The third night of the Democratic National Convention

The third night of the Democratic National Convention(DNC) in Chicago centered on a powerful message of optimism and moving beyond the contentious era shaped by former President Donald Trump. Democrats are betting that the American electorate is eager to embrace a more positive future, and this sentiment was vividly showcased through what some are calling the “joy” strategy.

The evening highlighted Vice President Kamala Harris as the candidate who embodies this forward-looking vision. Former President Bill Clinton emphasized Harris’s ability to bring “sheer joy” to the 2024 race, while Oprah Winfrey urged voters to “choose joy.” This theme was reinforced by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who contrasted Trump’s “darkness” with the brighter, more uplifting politics championed by Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Buttigieg pointed out that the Harris-Walz ticket “just feels better to be part of.”

The shift in tone comes in the wake of President Joe Biden’s recent exit from the race, which marked a significant change in the Democratic campaign narrative. While Biden’s campaign had focused on the grave dangers of another Trump presidency, Harris has reframed the message to highlight themes of freedom and joy, offering a more hopeful outlook while still acknowledging the stakes of the election.

The night was not just about speeches; it was a celebration. Musical performances by John Legend, Sheila E., and Stevie Wonder brought energy to the event, with songs like Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” and Wonder’s “Higher Ground” resonating with the crowd. In a touching moment, former football players from Mankato West High School, where Walz once served as an assistant coach, took the stage in their old jerseys as a pep band played their school fight song. “Thank you for bringing the joy to this fight,” Walz told the audience.

Here are six key takeaways from the DNC’s third night:

Tim Walz’s Introduction as a “Happy Warrior”:

This was a defining moment for Tim Walz, who had never before delivered a high-profile speech to a national audience, let alone used a teleprompter. Despite his extensive experience as a two-term governor and former congressman, Walz chose to highlight his background as a high school teacher, football coach, hunter, and neighbor, presenting himself as a relatable and down-to-earth leader.

Walz’s Vision of Freedom:

In his speech, Walz framed the Democratic Party as the party of true freedom, emphasizing respect for neighbors and their choices. He linked this vision to key policy positions on health care, abortion rights, and homeownership, drawing on populist rhetoric reminiscent of the late Senator Paul Wellstone.

Personal Touches:

A particularly moving part of Walz’s speech came when he shared the fertility struggles he and his wife, Gwen, faced. As he expressed his love for his family, including his children, Hope and Gus, his son Gus was visibly emotional, with tears streaming down his face as he applauded his father.

Musical Highlights:

The night was marked by powerful musical performances that energized the crowd. Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World” played as Walz left the stage, a song personally approved by Young for the Harris campaign after he had previously sued Trump’s campaign to stop them from using it.

Shift in Campaign Messaging:

The DNC showcased a significant shift from the Biden campaign’s warnings about the dangers of a Trump presidency to Harris’s more positive, joy-focused approach. This change reflects the evolving dynamics of the 2024 presidential race.

A Celebration of Joy:

The overall atmosphere of the night was one of celebration and optimism, with Democrats rallying around the idea of moving the nation forward with a message of joy, freedom, and a brighter future.

These takeaways highlight the Democratic Party’s strategic pivot towards a message of unity and optimism, as they seek to appeal to voters who are ready to move past the divisiveness of recent years.

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