During the first two days of the Democrats’ national convention, both familiar faces and new political stars have used their speaking time to warn against a new presidency with Donald Trump. Despite the fact that the party’s presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, constantly says that they should look to the future, a lot is about what has happened in the past. – Donald Trump has done nothing but sulk since he came down his golden escalator nine years ago, former President Barack Obama said last night. With a clear reference to how Trump first announced that he was running for president back in 2016. United party? The giant convention hall in Chicago has been filled with delegates and speakers who all pretend to have two tasks: rally the party and pay tribute to Kamala Harris. But have they succeeded so far? – This is terrific advertising for Harris and the Democratic Party. In the past, they have appeared much more divided. In 2016 it was more or less an open showdown between the Clinton wing and the Bernie Sanders wing, but this year they have succeeded very well, says Eirik Løkke in Civita. – I was there myself in 2016, and this national meeting differs from that. This year they have had one mission, which they have so far succeeded in: It is to gather, engage and mobilize, says Are Tågvold Flaten in Amerikanspolitik.no. So far there has been little politics and a lot of feel-good, but is there something that can be read out of all the good atmosphere? – The big picture is that Trump is for the rich and that Harris is fighting for the middle class and ordinary people, and that should also reflect the economic policy, says Løkke and elaborates. – Harris will fight for extended health rights and welfare benefits. She will defend women’s abortion rights and give more tax relief to families with children, but so far it has not come out how this will be financed, says Løkke. – This is not about the details of politics, but about getting together and getting the most possible tailwind into the election campaign rush, says Flaten. What do the speakers say about the party? A national meeting is almost like an eternally long confirmation dinner. Where one uncle appears after the other aunt, and where everyone tells their wonderful story about the confirmand. In this case, Kamala Harris. And there are always some who stand out more than others. On the first day, a woman appeared who many in the party have previously seen as too left-wing, too divisive and too socialist. At the last national meeting, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, or simply AOC as she is called, was eaten up with 90 seconds on the podium. This time she was one of the main speakers on the first day. – I think the party has moved more in the direction of AOC, and that she has become more moderate and “palatable” for many since last time. So there has been a rapprochement on both sides, says Løkke, and Flaten agrees: – She has gone from being a critic and an outsider, to eventually becoming an insider in the party. I would say it says the most about her talent and the development she has undergone, but the party is also in a different place than in 2020, says Flaten. – Then it doesn’t matter that she’s a really good speaker either. I think it suits the party very well that she got a bigger role in 2024, says Løkke. The Obamas One has to look for a long time for some bigger stars than former president and first lady Barack and Michelle Obama in the Democratic Party. And when the national meeting is also organized in their hometown of Chicago, everything goes up into a higher unity. On the night of Wednesday, they both spoke and they made no bones about the advance hype. – USA – hope is making a comeback, Michelle Obama announced from the podium. Michelle Obama says that hope is making a comeback – Michelle Obama was absolutely fantastic, and she is made to go viral, says Løkke. – It is, in a way, a baton that is handed over from Obama to Harris. And I think Michelle Obama did a good job when she talked about her own roots, as an argument for why Harris has credibility when she talks about fighting for ordinary people, says Flaten. The demonstrations Many and massive pro-Palestinian demonstrations were announced in advance. And they have been loud, but so far it does not seem that they are the ones stealing the headlines and this will be left behind after the national meeting. – They have been smaller than many feared, says Løkke. – One can also mention AOC here. Because she has long been critical of Biden’s handling of the Gaza war, but in her speech she made a point of Harris working to establish a ceasefire. So she has brought this into the hall and into the party, says Flaten. Outside the conference hall, many are calling for a different Israel policy now that Kamala Harris has taken over. Photo: Reuters Foreign policy is rarely important in American election campaigns. So also this year, but … – There are several ways of looking at this. This is not the most important topic among most Americans, but for those to whom this is important, it is very important. So this can make a difference, says Løkke. – For Harris, this is a big dilemma. Because if she goes too far in the other direction, she could lose Israel-friendly voters. It is correct to say that this is one of the biggest challenges she has to balance politically, says Løkke. On the night of Friday, Kamala Harris will give her speech to the national assembly. There will be cheers. Published 21.08.2024, at 21.24
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