Kamala Harris’s mission to ‘Save America’ will be put to the test

Both Republican and Democratic conventions are held every four years and follow specific traditions. One is that the convention of the ruling party takes place after the convention of the opposition party.

This proved advantageous for the Democrats this year, giving them with a brief window to swiftly reorganise following Biden's withdrawal last month. Much of this happened in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Convention process

Democratic grandees such as the Clintons, the Obamas, and Nancy Pelosi had already come out in support of Harris, underscoring party unity against the Republicans and Trump, who is deeply reviled.

At McCormick Place, 7,000 party representatives and delegates gathered to focus on the official aspects of the nominations and the numerous positions that Democrats will compete for on November 5—many of them against their Republican rivals.

These positions include 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 33 seats in the Senate, 11 gubernatorial positions across various states, and thousands of other seats in state legislatures. All these nominations require the formal resolution of intra-party competition to determine who will represent the party.

This process also involves approving electoral programmes for each position, proposing policies on key issues, adopting organisational measures related to the party's internal operations, and reviewing party reports—routine work typically unnoticed by the media. The most critical bit is the party's nomination for President of the United States.

At the United Centre, where the DMC was held and the TV cameras were trained, the main activity took place in the evening, in contrast to the daytime work at McCormick Place. The routine is typically political speeches interspersed with live music.

The DMC culminated in the two most significant speeches: first, the acceptance speech of Harris's running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and then by Harris herself.

With 50,000 people across both McCormick Place and the United Centre, the whole thing was estimated to have cost approximately $160m. Underlying all the promotion, however, was politics, with all its associated calculations, conflicts, and hopes.

Joe's swansong

Through the speeches, the political landscape was clearly and broadly outlined, albeit more so by slogans than concrete policies. The primary objective was to move on from Joe Biden, who had sought to cling on, and had essentially been compelled to withdraw.

Obama and Clinton, the two most popular figures in the Democratic Party and its most skilled orators, lauded Biden's tenure and willingness to set aside his political ambitions for the greater good of the party. Others suggested that a Harris White House would be a logical and natural continuation of Biden's White House.

This seemed to serve as compensation for Biden, who will be concerned about his legacy as a one-term president, which is seen as a failure in American political history (two-term presidents are regarded as history-makers with a lasting impact).

Through the praise and the cheers of the convention, the "sacrificing" president who defeated Trump then passed the torch was honoured. A major part of this healing process was undertaken by Obama.

According to reports, Obama played a major role behind-the-scenes in convincing Biden to step down. Several sources suggested that this did not go down well with Biden, who is now quietly resentful towards his former boss.

Obama addressed Biden in a speech that delicately balanced presidential duties with personal sentiment. "At a time when our economy was reeling (under Trump), we needed a leader with the determination to drive what would become the world's strongest economic recovery."

He said: "At a time when the other party turned into a cult of personality, we needed a leader who was steady, and brought people together, and was selfless enough to do the rarest thing there is in politics: putting his own ambition aside for the country.

"History will remember Joe Biden as an outstanding president who defended democracy at a moment of great danger. I am proud to call him my president, but I am even prouder to call him my friend."

Moving on together

On the first night, Biden delivered his speech before a crowd of 23,000 people, listing his accomplishments during his presidency. He was frequently interrupted with chants of 'We love you, Joe.' The outpouring moved Biden to tears.

Messaging was broad in content and sparse in detail, with focus on Democratic values: support for the poor and minorities; distrust of the ultra-wealthy; and respect for diversity. The Republicans, by contrast, emphasise 'American authenticity' that is suspicious of immigrants and difference.

Most Democrats see Trump as embodying everything they stand against, including classism and self-centredness. "How does Trump use his voice?" Bill Clinton asked. "Mostly to talk about himself, his vengeance, vendettas, complaints, conspiracies. The next time you hear him, don't count the lies—count the 'I's."

Throughout the convention, Democrats displayed intense enthusiasm about defeating him in November. In almost every speech, he was derided, the race framed as a battle between "defenders of freedom" and "advocates of tyranny".

This may explain the lack of Democratic policy discussions, although more details came in Harris's speech. She outlined plans for a tax cut benefiting 100 million Americans, a defence of women's right to abortion, and a border security law that Trump had obstructed. The latter is seen one of Harris's key election vulnerabilities.

All eyes on Gaza

In foreign policy, support for Ukraine against Russia was prioritised, including by Biden. He praised Ukraine's resilience, while Harris vowed that American support for Kyiv would continue under her. However, Gaza got the most attention.

Biden emphasised the need to end the war and alleviate Palestinian suffering, while Harris provided a more detailed explanation of her stance and efforts, saying: "President Biden and I are working around-the-clock, because now is the right time to get a hostage deal and ceasefire deal done."

Harris added that while she "will always stand up for Israel's right to defend itself… At the same time, what has happened in Gaza over the past 10 months is devastating. So many innocent lives were lost. Desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety, over and over again. The scale of suffering is heartbreaking."

She said: "President Biden and I are working to end this war such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can realise their right to dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination."

The twin promise of defending Israel's security and committing to Palestinian statehood received warm support from the audience. By connecting the two, Harris revealed a shift in the Democratic mood, with a renewed interest in a two-state solution, one that had seemed to wane before October 2023.

Let the race begin

Whether red or blue, national party conventions are primarily for political promotion, party celebration, and building up the party's presidential candidate. They rarely generate serious political content or provoke deep discussions about policy.

Polls show candidates typically get a popularity boost after conventions, so they seem to work, even if this surge often proves short-lived.

Likewise, Harris had her moments of political euphoria: a presidential candidate who has avoided having to compete in party primaries across the country, her nomination handed to her on a silver platter.

Her real political test is around the corner. For this, she will need a mastery of the details, a deep understanding of policy, and the ability to recall statistics.

On 10 September 10, she will face Trump in their first TV debate. She must not only get the better of him intellectually but cast aside any lingering effects of Biden's terrible appearance against Trump the last time around.

On the back of this year's DNC, she will believe that she can do both.