DNC2024 – Night Four
Illustration by Graeme MacKay, Thursday August 24, 2024
Kamala Harris’s Speech: A Presidential Performance
The final night of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) was a pivotal moment in the 2024 campaign, with Kamala Harris at the forefront. Her speech and those of other key speakers encapsulated the Democratic Party’s vision and the stakes of the upcoming election. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the night, with direct quotes and references to key moments and speakers.
Kamala Harris delivered a speech that combined personal anecdotes with a strong policy focus. Reflecting on her upbringing, she highlighted the influence of her mother, saying, “My mother instilled in my sister, Maya, and me the values that inspired my life: to be conscious and compassionate about the struggles of all people, to believe public service is a noble cause and the fight for justice is a shared responsibility.” This personal touch was noted by Times columnist Josh Barro, who observed, “Harris has sometimes seemed like an empty vessel. Now she’s reintroducing herself in a way that is specific, warm, and uniquely American.”
Harris also presented herself as ready to lead from day one, with a speech that Jamelle Bouie described as “something closer to a State of the Union — a statement of policies and priorities and an indictment of her opponents.” Harris took direct aim at Trump and his administration, framing the election as a critical choice for the future of American democracy.
Emotional Resonance and Powerful Moments
The evening was marked by deeply emotional segments, particularly those addressing gun violence. Frank Bruni of The New York Times described his reaction to the stories shared by survivors and victims’ families: “I wept — no, I bawled — as I listened to the teacher from Sandy Hook, the mother from Uvalde, and the others who’d witnessed and lost loved ones to gun violence.” These moments underscored the human impact of policy decisions and were among the most poignant of the night.
Gabby Giffords, a former congresswoman and gun violence survivor, delivered a powerful speech that resonated with many. Republican strategist Liam Donovan highlighted Giffords’ appearance, calling it “the feel-good story of the night — just a remarkable recovery and delightful return to form.”
Critical Reflections and Missed Opportunities
While the night was largely successful, some commentators pointed out areas where the event fell short. Tressie McMillan Cottom and Megan K. Stack both criticized the omission of a Palestinian speaker. McMillan Cottom noted, “The omission of a Palestinian speaker…was an easy political win that should have been logistically possible,” while Stack added that this omission was “callous and simply wrong.”
Additionally, there was some light-hearted disappointment over the rumored but absent appearance of Beyoncé. Both Michelle Goldberg and Jane Coaston expressed their letdown, with Goldberg exclaiming, “No Beyoncé?!!!?” and Coaston noting that “an actual Beyoncé appearance would have been cool.”
Other Notable Speeches and Moments
The night also featured speeches from a diverse range of voices, reflecting the Democratic Party’s broad coalition. Charles M. Blow remarked on the prominence of women during the convention, saying, “Women ruled the night. There were so many impressive, effective women presenting — culminating with Harris, of course — that the remarkable almost became unremarkable.” This sentiment was echoed by many, highlighting the historic nature of Harris’s candidacy.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also received praise for her performance, with Jamelle Bouie noting that “people are not exaggerating when they describe Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan as a presidential-level talent.”
The fourth night of the DNC successfully showcased Kamala Harris as a confident, capable leader, while also highlighting the broader Democratic agenda. The event balanced emotional appeals with policy discussions, and while it had its critiques, the overall impact was one of unity and determination. The convention set the stage for the final stretch of the campaign, with Harris and the Democratic Party positioned as a formidable force against the backdrop of a crucial election.
DNC2024: Night 1 | Night 2 | Night 3 | Night 4 | 2020
Sources:
ABC News: Harris’ historic speech, patriotism and more Trump digs: Takeaways from DNC Night 4
NPR: DNC Night 4 speeches from Harris, Whitmer, Sharpton, Kinzinger and more
CNN: Fact-checking night 4 of the Democratic National Convention