I wasn't really planning on watching much (or any) of the 2024 Democratic National Convention last week. I live in Chicago, so I had already been inundated with coverage, reminders, announcements on public transportation, street signs, and more in the weeks leading up to it.
Add to the fact I didn't watch a millisecond of the live RNC coverage, and what I saw in news recaps was unimpressive, depressing, or simply annoying.
I didn't think I'd last two minutes watching the actual proceedings.
Well, I was wrong. I ended up watching the DNC events live, for at least three hours a night, during all four nights of the event. And I loved it.
I caught the coverage on MSNBC because I LOVE Rachel Maddow and you couldn't pay me to watch one minute of anything on FOX News or CNN these days.
Anyway, because I love lists, I thought I'd share some moments that stood out to me (in no particular order):
1) BIDEN'S SPEECH
President Biden's emotional, beautiful address to the convention/nation in which he officially handed the baton over to Kamala Harris. He was passionate, energized, urgent and boldly cognizant, even though it was about midnight when he finally finished. It was the perfect speech at the perfect time.
2) KENAN SHOWS UP!
Kenan Thompson from "Saturday Night Live" showed up, surprising everyone with a hilarious take down of "Project 2025." Entertaining as hell.
3) TRIBUTE TO JESSE
Civil rights leader and former Presidential Candidate Jesse Jackson being honored on stage was special. He was surrounded by family, colleagues and friends, and it was inspiring and wonderful to see him at such an important event.
4) DOUG EMHOFF'S SPEECH
Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff introduced himself to the nation by telling a great story about a rambling voicemail he left for Kamala before they started dating and how she plays it back to him on every anniversary they celebrate. It was relatable and charming, and he came off as sharp, cool and incredibly supportive.
5) GUS WALZ/TIM WALZ
Gus Walz, the 17-year-old son of Vice-Presidential Candidate Tim Walz, and his overwhelmingly beautiful display of love, pride, and deep emotion during his dad's acceptance speech, was truly one of the most incredible moments of the entire convention. (Tim Walz's remarkable speech was one for the books, too).
6) ELIZABETH WARREN'S APPEARANCE
I absolutely love Elizabeth Warren with every fiber of my being, so seeing her get emotional on stage as she was greeted with such a rousing ovation was awesome.
7) THE OBAMAS
The back-to-back speeches by Michelle and Barack Obama were just extraordinary. These two people are still obviously brilliant, insightful and inspiring, and the speeches were vital and urgent. Michelle's comment about the Presidency being a "Black job" and Barack's jab about "crowd size" were both showstoppers.
8) VARIOUS STAGE APPEARANCES
On-stage moments by Republicans for Harris, families of gun violence victims, noted politicians from around the world, and representatives of communities throughout the nation speaking their truths, were inspiring and smart.
9) THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE
The appearance of the "Central Park Five," who were wrongly convicted over the attack and rape of a woman in 1989, on stage to endorse Harris was a huge moment.
10) THE CLINTONS
I happen to be a massive fan of the Clintons, so watching Hillary knock it out of the park was particularly wonderful. Even though Bill rambled a bit and went on and on (and on and on and on....), he made some powerful points and ultimately reminded everyone why he was a two-term President.
11) CELEBRITIES, CELEBRITIES, CELEBRITIES!
The celebrities that showed up (including a surprise visit from Oprah Winfrey - that was the only time I switched the channel) and the musical guests featured at the DNC were pretty amazing too.
With great performances by Pink and her daughter Willow, John Legend and Sheila E. (with a rousing tribute to Prince), Mickey Guyton (who kicked off the proceedings), The Chicks (harmonizing on The National Anthem), and Stevie Wonder. Hey, the RNC had Lee Greenwood, Hulk Hogan and Kid Rock...so, there's that.
12) THE ROLL CALL!
OK, let's get to THE roll call, shall we?
The roll call is typically a standard procedure at the convention in which each state is called to cast its votes for the candidate.
It is often accompanied by a song and much ballyhoo and pride from the crowd and the constituency from each state.
Well, at this year's DNC it was an absolute blast, a dance party, a rowdy and loud musical celebration. It featured a DJ mixing cuts live, potent & catchy songs chosen for each state, surprise guests, and an energy level of monumental proportions. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before, and when Lil Jon appeared during Georgia's vote, running through the stadium and hyping up the crowd, I almost fell off of my couch.
13) KAMALA ACCEPTS THE NOMINATION
Kamala Harris' incredible acceptance speech.
She was magnificent and confident and displayed the type of poise and intelligence that is not only impressive but very, very presidential. She hit all the right points, spoke to the pressing concerns about the country, and laid out the plans she has for the future of America, all while giving solid reasons as to why she should be elected and not her opponent. Historic.
Overall, it was a pretty special four nights, and I am truly happy that I watched it. I came away feeling energized, happy and satisfied with not only the convention itself but with what could happen to this nation as a result.
Also, my city, which has a bit of a shaky reputation hosting Democratic Conventions, acquitted itself nicely. There were protests, some disruptions and arrests, but overall, Chicago came out on top — and the weather was spectacular as well.
Oh, and if you want to recreate the Roll Call party in your own living room, here is a complete setlist of the songs played and why each state chose them.
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