The Democratic angle
The Democratic National Convention was held in Charlotte, N.C. from Sept. 4 to Sept.6. At the convention, viewers were presented with a number of speeches from many notable democrats. Of course, the highlights were mostly focused around the speeches of first lady Michelle Obama, former president Bill Clinton and President Barak Obama.
The convention opened with on the fourth with the first lady’s speech as the center of attention. Her speech took a clear emotional approach and lasted almost 25 minutes, focusing on her husband. She described the man she fell in love with, and explained how he had lived the American Dream. That, she explained, is what he wishes for everyone in America: the chance to live the American Dream.
“He knows what it means to want something more for your kids and grandkids,” Michelle Obama said. “Barack knows the American dream because he’s lived it, and he wants everyone in this country to have the same opportunity, no matter who we are, or where we’re from, or what we look like, or who we love.”
The passion she put into her speech brought the audience to their feet, and it was clear that they were energized by the sheer emotion that she had packed into her speech.
On the second day of the convention, the last speaker was former president Bill Clinton. His speech was in response to the GOP’s plan that had been outlined at their convention. He tackled the criticism that Obama had came into office when the economy was a mess, and that it now still is.Clinton emphasized how the economy has shown signs of becoming better, and that Obama should be reelected so that this growth can continue. He also highlighted the economic successes of his own administration as a case for Obama’s reelection.
Clinton said, “I like the argument for President Obama’s reelection a lot better,” in response to the GOP’s criticism of Obama. Many saw Clinton’s support of Obama as greatly effective. Many consider this evidence that Clinton has put aside the anger he had towards Obama because of his wife’s loss to him.
Democrats viewed this as a coming together of two of the most influential democratic representatives in the past 30 years. The convention concluded with Obama’s acceptance of the Democratic Party’s nomination and his speech that followed. Obama’s speech was focused around the promises he had made before he was elected president, most centered on the issue of the economy. He asked for the patience of the American people.
Obama explained that there was no short term answer to the economic problems. Instead, he encouraged his supporters to continually support him and his plans through reelecting him. He explained that fixing the economy, “…will require common effort, shared responsibility, and the kind of bold, persistent experimentation that Franklin Roosevelt pursued during the only crisis worse than this one.” President Obama did not try to hide the fact that the economy was still far from stable. Rather, he focused upon the growth his administration has started.
It seems to be his hope that Americans will understand that, for this growth to continue, his reelection is absolutely essential. While the Republican National Convention seemed to focus on how America is failing, Obama focused more upon the fact that America doesn’t fail. He created more hope, reminiscent of his 2008 campaign.
It seemed only proper that this first article be a summary, in a way, of the Democratic National Convention. At this event, the basis of the President Obama’s campaign strategy was outlined, and many important issues for the party were discussed, such as the economy, the support of the LGBTQ community and what exactly the term “Obamacare” means.
This column, in the following issues, will take these important issues and break them down one by one in reference to their importance in the arena of politics as it relates to the democratic perspective.