Illustration by Graeme MacKay – Sunday August 25, 2024

(Mind the grammar & spelling mistakes)

Sketching Democracy: A Canadian’s Artistic Dive into the 2024 U.S. Election

DNC2024:  Night 1  |  Night 2  |  Night 3  |  Night 4  |  2020

The 2024 Presidential race has dramatically shifted following a tumultuous summer, setting the stage for what could be a historic election. The Democratic National Convention (DNC), held in the wake of significant political upheavals, encapsulated this shift, with Kamala Harris emerging as the central figure in a rapidly evolving political landscape.

The Tumultuous Summer: A Prelude to the DNC

June 27, 2024

The summer leading up to the DNC was anything but ordinary. President Joe Biden’s disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump raised serious concerns about his ability to lead, despite his significant accomplishments during his term. This event was quickly overshadowed by an even more shocking development—the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. Although Trump survived, the attempt intensified the already charged atmosphere of the campaign, fuelling tensions across the political spectrum.

In a surprising move, Trump selected J.D. Vance as his running mate, a decision that sent shockwaves through both parties. Vance, known for his populist rhetoric and support among the working class, brought a new dynamic to the Republican ticket, positioning Trump as a champion of the disenfranchised. This selection further polarized the electorate, setting the stage for a highly contentious election.

Biden Steps Down: The Rise of Harris and Walz

Amidst these events, President Biden made the difficult decision to step down from seeking re-election, citing concerns about his health and the need for new leadership. His endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee marked a significant turning point in the race. Harris’s selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate underscored the Democratic Party’s commitment to middle-class values, unity, and progressive change.

The DNC became the platform where this new ticket was officially introduced, with each night of the convention highlighting different aspects of the party’s vision and strategy for the 2024 election.

Highlights from the DNC: A Historic Convention

DNC 2024 – Night 1

The first night of the convention was a mix of emotional farewells, historical milestones, and passionate calls to action. President Biden’s farewell speech was deeply personal, reflecting on his 50 years of public service and his role in safeguarding democracy during turbulent times. Kamala Harris’s surprise appearance, entering to Beyoncé’s “Freedom,” symbolized the passing of the torch from Biden to her, setting the tone for her candidacy.

DNC2024 – Night Two

Hillary Clinton and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez delivered powerful speeches that framed Harris’s nomination as the culmination of years of struggle for gender and racial equality. AOC’s passionate defence of civil rights and reproductive freedoms resonated strongly with the progressive wing of the party, energizing the base for the fight ahead.

Night Two of the convention saw the Obamas command the stage, with Barack and Michelle delivering electrifying speeches that emphasized the importance of unity and the dangers of a second Trump term. Their star power and the sharp critiques of Trump’s leadership provided a stark contrast to the chaos that had characterized his presidency.

August 21, 2024

The third night focused on the introduction of Tim Walz as the vice-presidential nominee. Walz’s speech emphasized humility, neighbourly values, and middle-class support, presenting him as a relatable and down-to-earth candidate. The evening also featured a poignant appearance by Oprah Winfrey, who framed Harris’s candidacy as a testament to the American Dream and called for unity across political divides.

August 23, 2024

The final night of the DNC was Kamala Harris’s moment to shine. Her speech combined personal anecdotes with a strong policy focus, positioning her as a leader ready to take on the challenges facing the nation. Emotional segments addressing gun violence, with speeches from survivors and victims’ families, underscored the human impact of policy decisions and left a lasting impression on viewers.

The Aftermath: Setting the Stage for November

With only three months to go until the election, the DNC successfully repositioned the Democratic Party as a force for progress and unity in a deeply divided nation. Kamala Harris’s rise to the top of the ticket, alongside Tim Walz, represents a new chapter in American politics—one that is steeped in the values of diversity, inclusion, and middle-class support.

The dramatic events of the summer, from Biden’s debate struggles to the assassination attempt on Trump, have only heightened the stakes of this election. The Republican ticket of Trump and Vance is poised to challenge the Democratic duo with a message of populism and anti-establishment rhetoric, appealing to a base that feels left behind by traditional politics.

The excitement and tension surrounding the 2024 Presidential race are palpable. As the country heads into the final stretch of the campaign, both parties are mobilizing their bases, and the outcome remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that this election will be a defining moment in American history, with the potential to reshape the nation’s future for years to come.

The View From Here

2020 DNC

As a Canadian watching the 2024 U.S. Presidential race unfold, you might wonder why it’s worth tuning in. The significance of this election extends far beyond the borders of the United States, impacting global stability, economic trends, and international relations—areas in which Canada is deeply interconnected with its southern neighbour.

The U.S. is Canada’s largest trading partner, and shifts in American policies on trade, climate change, immigration, and defence directly affect Canadian interests. A change in leadership could reshape NAFTA agreements, influence border policies, and alter the balance of power in NATO, affecting how Canada positions itself on the world stage.

Furthermore, the ideological shifts in the U.S. often set trends that reverberate globally, influencing political movements, economic policies, and social issues. The current election is particularly significant due to the unprecedented circumstances surrounding it, such as the potential rise of Kamala Harris as the first Black woman and person of South Asian descent to lead a major party ticket. This represents a major shift in American politics, which could inspire similar movements in Canada and other democracies.

Wed. night live sketch of 2016 RNC

Moreover, the outcome of this election will determine how the U.S. addresses critical global issues like climate change, cybersecurity, AI, and geopolitical tensions. As a nation deeply integrated into global networks and reliant on stable international relationships, Canada has a vested interest in the direction the U.S. takes.

Wednesday Night live sketch of DNC2016

In essence, while Canadians may feel somewhat removed from the day-to-day drama of U.S. politics, the outcome of this election could have profound consequences for Canada’s economy, security, and societal trends, making it crucial to stay informed and engaged.

So, why did I spend countless hours sketching every detail of each night of the DNC into one massive illustration? Well, it’s part passion, part obsession, and maybe just a touch of Canadian curiosity gone wild! As a lifelong U.S. history buff, I couldn’t just sit back and watch—no, I had to capture it, to channel all the excitement, drama, and significance of the event into one epic visual narrative.  Moreover, I’m invested personally with whatever happens in the United States given I’m married to an American, have American family in the U.S., and have two daughters with dual Canadian U.S. citizenship.

2020 RNC

Honestly, I think of it as my own version of “political fan art.” While others are content with a few tweets or a Facebook post, I’m over here with my sketchpad, turning each speech and moment into something tangible. And why not? The implications of this election stretch far beyond the U.S. border, directly impacting Canada and the rest of the world. And for those who are wondering, did I do the same for the RNC that I did for the DNC in 2024? No. I tried, but I found the whole spectacle devoid of the figures of the past normally part of these occasions and who played significant roles in GOP history – like Dan Quayle, George W. Bush, Mitch Romney, and a whole cast of so-called “Never Trumpers” who long departed the notion of celebrating what Donald Trump has turned the Republican Party into. For the record I drew a RNC summary for 2020 – this time I just couldn’t.

So, when people ask me why I did it, I just shrug and say, “Hey, some people love watching the hockey playoffs—I love watching history.”