Democrats are betting that within the American electorate is a deep desire to leave behind the bitterness of a decade dominated by former President Donald Trump.
And so, at the party’s convention Wednesday night in Chicago, a “joy” strategy — portraying Vice President Kamala Harris as the candidate who can move the nation forward — was on full display.
Former President Bill Clinton said Harris brings “sheer joy” to the 2024 race. Oprah Winfrey urged Americans to “choose joy.”
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg contrasted Trump’s “darkness” with the brand of politics offered by Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz — which he said “just feels better to be part of.”
The message underscored how rapidly the 2024 presidential race has evolved since last month’s exit of President Joe Biden — whose campaign had been built around dire warnings that electing Trump would jeopardize democracy itself. Harris hasn’t abandoned those warnings, but has rewrapped them in a more forward-looking message emphasizing themes of freedom and joy – and Democrats paired it with a party.
Singer John Legend and drummer Sheila E. played Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy.” Stevie Wonder performed “Higher Ground.”
And as alumni from the Mankato West High School football team, which won a state championship with Walz as an assistant coach, strode on stage in jerseys that no longer fit, a pep band blared the school’s fight song.
“Thank you for bringing the joy to this fight,” Walz told the crowd.
Here are six takeaways from the DNC’s third night:
A moment of this magnitude was new for Walz. Prior to his selection as Harris’ running mate, not only had he never delivered a high-stakes speech in front of a national audience — he’d never even used a teleprompter.
So in a convention filled with former presidents, congressional leaders, celebrities and more, Walz opted to be something else entirely.
He’s a two-term governor and a former congressman, but he leaned into earlier portions of his resume: High school teacher. Football coach. Hunter. Neighbor.
He used his speech to make the case that Democrats are the party of freedom.
“In Minnesota, we respect our neighbors and the choices that they make. And even if we wouldn’t make the same choices ourselves, we’ve got a golden rule: Mind your own damn business,” Walz said.
Walz touched on Harris’ policy positions on issues such as health care, abortion rights and homeownership. And he did so in populist tones at times reminiscent of the late Minnesota Sen. Paul Wellstone.
“When we Democrats talk about freedom, we mean the freedom to make a better life for yourself and the people you love. Freedom to make your own health care decisions. And yeah, your kids’ freedom to go to school without worrying about being shot dead in the hall,” Walz said.
“That’s what this is all about: The responsibility that we have to our kids, to each other and to the future we’re building together in which everyone is free to build the kind of life that they want.”
Still, the most memorable moment of Walz’s speech might have come when he discussed the fertility struggles he and his wife, Gwen Walz, faced.
“Hope, Gus and Gwen, you are my entire world, and I love you,” he said, naming his daughter, son and wife.
Gus Walz stood up, tears streaming down his face, and applauded his father.
Young left the stage as Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World” blared through the United Center. Young had personally allowed the Harris campaign to use it — notable because four years earlier, he’d sued Trump’s campaign to stop it from doing so.
If other Democrats led a generational change Wednesday night, talk show legend Oprah Winfrey connected the historical dots — portraying Harris as emblematic of “the best of America.”
She told the story of Tessie Prevost, who died last month, and three other Black girls who faced hate and harassment when, as 6-year-old girls, they began the desegregation of New Orleans elementary schools in 1960.
Drawing the connection to Harris, the “New Orleans Four,” Winfrey said, “paved the way for another young girl who nine years later became part of the second class to integrate the public schools in Berkley, California.”
Now, she said, Harris is poised to make history.
“Soon and very soon, we’re going to be teaching our daughters and sons about how this child of an Indian mother and a Jamaican father, two idealistic and energetic immigrants — immigrants — how this child grew up to become the 47th president of the United States,” Winfrey said.
“That is the best of America,” she said, as the crowd erupted into a “U-S-A” chant.
She invoked the Republican vice presidential nominee, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, who in a 2021 interview with Tucker Carlson complained that the United States is being run by “a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives.”
“We are not so different from our neighbors, Winfrey said. “When a house is on fire, we do not ask about the homeowners’ race or religion. We don’t wonder who their partner is or how they voted. No. We just try to do the best we can to save them. And if the place happens to belong to a childless cat lady — well, we try to get that cat out, too.”
Walz was introduced with a video narrated by his wife. The video featured her telling the story of her husband’s life.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5504″ width=”8256″ loading=’lazy’/>
get emotional during their father’s speech on Wednesday.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5504″ width=”8256″ loading=’lazy’/>
used a string of football analogies to describe how he hopes Democrats win the White House in November. “We are driving down the field. And, boy, do we have the right team,” he said. “Kamala Harris is tough, Kamala Harris is experienced, and Kamala Harris is ready. Our job is to get into the trenches and do the blocking and tackling. One inch at a time, one yard at a time, one phone call at a time, one door knock at a time, one $5 donation at a time.”” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5264″ width=”7742″ loading=’lazy’/>
He slammed Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance: “Choosing a guy like JD Vance to be America’s next vice president sends a message, and the message is that they are doubling down on negativity and grievance, committing to a concept of campaigning best summed up in one word: darkness.”” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5504″ width=”8256″ loading=’lazy’/>
She urged voters to elect Kamala Harris to the White House, framing November’s election as a fight for freedom.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”4538″ width=”6808″ loading=’lazy’/>
Winfrey said. “Decency and respect are on the ballot in 2024. And just plain common sense tells you that Kamala Harris and Tim Walz can give us decency and respect.”” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5324″ width=”7986″ loading=’lazy’/>
performs a tribute to Prince before Walz delivered his keynote address on Wednesday. Prince was a Minnesota native known for epitomizing “The Minneapolis Sound” at his home and studio, Paisley Park. Both Harris and Walz, Minnesota’s governor, discussed their love of Prince’s music in a recent campaign video.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5504″ width=”8256″ loading=’lazy’/>
Pelosi said. “The choice couldn’t be clearer. Those leaders are Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. (Tim) Walz.”” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5273″ width=”7910″ loading=’lazy’/>
Clinton said in his speech. “Kamala Harris, for the people, and the other guy, who has proved even more than the first go-around that he’s about me, myself and I.”” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5504″ width=”8256″ loading=’lazy’/>
by thanking President Joe Biden for his service to the country. He said Biden’s decision to step aside from the reelection race will enhance his legacy.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3904″ width=”5856″ loading=’lazy’/>
made fun of the conservative Project 2025 and talked to Americans that could be affected by its proposals. “You ever seen a document that could kill a small animal and democracy at the same time? Here it is,” Thompson said as he walked out onto the stage carrying a large book with the 920-page document.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”4313″ width=”6470″ loading=’lazy’/>
performs his hit song “Higher Ground” at the convention on Wednesday. “As we stand between history’s pain and tomorrow’s promises, we must choose courage over complacency,” he said before his performance. “It is time to get up and go vote.”” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5333″ width=”8000″ loading=’lazy’/>
speaks at the convention on Wednesday. He said rioters came to Washington because Donald Trump couldn’t handle losing. “He lied about the election fraud,” Thompson told the crowd. “He called his conspiracy-led mob to Washington. He would rather subvert democracy than submit to it. Now, he’s plotting again.”” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”4839″ width=”7258″ loading=’lazy’/>
said Duncan, who was the state’s lieutenant governor when Trump allegedly tried to overturn Georgia’s results in the 2020 election.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5504″ width=”8256″ loading=’lazy’/>
speaks at the convention on Wednesday. He argued that America is stronger with its culture of immigrants and called for those values to be protected in this election.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5437″ width=”8155″ loading=’lazy’/>
performs her song “Better Than We Found It” on Wednesday.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>
Hersh Goldberg-Polin, shared their “pain and misery” for their missing son on Wednesday. Hersh was kidnapped from the Nova music festival during Hamas’ attacks on Israel last year, and in April, a video of him was released by Hamas — the first sign since the attack that he was still alive. He is among the most recognizable of the estimated 109 Israeli hostages being held in Gaza as negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continue. Jon Polin said that “the time is now” for a deal to be made to release the hostages.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>
speaks at the convention on Wednesday. He said the third night of the convention was “about freedom” before introducing a group of speakers to talk for reproductive rights.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2000″ width=”3000″ loading=’lazy’/>
He told the crowd that he is “feeling hopeful” because Harris is ready to step into the White House. “This convention has always been pretty good to kids with funny names who believe in a country where anything is possible,” Obama said to cheers. “Because we have a chance to elect someone who has spent her entire life trying to give people the same chances America gave her.”” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5504″ width=”8256″ loading=’lazy’/>
also gave a speech at the convention on Tuesday. She was greeted by a long standing ovation before telling America that “hope is making a comeback.” Like her husband, she was also very critical of former President Donald Trump and his policies, saying Trump has dug in on “ugly, misogynist, racist lies as a substitute for real ideas and solutions that will make people’s lives better.”” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5504″ width=”8256″ loading=’lazy’/>
speaks at the convention on Tuesday. He said that his wife rises to the occasion “wherever she’s needed” and has done that for their family. During his speech, he also recalled how he first met Harris during a blind date in 2013 — sending the crowd into laughter after telling them Harris replays his first awkward voicemail to her every anniversary.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5504″ width=”8256″ loading=’lazy’/>
appears via video to symbolically accept the party’s nomination after a ceremonial roll call on Tuesday. She and Walz were in Milwaukee for a campaign rally. “We are so honored to be your nominees,” Harris said. “This is a people-powered campaign, and together we will chart a new way forward.”” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3776″ width=”5686″ loading=’lazy’/>
the governor told CNN. “You see it out there, you feel it out there.”” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5504″ width=”8256″ loading=’lazy’/>
played a song representative of each delegation. For example, Alabama got Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama.” Florida got “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty, a native of the state. California got “The Next Episode,” Dr. Dre’s West Coast classic featuring Snoop Dogg.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5140″ width=”7711″ loading=’lazy’/>
The 920-page document was organized by The Heritage Foundation think tank and developed in significant part by people who served in Donald Trump’s administration. Its proposals for right-wing policies and a radical reshaping of the executive branch have become frequent targets of Democratic criticism.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5174″ width=”7760″ loading=’lazy’/>
speaks at the convention on Tuesday. Grisham said she is advocating for a Democrat “because I love my country more than my party. Kamala Harris tells the truth, she respects the American people and she has my vote.”” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5504″ width=”8256″ loading=’lazy’/>
has been to every Democratic National Convention since 1976. She said Tuesday that it is thrilling to see Harris as the next potential president. “I’m up in age. I won’t enjoy all the fruits that she produces. But I’m sure young ones will, and I thank God for that,” she said. On attending the next convention in four years, she said: “Let’s be realistic. Time is ticking away. But if I’m still here, damn it, I’ll be there.”” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5504″ width=”8256″ loading=’lazy’/>
the vice president was seen saying.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3056″ width=”4497″ loading=’lazy’/>
more than four minutes of applause when he first took the stage Monday. People in the crowd held signs that said, “Thank you Joe.” They also chanted the phrase.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”4691″ width=”7036″ loading=’lazy’/>
he said.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”4939″ width=”7408″ loading=’lazy’/>
Biden said. “I love my country more, and we need to preserve our democracy.”” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3547″ width=”5059″ loading=’lazy’/>
the first lady recounted personal memories about her husband as a father, lawmaker and president. “Joe and I have been together for almost 50 years and still, there are moments when I fall in love with him all over again,” she said.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3540″ width=”5497″ loading=’lazy’/>
During his speech Monday, he called out each battleground state in attendance and asked: “Are we going to go back to the days of election suppression and violent insurrection?”” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5504″ width=”8256″ loading=’lazy’/>
speaks at the convention on Monday. “It was the honor of my life to accept our party’s nomination for president,” she said of her 2016 campaign. “And nearly 66 million Americans voted for a future where there are no ceilings on our dreams. And afterwards we refused to give up on America: millions marched, many ran for office, we kept our eyes on the future. Well, my friends, the future is here. I wish my mother and Kamala’s mother could see us. They would say, ‘Keep going.’ ”” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”2782″ width=”4466″ loading=’lazy’/>
speaking at the convention on Monday, said Harris is committed to the middle class, to reproductive and civil rights, and to bringing about a ceasefire in Gaza and bringing hostages home.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5504″ width=”8256″ loading=’lazy’/>
is honored on stage at the Democratic National Convention on Monday. In recent years, Jackson’s battle with Parkinson’s disease has largely taken him out of the national spotlight, but Democrats cheered as the 82-year-old civil rights leader appeared alongside the Rev. Al Sharpton and NAACP President Derrick Johnson.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”3324″ width=”4986″ loading=’lazy’/>
Harris thanked President Biden for his “historic leadership.” Looking toward November, she said people from all backgrounds will “come together and declare with one voice, as one people: We are moving forward.”” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5504″ width=”8256″ loading=’lazy’/>
The Zurawskis were told that they were going to lose their baby, but they had to wait days — until Amanda’s life was in jeopardy — to receive an abortion because they lived in Texas, they said.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”4033″ width=”6050″ loading=’lazy’/>
threw the support of his powerful union behind Harris on Monday, and he thanked President Biden for his past support.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”5504″ width=”8256″ loading=’lazy’/>
Thirteen people were arrested during protests related to the convention on Monday, according to Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling. Ten of those arrests stemmed from a small group that breached a portion of the northern security perimeter fence at the United Center, he said.” class=”image__dam-img image__dam-img–loading” onload=’this.classList.remove(‘image__dam-img–loading’)’ onerror=”imageLoadError(this)” height=”4859″ width=”7288″ loading=’lazy’/>
In pictures: The 2024 Democratic National Convention
‘For the people’ vs. ‘Me, myself and I’
Bill Clinton, who former President Barack Obama once dubbed the explainer-in-chief, framed the election as a choice between Harris being “for the people” or Trump being “about me, myself and I.”
“I know which one I like better for our country,” the former president said.
Though Clinton’s influence within the party has waned in the more than 23 years since he left office, no Democrat has been able to replicate his appeal to White working-class voters who have slipped away from the party since Clinton’s heyday — a reality that makes his once-every-four-years appearance at the convention an anticipated moment.
He touched on Harris’ positions on housing and health care policies, and he credited Democrats for job growth. But for the most part, Clinton used his speech to cast Trump as self-obsessed and Harris as a clean break from the drama that encompasses the former president.
He said Trump “mostly talks about himself.”
“So the next time you hear him, don’t count the lies. Count the I’s,” he said. “His vendettas, his vengeance, his complaints, his conspiracies.”
In the Democratic Party, it’ll soon be here.
While the main job of the party’s convention is to propel Harris into the fall with momentum, this year’s gathering in Chicago has also served as a generational hand-off.
Several of the party’s aging figures — including Biden, Clinton and his wife, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton; and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi — acknowledged the twilight of their influence and the emergence of new faces.
Bill Clinton — who at 78 is keenly aware that he has lived longer than his father, grandfather and great-grandfather — told the crowd Wednesday night that he’s been to every Democratic National Convention since 1972 and has “no idea how many more of these I’ll be able to come to.”
“But here’s what I want you to know,” he said. “If you vote for this team — if you can get them elected and let them bring in this breath of fresh air — you’ll be proud of it for the rest of your life. Your children will be proud of it. Your grandchildren will be proud of it.”
Evoking memories of the 1992 convention in New York where the Hope, Arkansas, native was first nominated, he said: “Take it from the man who once had the honor in this convention to be called the man from Hope: We need Kamala Harris, the president of joy, to lead us.”
Clinton also praised Biden, saying that voluntarily relinquishing political power will enhance his legacy. He was followed on stage by Pelosi, the most powerful woman in American political history, who played a role in ushering Biden aside for Harris.
Pelosi, 84, had of course already facilitated a generational change on Capitol Hill. She stepped aside as House Democratic leader in 2022 and was replaced by New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, who is 30 years younger.
Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin, the parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin — an Israeli-American who was kidnapped by Hamas while attending the Nova music festival on October 7 — shared their “anguish and misery” Wednesday in one of the night’s most poignant moments.
“Since then, we live on another planet. Anyone who is a parent or has had a parent can try to imagine the anguish and misery that Jon and I and all the hostage families are enduring,” Goldberg-Polin said.
The two said they’ve met “numerous times” at the White House with Biden and Harris.
“We are all deeply grateful to them,” Jon Polin. “We’re also profoundly thankful to you, the millions of people in the United States and all over the world, who have been sending love, support and strength to the hostage families. You’ve kept us breathing in a world without air.”
Acknowledging the deaths of civilians in Gaza, Polin also said that “there is a surplus of agony on all sides” of Israel’s war with Hamas.
Their comments came as Democrats grapple with tension over US support for Israel’s war with Hamas and the civilian casualties that have resulted. Progressives’ criticism of Biden on the issue led to campus protests and “uncommitted” votes in some states’ presidential primaries this spring.
About an hour before the family spoke, Abbas Alawieh, a co-founder of the Uncommitted Nation Network, said he welcomed the hostage parents’ speech – but pressed again for a Palestinian-American voice to be given the same time.
Hours later, Uncommitted received the news that their request for a speaking spot had been denied, and members reacted by staging a sit-in outside the United Center. They held banners that said “Arms embargo now” and “Not another bomb,” urging an end to US military supplies for Israel’s war effort. Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar briefly joined the group.
Though Harris has put her own spin on the Democratic message since replacing Biden atop the ticket, the theme that had been at the core of the president’s reelection campaign — defending democracy — remains key.
Aquilino Gonell, a former US Capitol Police sergeant, said that Trump “summoned our attackers” who rioted at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, as Congress was gathered to count electoral college votes.
Gonnell, who immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic when he was 12 and served in the Army, said that Trump “betrayed us.”
“We officers risked everything to protect innocent people. We were beaten and blinded. I was assaulted with a pole attached to an American flag.”
Democrats made the insurrection, and Trump’s broader effort to overturn the 2020 election results, a focus on Wednesday night.
Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, a Republican, and Olivia Troye, a former national security adviser to Vice President Mike Pence, also took the stage in Chicago.
“To my fellow Republicans, you aren’t voting for a Democrat; you’re voting for democracy,” Troye said. “You aren’t betraying our party; you’re standing up for our country.”