DNC Night 4 Thoughts, and Ad-Free Links to the Speeches (Bonus: Shards of Glass on the Ground)
Kamala Harris, For the People
I expected that the Democratic National Convention would give me hope, but one thing I did not expect was how much you all are giving me hope. The thank you notes and comments, the shares, the new subscribers — I see you. No matter what your typical level of political involvement or activism, I see you wanting to learn more. I see your considerate discourse throughout this series. I see your growing enthusiasm and hope for what can be. Thank you.
DNC Night 1 analysis and links here
DNC Night 2 analysis and links here
DNC Night 3 analysis and links here
We did it Joe.
I know this is going out a little later than usual, but I’ve just had so much to think about and process since last night. So I hope you don’t mind that I skip right to the main course today — though there is plenty to love and learn from if you watch all the speakers highlighted in my links below.
Kamala Devi Harris’s speech was pitch-perfect as she officially accepted the presidential nomination on night 4 of the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
She demonstrated to me in every way the qualities essential to be an effective U.S. President:
The fire, passion, and communication skills of a true leader.
The solemnity of a Commander-in-Chief.
The character required to be a President for all Americans, not just the ones who praise you to your satisfaction.
The non-performative patriotism of devotion to country and Constitutional principles above personal gain, ambition, and greed.
I know there are people of various political views watching tonight. And I want you to know, I promise to be a president for all Americans. You can always trust me to put country above party and self. To hold sacred America’s fundamental principles, from the rule of law, to free and fair elections, to the peaceful transfer of power.
- Kamala Harris
The command of the many issues that matter to “regular” Americans.
The fearlessness born of her decades-long fight for justice against criminals, predators, and dubious corporate profiteers.
The humanity of someone who recognizes the value of both family by blood, and “family by love.”
The loyalty and warmth that creates lifelong friendships.
The confidence to give credit to others.
The judgment to surround herself with the right team.
The nuanced understanding that we must protect our borders and reform our immigration system and at the same time, live up to our “proud heritage as a nation of immigrants” who make our culture and our economy stronger.
The courage to say unequivocally that both Israeli and Palestinian lives matter, that terrorism must be stopped, and all people deserve leadership that allows them — urgently — to live in peace, with self-determination and dignity.
The moral clarity to speak the word “abortion,” and defend bodily autonomy and essential healthcare without apology.
The empathy of a self-actualized, psychologically stable human being.
And the lifelong commitment to service that has led her to this moment.
Above all, I saw a leader projecting optimism in the future, not because she believes in herself, but because she truly believes in all of us.
That’s where her fight comes from.
This is the way.
Right now, we have only one presidential candidate who feels a true calling to serve — someone who wants to do the job, not just have the job.
Kamala Harris, for the people.
I for one cannot wait to vote her in as the 47th President of the United States of America, to preserve democracy, and to realize our best possibilities as a nation. I truly hope a huge majority of Americans agree with me.
Now, onto the speeches!
Free and without commercial interruption thanks to PBS Newshour:
Watch Kamala Devi Harris accept the nomination here
Watch Elizabeth Warren here
Watch Adam Kinzinger here
Watch Maxwell Frost here
Watch Gabby Giffords here
Watch Gretchen Whitmer here
Watch Ruben Gallego and dozens of veterans in Democratic leadership here
Watch Lucy McBath and gun violence survivors here
Watch Yusef Salaam and Corey Wise of the Central Park Exonerated here
Watch Youth activist and human trafficking survivor Courtney Baldwin here
Watch DL Hughley here
Watch Leon Panetta here
Watch Harris’s former colleagues and fellow prosecutors here
Watch Randi Weingarten here
Watch Meena Harris, Ella Emhoff, and Helena Hudlin here
Watch Maya Harris here
Watch the full evening here.
As a prosecutor, when I had a case, I charged it not in the name of the victim, but in the name of the people, for a simple reason.
In our system of justice, a harm against any one of us is a harm against all of us. And I would often explain this to console survivors of crime, to remind them: No one should be made to fight alone. We are all in this together.
And every day, in the courtroom, I stood proudly before a judge and I said five words: Kamala Harris, for the people. And to be clear, my entire career, I’ve only had one client: the people.
- Kamala Harris
I’m excited to hear your thoughts about last night. Also, let me know what else you want to hear from me! It’s been a joy waking up every morning this week to provide these recaps, but now I’m wondering what to write about next.
Man alive! If the Dems don’t see your posts and recognize your gifts, then I’m not Gramilton! The time and effort you have taken to make each day’s DNC accessible to the public is beyond honorable. Thank you, Liz.
To see the diversity on full display at the DNC, so energizing and so - AMERICAN.