politics

Just over a month ago, Democrats were grappling with the possibility that President Biden might not be the best candidate to represent their party against former President Donald Trump, with many fearing a potential landslide loss in November.

What a difference a convention can make.

In Chicago, Democratic delegates and officials gathered for the 2024 Democratic National Convention, where they celebrated Biden's legacy while wholeheartedly embracing Vice President Kamala Harris as the top of the ticket. Throughout the week, speakers emphasized unity and joy, drawing sharp contrasts between Harris's leadership and Trump's.

Here’s a look back at the standout moments from this year’s convention:

AOC’s Primetime Speaking Slot

For the first time, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York was given a primetime speaking slot on the convention’s opening night. In 2020, she had just 90 seconds to speak before Sen. Bernie Sanders.

In her fiery seven-minute speech on Monday, she addressed the middle class and received thunderous applause when she called Trump a "two-bit union buster" who would "sell this country for a dollar if it meant lining his own pockets and greasing the palms of his Wall Street friends."

Biden’s Emotional Send-Off

President Biden wiped away tears as he took the stage on Monday after being introduced by his daughter, Ashley Biden.

He embraced her for nearly 30 seconds, pulling out a tissue to dry his eyes, before repeatedly thanking the crowd during a lengthy standing ovation.

Initially set to accept the nomination on the convention's final day, Biden instead delivered his speech on the opening night, after bowing out of the race under pressure from those who feared he couldn’t beat Trump.

"I've made a lot of mistakes in my career, but I gave my best to you," Biden said before leaving for vacation in California. The timing of his speech, pushed late into the night, was seen by some as a snub to the president.

Democrats Add Musical Flavor to the Roll Call

Democrats brought the "party" to the roll call on Tuesday as DJ Cassidy spun hit after hit.

Although Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, were officially nominated in a virtual roll call before the convention, delegations reaffirmed their support in a vote accompanied by a soundtrack honoring each U.S. state and territory.

Songs ranged from Prince's "1999" to Tupac's "California Love" and "Good Luck, Babe" by Chappell Roan.

Lil Jon Energizes the Crowd During a Surprise Roll Call Performance

During Georgia's turn in the roll call, Atlanta native Lil Jon took the arena by storm, screaming "Yeahhhh!" and turning the scene into a club-like atmosphere. He performed a variation of "Turn Down For What," changing the lyrics to "turn out for what," igniting a wave of energy through the crowd.

Michelle Obama’s Message to Trump: The Presidency Might Be a "Black Job"

"Something wonderfully magical is in the air, isn’t it?" former First Lady Michelle Obama said in her speech on Tuesday. "A familiar feeling that's been buried too deep for too long."

She gave a resounding endorsement of Harris, saying "hope is making a comeback," while sharply criticizing Trump — though she mentioned him by name only once.

"For years, Donald Trump did everything in his power to try to make people fear us. His limited, narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hardworking, highly educated, successful people who happen to be Black."

She then quipped, "Who’s going to tell him that the job he’s currently seeking might just be one of those 'Black jobs'?"

This was a pointed reference to Trump’s claim during a June debate that immigrants were taking "Black jobs."

Barack Obama Mocks Trump’s "Weird Obsession with Crowd Sizes"

In his keynote address on Tuesday, former President Barack Obama portrayed Trump as a chaotic leader who has divided Americans.

Obama also mocked Trump’s focus on crowd sizes, using hand gestures that humorously suggested a double meaning. "There’s the childish nicknames, the crazy conspiracy theories, this weird obsession with crowd sizes," he said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Doug Emhoff Introduces Himself to the Nation

If Harris wins in November, her husband, Doug Emhoff, would become the first First Gentleman in U.S. history.

Currently serving as the Second Gentleman, Emhoff introduced himself to the nation on the convention’s second day. He shared a story about how he called Harris and left a rambling voicemail before their first date, which Harris saved and plays for him every anniversary.

"Wherever she’s needed, however she’s needed, Kamala rises to the occasion. And she did it for me and my family," Emhoff, a former entertainment lawyer, said.

He was introduced by his son, Cole Emhoff, in an endearing video about his father’s life and his relationship with Harris. Emhoff’s first wife, Kerstin Emhoff, who helped produce the video, was at the convention supporting her ex-husband and Harris.

Gus Walz Tearfully Cheers on His Dad

Gus Walz, the 17-year-old son of Tim Walz, sat in the front row with his mom and sister during the biggest moment of his father’s life.

As the vice-presidential nominee spoke about his family being his "entire world," Gus, overcome with emotion, stood up with tears streaming down his face and yelled, "That’s my dad!"

The Walz family recently revealed that Gus has a nonverbal learning disorder, ADHD, and an anxiety disorder, which they call his "secret power," adding that he’s "brilliant."

Oprah’s Surprise Appearance

Oprah Winfrey, typically reluctant to wade into politics, took the stage on Wednesday to deliver a surprise speech that took several digs at Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance.

She referenced Vance’s 2021 comments about women with cats and condemned Trump’s rhetoric on elections. After her remarks, Oprah told "CBS Mornings" that she felt compelled to speak out because "a lot of things are at stake," especially abortion rights.

Republicans Speak Out Against Trump

A handful of Republicans, including some who previously worked for Trump, harshly criticized the former president in speeches throughout the week.

Stephanie Grisham, a former press secretary for Trump, said Harris "has my vote," citing Trump’s "lack of empathy, morals, and fidelity to the truth." She also claimed that Trump calls his supporters "basement dwellers" behind closed doors.

Olivia Troye, who served as an adviser to former Vice President Mike Pence, said Trump sows doubt and division "because it’s the only way he wins." She urged voters to support democracy over partisanship: "You're not betraying our party. You're standing up for our country," she said.

Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan added that the Republican Party has become "chaotic and crazy" under Trump. "The only thing left to do is dump Trump," Duncan stated, lamenting that the party now "acts more like a cult, worshiping a felonious thug."

Elizabeth Warren’s Emotional Hero’s Welcome

Sen. Elizabeth Warren received a raucous applause on Thursday, causing her to become emotional as she took the stage.

The Massachusetts Democrat criticized Trump, saying he "has no plan to lower costs for families," adding, "He doesn’t know how, and basically, he doesn’t really care." Warren emphasized that Trump has never worried about a grocery bill or filling up a gas tank, only caring about bills from his criminal defense lawyers.

Warren also mentioned that she wouldn’t trust Trump or his running mate, JD Vance, to manage key issues like groceries, gas, housing, healthcare, taxes, or abortion, joking, "Shoot, I wouldn’t trust those guys to move my couch."

Kamala Harris Accepts the Nomination

On Thursday night, Kamala Harris officially accepted the nomination, making history as the first Black woman to lead a major party’s presidential ticket.

"My entire career, I've only had one client: the people," she declared. "And so, on behalf of the people, on behalf of every American regardless of party, race, gender, or the language your grandmother speaks, on behalf of my mother and everyone who has ever set out on their own unlikely journey, on behalf of Americans like the people I grew up with, people who work hard, chase their dreams, and look out for one another, on behalf of everyone whose story could only be written in the greatest nation on earth, I accept your nomination to be president of the United States of America."

In her speech, Harris shared her life story, outlined her agenda, and attacked Trump as an "unserious man." She warned of the dangers of Trump holding office without constraints, saying he would use the immense powers of the presidency not to serve the people, but only himself.

Harris concluded by calling on Americans to "write the next great chapter in the most extraordinary story ever told."