It was unofficially ladies’ night on the first day of the Democratic National Convention, with iconic Democratic female leaders, from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to Hillary Clinton to Presidential Nominee Kamala Harris herself, on hand to rouse the crowd.
Hillary Clinton’s Endorsement of Kamala Harris
Clinton took to the stage to promote Harris as the woman who will finally “shatter the glass ceiling.”
The Significance of the “Glass Ceiling”
The “glass ceiling” reference was a throwback to Clinton’s campaign against former President Trump, which she lost in 2016. She cast Harris as the woman who would finish the job that Clinton could not do nearly a decade ago.
Positioning Harris in a Line of Feminist Icons
Clinton positioned Harris in a line of feminist history makers, invoking historical icons such as Rep. Shirley Chisholm (D-NY), who was the first woman to run for President in 1972, and Geraldine Ferraro, who was the first candidate on a major party ticket when she ran with Democratic Nominee Walter Mondale in 1984.
Clinton’s Vision for the Future with Harris
Clinton said of Harris, “My friends, the future is here.” She continued, “On the other side of that glass ceiling is Kamala Harris taking the oath of office as our 47th president of the United States.”
Harris’s Political Appeal Beyond Historic Firsts
Although the tenor of Clinton’s speech was to point to all the historic “firsts” Harris would accomplish if she won office, Harris has not chosen to focus on that particular line of argument in her political appeals to voters.
Harris’s Already Achieved Historic Milestones
She already had accomplished the “first” of being the first female Vice President and the first Black and South Asian person to serve in the office of Vice President.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Impact at the DNC
Another vibrant and youthful voice present on the first day of the DNC was Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, whose energy reverberated throughout the Convention.
Ocasio-Cortez: A Figure of Controversy and Inspiration
Ocasio-Cortez is a controversial figure, criticized by conservatives and traditionalists, but a figure of excitement and energy to liberals who want to see a change in Washington. Her performance was praised as inspirational and “rapturous” by the media present.
Ocasio-Cortez’s Endorsement of Harris and Walz
Ocasio-Cortez promoted Harris and Vice Presidential Candidate and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, touting them as fighters for middle-class Americans. She compared Trump to a “two-bit union buster” who “would sell this country for a dollar.”
Acknowledging Protestors at the DNC
She also gave a nod to war protestors present at the DNC who were protesting the actions of Israel in Gaza. Rather than stoking division, Ocasio-Cortez claimed Harris is “working tirelessly to achieve a cease-fire in Gaza.”
Crowd Enthusiasm for Ocasio-Cortez
The aspect of her speech that was most remarked on was the enthusiasm she generated among the crowd, who spontaneously chanted “AOC!” In response, she thanked the attendees for their “energy.”
Kamala Harris’s Brief Appearance on Stage
Harris herself also made an appearance on stage Monday, entering to applause and the Beyonce song “Freedom.” Harris’s keynote acceptance speech will take place Thursday night.
Harris’s Tribute to President Joe Biden
Harris paid her respects to her predecessor, President Joe Biden, who selected her as a running mate four years ago. She called him “incredible” and said, “We are forever grateful to you.” She spoke for only two minutes Monday and stuck to themes of optimism, hope, and faith.
