Trump administration.
With Harris poised to take on the mantle of leadership, the Democratic Party is making a strong case for change and progress, hoping to inspire voters to turn out in November and cast their ballots. As the campaign moves forward, Harris’s ability to connect with voters and communicate her vision will be key to securing victory in what promises to be a highly competitive election.
The weeks leading up to the election will be critical for Harris and her running mate Tim Walz, as they work to consolidate support and make their case to the American people.
