Democrats rebrand as the party of freedom in Chicago rally
Kamala Harris leads Democrats' freedom charge against Trump
On Wednesday night in Chicago, Democrats aimed to rebrand themselves as the party of freedom, presenting Kamala Harris as the defender of this freedom against Donald Trump. To support this, they enlisted former President Bill Clinton, ex-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, cultural icons Oprah Winfrey and Stevie Wonder, younger leaders like governors Josh Shapiro and Wes Moore, and transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg. Leaders from various human rights and reproductive rights groups also joined. The 20,000 attendees at the United Center Arena showed strong approval for the message.
Centered on “A fight for our freedoms,” Democrats attempted to shift the narrative, traditionally seen as the party of big government, as opposed to Republicans who claim to champion liberty. This shift has intensified since Harris became the presidential nominee last month.
Oprah Winfrey made a surprise appearance at the convention after a video showcased everyday Americans discussing freedom. The crowd responded with a prolonged standing ovation. She highlighted abortion rights, referencing the consequences of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn national abortion protections. Oprah emphasised, “If you do not have autonomy over your body, there is no American dream.” She hailed those fighting to preserve these rights as the new freedom fighters and the best of America.
Oprah also linked the struggles of Black girls fighting school segregation in the 1950s to Kamala Harris’s journey. She praised those who guided Harris and instilled in her a passion for justice and freedom, predicting that Harris would be remembered as the 47th President of the United States.
Pete Buttigieg, who is gay, mocked Trump and JD Vance, while also connecting freedom to his family life with his husband and their two toddlers. He noted that such a life went from impossible to ordinary within half a lifetime, attributing this change to idealism, courage, organisation, persuasion, storytelling, and politics.
It's a PACKED stadium in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention 'AND' for the Harris Rally in Milwaukee Simultaneously!!! Donald Trump couldn't even fill one. 🇺🇸 #MAGA #TrumpIsDone #MAGAIsOver #HarrisWalz2024 #VetsAgainstTrump #DNC #DNC2024CHICAGO #VoteBlue pic.twitter.com/GzKRjxKwQF
— Web Godfather (@NickLongo) August 21, 2024
Josh Shapiro, once a potential vice-presidential pick, described Democrats as the party of “real freedom,” criticising Trump for attempting to restrict rights. He argued that true freedom includes great public schools, community investment, union membership, and the ability to start a family and marry whom one chooses. Shapiro highlighted that real freedom allows one to aspire to great heights, including seeing a woman as President.
Maryland governor Wes Moore, an Afghanistan veteran and the first Black governor of his state, reinforced the theme of freedom, intertwining it with patriotism, another value Democrats aim to reclaim from Republicans.
Bill Clinton, the 78-year-old former president, contrasted Kamala Harris as the “president of joy” with Trump’s self-centeredness. Despite the celebratory mood, he cautioned against complacency, referencing the unexpected outcome of his wife’s 2016 campaign. Nancy Pelosi, a key figure in Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race, reminded delegates of the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, crediting Democrats with saving democracy that day.
By emphasising freedom, patriotism, and democracy, Democrats aim to secure their base and attract swing voters. The effectiveness of this strategy will be evident on November 5.
What Other Media Are Saying
- NY1 reports on the third day of the DNC, highlighting key takeaways from speeches by Clinton, Walz, and Oprah, emphasizing themes of reproductive freedom and political perspectives.(read more)
- NPR provides a detailed account of the Democratic National Convention, highlighting Vice President Kamala Harris’s rise and Governor Tim Walz’s acceptance of the vice presidential nomination, emphasizing their personal stories and campaign strategies to attract voters.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who was the Democratic nominee for president mentioned in the convention?
Kamala Harris.
What was the main theme of the Democratic convention?
A fight for our freedoms.
What did Oprah Winfrey emphasize during her appearance?
The importance of abortion rights and personal autonomy.
How did Democrats contrast their message with Republicans?
By portraying themselves as the party of real freedom.
What did Bill Clinton warn Democrats about?
Not being complacent and underestimating the adversary.
