Is the DNC Stuck in the Past?

As a seasoned movie critic with over three decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen my fair share of blockbusters and flops alike, political conventions included. The Democratic National Convention this year has been a fascinating spectacle, reminiscent of a Hollywood epic that’s lost its way amidst a sea of cameos and nostalgia.

As a movie buff, I can’t help but feel drawn to the captivating charm of nostalgia. And while the Democratic National Convention gears up for its grand entrance, Thursday night, introducing a candidate who’s dedicated his journey to alter the narrative, it seems to have momentarily slipped into reminiscing about past victories.

Kamala Harris’ recurring call since she assumed the role of Democrats’ flag-bearer, following President Joe Biden, is “We’re not going back.” Essentially, she wants America to move forward and not revert to the times of the Trump administration. However, the narrative surrounding her and backed by figures from the Democratic Party’s past appears to revolve around a different slogan. So far, it has evoked memories of a line from the play “Lost” – “We have to go back!”

At political conventions, it’s common to see ex-leaders from the party gathering, serving partly as a commemoration of past victories that could potentially be reclaimed. However, this year’s balance seemed off. Hillary Clinton’s speech initially paid a heartfelt tribute to Kamala Harris, but later shifted to highlight her own political journey and notable achievements. Her speech subtly integrated references from “It Takes a Village” and her 2016 concession speech, ending with the exit song “Fight Song.” Essentially, it was a compact version of what could have been her Eras Tour. Bill Clinton’s speech, intended to endorse the Harris-Walz ticket, primarily served as a farewell speech for himself, reminding us of his infamous overrun at the 1988 DNC when he delivered the keynote address as Governor of Arkansas and went over time.

However, that tradition provided ample opportunity for an up-and-coming figure. Likewise, two decades ago, the DNC brought into focus an ascending Illinois state senator named Barack Obama, during his run for the U.S. Senate: His speech, which emphasized our shared values as Americans irrespective of political affiliation, propelled his political journey and led him to the Senate, eventually the White House. He was invited back in 2024, naturally, and revisited familiar themes while seemingly making a humorous remark about the size of Donald Trump’s physical attributes.

As a long-time political observer with a keen interest in American politics, I find myself somewhat disappointed by the apparent lack of fresh voices at this year’s Democratic National Convention. While I appreciate the historical significance of having former Presidents Obama and Clinton present, it seems that their presence has overshadowed many other potential leaders who could have benefited from more extensive speaking opportunities.

On the first night of the convention, New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stole the show with a passionate and captivating speech. If given more time, perhaps around 15 minutes, her address could have been even more impactful as it approached the introduction of the new nominee. On the other hand, Wednesday night’s speaker, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, was equally confident and capable, but seemed out of place in a disorganized program that lacked structure, coherence, and especially rhythm. The convention has yet to provide a sense of progression or “build”; instead, it has been one speaker after another, drowning out fresh voices in an overwhelming cacophony, without any discernible pattern. It could be Pete Buttigieg taking the stage, or anyone else for that matter. The only certainty is that the headlining speaker, like Joe Biden on Monday and Tim Walz on Wednesday, will be pushed back to past 11 pm Eastern Time, overshadowed by the multitude of Democrats assembled.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the tendency of the Democratic establishment to go grand and glitzy. Coming off a summer where Charli XCX labeled Harris’ campaign as “Brat”-coded, the DNC opted for Pink and John Legend as headliners; their celebrity hosts spanned four nights, featuring Kerry Washington and Tony Goldwyn from “Scandal,” a series that ended in 2018. Ana Navarro, a Republican co-host on “The View” who gained prominence during the early Trump administration, was also included. She’s more of a throwback to a bygone era. The speech from Oprah Winfrey, still donning her “The Color Purple”-themed purple from this year’s award season, seemed somewhat unfocused and could have benefited from a tighter script, perhaps placing Walz in a more prime-time slot.

Are established figures like Pink, Oprah, Bill Clinton, and “Fight Song” influential enough to motivate an 18-year-old voter in cities like Milwaukee, Detroit, Phoenix, or Atlanta to vote? It seems that the real breakout stars of this election cycle are Kamala Harris and Tim Walz themselves, as they carry a significant responsibility without much room for mistakes or lucky breaks. (It’s worth noting that I found the video introducing Doug Emhoff, Kamala Harris’ husband, quite endearing – a moment of genuine connection amidst traditional elements from the years 1992 to 2020.) The Democratic Party has given Harris a lot to handle by making it seem like she is participating in a convention that a President first elected to the Senate in 1972, like Biden, would have had. This could be seen as a challenge they believe she can overcome.

2024-08-22 07:17

Is the DNC Stuck in the Past?

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