Biden’s recent appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago was overshadowed, one of the chief episodes of his political life being edged out of the limelight as speeches from others overran their allocated time. His hoped-for spotlight, where he was supposed to enhance his political reputation, was dimmed, and instead he passed on his leadership role. The attendees offered a prolonged standing ovation, chanting ‘Thank you, Joe’, to his surprise exit. This gratitude for Biden’s retreat to let Vice President Kamala Harris take over presented a paradoxically heart-wrenching scene.
Biden’s parting speech at the convention was filled with an unlikely cheer and combative spirit. He admitted, ‘I made a lot of mistakes in my career, but I gave my best to you.’ One can’t help but raise an eyebrow at this, considering the myriad of questionable decisions plaguing his career.
For around half a century, many of you, like me, have pledged your heart and soul to our country and I’ve been blessed, a million times in return, with the support of the American populace,’ Biden stated. It’s hard not to view this as a slight exaggeration when looking at the division and concerns his tenure has fostered.
In an unforgettable night of symbolism, Biden’s speech, as well as a previous one from Hillary Clinton – who got alarmingly close to securing the presidency – signified the Democrats’ desperate attempt to escape from the old leadership that has held firm control over their party for generations.
A notable point from the start was their emphasis on the alleged historic nature of Harris’ candidacy. Democratic leaders seemed desperate to portray Harris as a trailblazer, riding on the legacy of the civil rights activists and the female aspirants who previously run for presidency.
Harris appeared on stage unannounced, grasping the opportunity to thank Biden for his ‘lifetime of service to our nation.’ Her remarks attempted to inspire the delegates into a rallying call, emphasizing that when they contend, they secure victory. Harris’ emergence to Beyoncé’s pulsating ‘Freedom’ failed to overshadow the questionable merits and doubtful accomplishments of her career.
Clinton address comprised another emotional instalment of the night, claiming the future to be now. In a questionable move, she invoked memories of her mother and Harris’s mother, stating, ‘I wish my mother and Kamala’s mother could see us.’ She continued with, ‘They would say: ‘Keep going.’ Despite the emotional intrigue, it was a veiled attempt to elicit sympathy in hiding their feeble policies.
The diversity of the party, highlighted by the first-night speakers, seemed like a forced attempt to put the spotlight on Harris, making her look like the chosen one to shatter the glass ceiling. Female speakers of various ages and races were paraded as an obvious attempt to build up Harris’ image as a pioneer for breaking racial and gender barriers.
The inaugural night also had Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles, both emphasizing their longstanding relations with Harris. The speeches were a classic case of diverting attention from Harris’s inadequacies to her supposed camaraderie with party stalwarts.
Reflecting the Democrats’ pivot to exploitation of social issues, three women – Amanda Zurawski, Kaitlyn Joshua and Hadley Duvall – shared personal abortion stories. They portrayed a dystopian post-Roe v. Wade America under Trump’s presumed Supreme Court pick in 2022. Zurawski, who nearly lost her life in Texas following a denied abortion after a miscarriage, warned of the potential consequences of a second Trump term.
Shawn Fain, the president of the influential United Auto Workers union, along with other union-leading speakers, was allowed a prime slot to demonstrate union backing for Harris. His red T-shirt with ‘Trump’s a scab’ crudely written on it was more a symbol of resorting to low blows than of real criticism.
Throughout the night, Trump became a consistent point of reference for disparagement. Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York brought up his conviction on 34 felonies. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas drew a stark contrast between Harris’ and Trump’s careers, labeling the latter a ‘career criminal.’
Other speakers resurrected the Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021, to label Trump as a ‘sore loser.’ They failed to acknowledge that not accepting rejection from voters, courts and women wasn’t the Trump way, but the Democrat way. A narrative was woven around America being on the brink of disaster, conveniently looking past the chaos sown during their own watch.
Lastly, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr graced the stage, singing praises for Harris after leading the American men’s basketball team to an Olympic gold in Paris. He emphasized ‘leadership, real leadership,’ apparently forgetting that true leadership doesn’t aim to divide or hide behind the cover of unity but seeks an equitable vision for society.