Thank You, Joe!
Messages of Hope and Unity from AOC, Hillary, and Biden
Dear Readers,
Today marks the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The energy of last night’s crowd was unbelievable and with Barack and Michelle Obama scheduled to speak later tonight, I have no doubt that we are in for another round of electrifying speeches. Before day two of the convention kicks off, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some highlights from last night’s speakers.
Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance and delivered a speech with neither a teleprompter nor podium. Her message of freedom and “optimism, hope, and faith” was a powerful contrast to the hate and division of Donald Trump and the MAGA movement.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez highlighted the real struggles faced by working people across the country and how the Harris administration plans to improve the lives of average Americans. Her endorsement of Vice President Harris is a signal that the previous divides within the party have begun to heal.
Former First Lady Hillary Clinton reminded us that the fight for equality in the United States is an ongoing battle. Her speech highlighted the power of activists and organizers in fighting against injustice. Her message that “the Future is Here” should be seen as a rallying cry for all Americans fighting against a tyrant that seeks to undo decades of progress in society.
Finally, President Biden delivered perhaps the most powerful speech of his political career. It’s summer in America - we have emerged from the dark winter of the pandemic, of January 6th, of the chaos of the Trump years, and an administration that enabled neo-nazis and the violence of Charlottesville. We have built back our economy and reasserted America’s place on the world stage. The best days are ahead of us and a Harris administration will guide us forward.
After months of turmoil and uncertainty the party feels more united than ever before. We’re back in the fight and when we fight, we win
I was reminded last night of what Adlai Stevenson said during the 1952 campaign:
“The strange alchemy of time, has somehow converted the Democrats into the truly conservative party of this country — the party dedicated to conserving all that is best, and building solidly and safely on these foundations.”
Even more true 72 years later.
We need more von Clausewitz to guide us through the fog of the next few months. Some generals win battles that do not affect the outcome of the war. Diligent pursuit of a destabilized force and their vanquishing in the rout must be done. Neither McClellan nor Meade ended the civil war when the end was in their grasp. Let’s end the threat, not just insult it.