The third day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago showcased a blend of unity, inclusivity, and sharp contrasts with the Republican opposition. The event, held on August 21, 2024, featured a lineup of prominent speakers who emphasized the party's vision for America's future.
Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, delivered a speech that highlighted the Democrats' economic achievements. He stated, "Since the end of the Cold War in 1989, America has created about 51 million new jobs. I swear I checked this three times. Even I couldn't believe it." Clinton also critiqued former President Donald Trump's self-centeredness, advising listeners to count the "I's" in Trump's speeches rather than the lies.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the first African American to lead a major party in either chamber of Congress, employed a lighthearted analogy to describe Trump's persistent attempts to regain power. He compared the former president to an ex-boyfriend who "just won't go away," eliciting laughter from the audience.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, the first openly LGBTQ person elected to statewide office in Michigan, praised Vice President Kamala Harris's support for LGBTQ rights. Nessel referenced Harris's refusal to defend California's ban on same-sex marriage in 2011, which was later ruled unconstitutional. She emphatically stated, "You can pry this wedding band from my cold, dead, gay hand."
A poignant moment occurred when the parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an American hostage held by Hamas, shared their son's story. Goldberg-Polin was kidnapped 320 days prior during an attack in Israel. The crowd chanted "Bring them home!" as images of eight American hostages still believed to be in captivity were displayed.
Media mogul Oprah Winfrey addressed independent and undecided voters, urging them to support the Democratic ticket. She emphasized the importance of unity, stating, "When a house is on fire, we don't ask about the homeowner's race or religion. We don't wonder who their partner is or how they voted."
"I am honored to accept the vice-presidential nomination and join Kamala Harris in our fight for a more inclusive and prosperous America."
The convention's third day concluded with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz accepting the vice-presidential nomination, solidifying the Harris-Walz ticket for the upcoming election.
As the Democratic National Convention progresses, it continues to highlight the party's commitment to inclusivity, economic progress, and a vision of unity for the United States. The event serves as a crucial platform for the party to present its case to the American people ahead of the presidential election.