Notes on the Democratic Convention: Day 2
Read my notes on Day 1 of the convention here.
Let’s get to Day 2.
2020 Democratic Convention: Day 2 Review
Interesting note from POLITICO’s Alex Thompson and Gabby Orr on what Republicans learned from yesterday.
The convention opened up with an opening “keynote” of a range of Democratic elected officials. It was a good way to feature different states and a next generation of leadership, but I don’t think it worked for a number of reasons. First, lines of personal testimony of Biden’s character and convictions fall flat when it’s doubtful—or at least it wasn’t made clear that—any of the people speaking actually know Joe Biden. Second, the keynote is often an opportunity to introduce a new figure and build a new connection, but to just have a montage of so many different elected officials, with a different official speaking every line or so, created an unfortunate distance for the viewer. Third, the speech ventured into political language that was mostly avoided yesterday.
The first hour of the convention was rough. In part, this is due to process. The second day of the convention is when they do the roll call and nominating speeches. But I also think the first hour fell into a bit of checklist politics.
That said, the roll call can be laborious for some people, but the video format going from state to state had some positive elements and it was important for the party to highlight its volunteers, activists and leading elected officials.
Best speech of the first hour?
Senator Chris Coons gave a great nominating speech for Biden, in which he referenced faith several times in just a few minutes. I understand he’ll be introducing Biden on Thursday, and expect the seminarian to address faith even more in that speech.
The last 40 or so minutes were very solid. As I remarked last night, I was glad to see them return to the format of Biden moderating a conversation with Americans on a particular issue—tonight it was health care. I continue to think it’s a very good format for Biden, and wouldn’t be surprised if it’s one they use even beyond the convention.
Whatever you think of Ady Barkan’s politics, his story is incredible, and his civic commitment is inspiring. I cried as he spoke about his child.
The focus on foreign policy tonight was really effective. Former Secretaries of State John Kerry and Colin Powell spoke, and offered reminders of seriousness with which our leaders ought to take national security. There was also a video featuring an array of foreign policy experts, including former Republican Senator and Obama Admin Defense Secretary, Chuck Hagel.
The closing stretch of the evening began with a video highlighting Biden’s friendship with John McCain, which was narrated by Cindy McCain. It was really well done, but I could not help but think of my expectation four years ago that the Clinton campaign would make use of her relationship with McCain…but her campaign was scared of her history, it seemed, especially when it came to aspects which might not appeal to progressives. Wisely, this convention has focused a great deal on Biden’s relationships across the aisle.
Speaking of Biden’s relationships, there was a moving video on Jill Biden leading into her speech which emphasized her strength, her commitment to teaching and how she met Joe, how they fell in love, and how Jill “put their family back together.” Dr. Biden’s speech was solid, and while it was a character testimony for Joe, I also thought there was an implicit message here about Dr. Biden herself: she can represent America well on the global stage. Joe and Jill are clearly in love, and it would be refreshing to have a strong marriage in The White House again. And as the pandemic continues to disrupt American life in so many different ways, Jill Biden would be a comforting voice from The White House.
Dr. Biden also said this: “Joe’s purpose has always driven him forward. His strength of will is unstoppable. And his faith is unshakable—because it’s not in politicians or political parties—or even himself. It’s in the providence of God. His faith is in you—in us.”
The evening closed with a benediction from Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde, who made headlines for her criticism of Trump’s appearance at St. John’s.
Recap:
As a stand-alone night, this was not as strong as yesterday, but significant strategic objectives were advanced. First, as CNN’s Nia-Malika Henderson pointed out, a main message tonight was that America is “big enough for everyone.” This was a night where many Americans saw themselves as a part of Biden’s coalition: from left-wing activists to Republicans to folks from all different kinds of racial backgrounds, regions of the country, and even professions. Second, they built on the story about Joe Biden that they began to tell last night, with a particular focus tonight on family and Biden’s love of and for people and his ability to build relationships. Dr. Biden’s message that the love it takes to rebuild a family is not that different from the love it will take to rebuild the country, was told throughout the night.
On faith, I know I’m conservative on this, but I could have done without a bunch of elected officials using the phrase “effing” in the awkward keynote that opened the convention. Though it was not emphasized and basically a passing line, the commitment to “codify Roe” will be a sour reminder to pro-lifers considering voting for Biden. But, overall, tonight showed last night wasn’t a fluke in terms of weaving in religious people and language, as it pertains both to Joe Biden himself, but also a vision of the country. I know we’ll hear more of that on Thursday. I’m not sure what President Obama will choose to focus on in his Day 3 speech, but I sure would love to hear some words from him on faith.
Until then,
Michael
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Was the 'effing' supposed to be an allusion to Biden's off-mic remark to Obama after the passage of the Affordable Healthcare Act? Even so, I agree not the highest point in the keynote address!