The Democratic National Convention (DNC) began on Monday in Chicago with the participation of several of its leaders, who celebrated the nomination of Kamala Harris as a candidate for the Presidency, after President Joe Biden’s refusal to seek re-election.
During the convention, the governor of Minnesota was also confirmed as the candidate for Vice President of the United States by acclamation of the delegates present at the DNC. He will give his acceptance speech on Wednesday, August 21.
The 59-year-old vice president opened the DNC by calling him an “incredible president.” “Joe, thank you for your historic leadership, for your lifetime of service to our nation,” she said, cheered by thousands of delegates gathered at the United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks.
A prominent figure who appeared later on stage was Hillary Clinton, who praised Harris’ work as vice president, calling her the best person to ever serve in the White House.
Clinton wanted to make history in 2016 as the first woman to become president, but lost to Donald Trump. Now, Harris seeks to break that “glass ceiling,” for which Clinton proclaimed her as the next president of the United States in an emotional speech.
Also speaking was New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, leader of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, who lashed out at Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Walz confirmed as Vice President
During the DNC, one of the highlights was when Walz’s nomination, who until a few months ago had no national reputation, was confirmed and approved by acclamation and shouts of “USA.”
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan immediately intervened after that procedural vote to support Walz’s candidacy and highlight his humble origins and “simple man” profile.
“I’ve never seen anyone work harder to make Minnesota the best place for kids to grow up. He does it with a big heart and a buffalo plaid jacket and a big bag of chips, cheese curds and diet Mountain Dew,” said his number two, who is of Native American descent.
Walz has managed to cement his popularity since he was chosen by Harris – who on Thursday, August 22, will be anointed as the Democratic candidate for President – just two weeks ago. The governor of Minnesota has distinguished himself with his direct, affable and mocking style towards Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance.
Walz has touted protecting abortion rights in her state after the conservative-majority Supreme Court overturned the 1970s Roe v. Wade protection, ensuring students have access to free lunches and increasing parental leave.
Democrats will use the next four days to take stock of Biden’s tenure and make way for Harris.
In less than a month, the ruling party has gone from trying to convince Biden that he had no chance of winning – after his performance in the June 27 presidential debate against Trump – to gathering almost unanimous support for Harris’ candidacy, who was the only candidate after the president’s resignation from re-election.
The convention is an opportunity for Democrats to rally around Harris and her running mate, in a spectacle designed for prime-time television and for the first time with a significant presence of influencers to amplify the echo on social networks.
So far in August, Harris and Walz have launched their campaign, which has drawn heavily from the Joe Biden-Kamala Harris team, and have launched a marathon of rallies across key states that have generated significant buzz and momentum, something Democrats now have a challenge to maintain.
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