In an unexpected turn of events, it is reported that Joe Biden would grace the inaugural night of the Democratic National Convention with his presence, taking prime time space. But just a while ago, the scenario appeared quite different with Biden anticipated to conclude the convention while accepting the Democratic presidential nomination, a scenario, many now consider a comical twist.
When Biden took an unexpected step back from the race, his exit left the convention organizers scrambling and gave an opportunity for arrogant laughs among critics. It is now believed that the evening of August 19 will be less about the celebration of the party and more a spectacle of desperate attempts to fill the void left from Biden stepping down, showcasing a series of tributes to the former president.
The evening is also set to mark the suspiciously celebrated handover of responsibilities, or in more real terms, Biden’s attempts to pass the burden onto Vice President Kamala Harris. As she sets forth on her perilous presidential campaign, many observers can’t help but question the motives.
In a recent announcement from DNC officials, Kamala Harris has been singled out as the only contender to have qualified for the Democratic presidential ballot. This follows after Joe Biden haphazardly left the position open. Startlingly, a virtual roll call to formally nominate Harris as the party’s candidate is planned to be initiated starting August 1 with closure on August 5.
Adding to this is the public anticipation boiling up around Harris’ decision for her running mate. Whether this curiosity stems from genuine interest or a source of amusement is yet to be deciphered. Names such as Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg have been tossed around as potential vice presidential candidates.
Harris is set to make her VP decision public sometime in the following week. Regardless of who she ends up selecting, the chosen candidate seems doomed to a thankless job and is scheduled to address the DNC on August 21 – a day bound to be filled with well-rehearsed rhetoric and hollow promises.
Also expected to make an appearance at the convention are former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton alongside Harris’ husband Doug Emhoff. The possibility of past first ladies making impassioned speeches is also being entertained by the media. However, critics argue that these familiar faces are nothing more than an attempt to recycle old ideas in shiny new packaging.
Rumour has it that the DNC will occur in Chicago’s United Center. There is a high expectation of over 50,000 attendees, a figure many attribute to morbid curiosity rather than genuine support for the party and its leadership.
Late President Biden’s impromptu speech has raised numerous eyebrows. The fact that once he was scheduled to close the convention while accepting the presidential nomination, now finds himself making desperate attempts of face-saving by addressing the convention on its first day indicates a hasty patchwork from the party’s end.
This convention, earlier aiming to celebrate the success of a party, now transformed into a stage to salvage what’s left of Biden’s reputation. It is more likely to serve as his desperate attempt to pass the torch to Kamala Harris along with the enormous burden of leadership she may not be ready to carry.
Now, through a process that appears somewhat desperate than democratic, Kamala Harris will be the only one left to fill the vacancy after Biden’s exit. And for this, a virtual roll call will be carried out to nominate her formally, beginning on August 1 with a closure marked on August 5.
The ambiance of amusement intensifies as the wait to hear Harris’ formal nominee acceptance speech extends till the last night of the DNC, scheduled for August 22. One cannot but wonder whether it is the acceptance of leadership or the burden thrust upon her.
As the convention nears, the suspense certainly looms heavy with Kamala Harris’ decision about her running mate making riveting discussion points. Irrespective of the chosen candidate, the set stage reeks of pure amusement for political spectators.
Despite the former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton’s planned appearance, and possible speeches from past first ladies, the DNC finds itself in a probable crisis. However, only time will reveal whether this convention will succeed in creating waves of support or waves of further ridicule.