Under the theme of “A Bold Vision for America’s Future,” the second night of the Democratic National Convention accelerated optimism about the election — while calling for more action — on Aug. 20. Having thanked President Joe Biden for his public service Aug. 19, speakers, including big Democratic Party names like the Obamas and second gentleman Doug Emhoff as well as two high-ranking Illinois officials, moved on to contrast the effects of a second Trump presidency versus the potential of a Harris administration. Delegates also participated in a lively ceremonial roll call by state or territory.
In the closing speech of the night, former President Barack Obama walked out to a familiar DNC audience, exchanging a hug with former first lady Michelle Obama, who had just finished her own speech to the convention.
Mr. Obama started by acknowledging the career and contributions of President Biden, who served as vice president under Mr. Obama. He recognized accomplishments from the past four years and praised Mr. Biden’s decision to step down as the 2024 nominee and endorse Ms. Harris.
Mr. Obama said, “History will remember Joe Biden as an outstanding president who defended democracy at a moment of great danger.”
Shifting to the election, Mr. Obama illustrated his grievances with the Republican candidate, former President Donald Trump.
Mr. Obama said, “It has been a constant stream of gripes and grievances that’s actually been getting worse now that he is afraid of losing to Kamala. There’s the childish nicknames, the crazy conspiracy theories, this weird obsession with crowd sizes.”
He said Ms. Harris’ middle class background and work in public service make her a strong candidate. He also made similar remarks about Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the vice presidential nominee.
Touching on issues like affordable housing, health care and access to higher education, Mr. Obama emphasized his confidence in Ms. Harris’ ability to answer them. Repurposing his own 2008 presidential campaign slogan, he turned “Yes We Can” into “Yes She Can,” a chant the crowd echoed. Later, Mr. Obama widened the scope to political polarization and division between the major parties. He underscored the importance of mutual respect in political discourse and pitched what he thought should be the values of the party.
Mr. Obama said, “We believe that freedom requires us to recognize that other people have the freedom to make choices that are different than ours.”
Mr. Obama closed with a call on Democrats to mobilize as the election nears. Delegates were standing and cheering even before his speech concluded.
Earlier, an eager audience greeted Ms. Obama. She began with an optimistic review of the energy created by Ms. Harris’ nomination, claiming “America, hope is making a comeback.”
The South Shore native spoke about her mother, Marian Robinson who died May 31, and how she inspired Ms. Obama throughout her life. Ms. Obama described the experiences of women of color like Ms. Harris and herself, explaining the role of their individual mothers in their shared establishing values of hard work, and explaining double standards faced.
She said, “We don’t get to change the rules, so we always win. If we see a mountain in front of us, we don’t expect there to be an escalator waiting to take us to the top.”
Refuting comments made by Mr. Trump during the presidential debate with President Joe Biden, in which he claimed migrants are taking “Black jobs,” Ms. Obama said, “Who’s going to tell him that the job he’s currently seeking might just be one of those ‘Black jobs’?”
Noting challenges facing Ms. Harris’ campaign, Ms. Obama argued that bringing about change depends on Democratic supporters’ efforts as much as the candidates’. She said, “We have the power to marry our hope with our action.”
This year marked the first time a man addressed the convention as spouse of the presidential nominee, a speech which has become a tradition. Following a video showcasing the relationship of Kamala Harris and husband Doug Emhoff, Mr. Emhoff spoke about his love for Ms. Harris, connecting the qualities he loves about her to values he believes that supporters admire, too. He said, “She’s always been there for our children, and I know she’ll always be there for yours, too.”
In a symbolic tradition lasting over an hour, each delegation introduced its state or territory with pride, reciting claims to famous political and social justice figures. They also announced major accomplishments. Many delegations were joined by their Democratic governors, including Gov. J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, who delivered a speech later.
Due to legal considerations regarding ballot access in Ohio, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz had already been officially nominated to represent the Democratic Party through a virtual process before the convention. The delegates cheered and danced throughout.
Other highlights from the night:
- Illinois politicians attacked national efforts to curb freedoms in healthcare and education. U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth accentuated the role of reproductive freedom in this election, sharing her personal experience with in vitro fertilization and describing her family’s struggle. Gov. J.B. Pritzker criticized Donald Trump and called him a “con artist.” Mr. Pritzker also said, “Everything he has achieved in his own life has been by hurting someone else.”
- Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York shared his excitement regarding the Democratic Senate candidates, especially regarding diversity within the pool as compared to the Republican candidates. Concluding on his identity as the highest-ranking Jewish official in United States history, Schumer said Mr. Trump “is a guy who peddles antisemitic stereotypes,” and he called Mr. Trump out for dining with white nationalist Nick Fuentes and rapper Kanye West at Mar-a-Lago in 2022. He pointed to a blue square on his suit representing his stand against hate. He also called out Trump’s so-called “Muslim ban.”
- U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont recalled important efforts from the coronavirus pandemic passed with the help of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Mr. Sanders focused on improving the economy, expressing support for raising the minimum wage, increasing access to higher education and lowering costs for prescription drugs. He strongly advocated for universal healthcare, a cause he made central to his 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns. He also touched on the war in Gaza, endorsing an immediate ceasefire and release of Israeli hostages.
- Numerous people previously affiliated with the Republican party spoke about how Mr. Trump’s words and actions changed their mind, including former Donald Trump voter Kyle Sweester, a construction worker from Alabama; Stephanie Grisham, a former White House press secretary for Mr. Trump; and lifelong Republican John Giles, mayor of Mesa, Arizona. Mr. Giles said, “I feel more at home here than in today’s Republican party.”
- Music filled the night. Performers included rapper Common, a Chicago native, and Lil Jon, and numerous songs by a band on the podium got the crowd pumped up. The group performed “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars, “Living in America” by James Brown,“Too Sweet” by Hozier and others. An MC named DJ Cassidy played tracks for each state during the ceremonial roll call.
