Key Takeaways from Night One of the Democratic National Convention

No Unity without Transition: Biden Signs off

The Democratic National Convention kicked off in Chicago with President Joe Biden, in a moving speech and gesture, handing over the baton to Vice-President Kamala Harris, declaring his choice of Harris as a running mate in 2020 as “the best decision I ever made”. This move highlighted a significant shift in strategy and messaging.

Democrats Rally behind Harris, against Trump

In the face of the fractured state of the Democratic party just last a month ago, the convention’s first-night speakers were united against their common opponent, the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump. The focus of the attacks ranged from the former President’s legal troubles and morality to his approach to abortion rights and benefits for the wealthy. There was also substantial emphasis on Harris and the potential for her to become the first woman to win the presidency.

Abortion Rights Take Center Stage

One of the standout moments of the night was the pointed critique of Trump for appointing conservative Supreme Court justices, which has led to a state-by-state erosion of abortion rights. This issue has been a potent one for Democrats since the reversal of Roe v. Wade two years ago. Victims of life-threatening pregnancy complications and restrictive abortion laws shared their experiences in eye-opening speeches.

Biden’s Final Bow

Biden, greeted with a four-minute standing ovation, expressed his total support for Harris while offering scathing criticisms of Trump’s leadership. In a speech full of humor, reflection and pointed criticism, he shed light on the progress made under the current administration and ended with a statement that seemed to encapsulate his decision to give up his run – “I love my job, but I love my country more.”

Harris Breaks the Glass Ceiling

Hillary Clinton took the opportunity on the Convention’s first night to reflect on the progress made towards gender equity in American politics. Having gained the nomination herself in 2016, her speech urged Americans to help Harris finally break the “glass ceiling” for women in politics, drawing connections between her own life and legacy and the potential future that Harris could usher in.

Democrats Deflect from Divisive Issues

Despite recent divisions within the party about the Israeli war in Gaza and rising anti-Semitism, these issues were conspicuously absent from the night’s speeches. This conspicuous absence of discussion stands in stark contrast to protests and demonstrations taking place outside of the convention, suggesting that Democrats may see little political advantage in highlighting these issues.

Spotlight Falls on Conservative Policies: ‘Project 2025’

A surprise moment of the evening revolved around ‘Project 2025’, a conservative agenda tied to Donald Trump. Speaker Mallory McMorrow seized the opportunity to share elements of the ‘Project 2025’ policy and tie it back to Trump directly, comparing it to a blueprint for a potential second Trump term.