Obama reignites democratic fervor at the Chicago convention

The Democratic convention is ongoing in Chicago. Together with Kamala Harris, the party has gained wind in its sails, which is confirmed by the ubiquitous enthusiasm among the delegates. From the speeches so far, a strategy for defeating Donald Trump has also emerged - it’s a new perception - says Andrzej Kohut, an Americanist from the Centre for Eastern Studies, to Wirtualna Polska.

The Obamas were the star attraction of the second day of the Democratic convention in Chicago. The former presidential couple did not disappoint the gathered audience and utilised their time on stage. American and global media have even dubbed it the "Obama Show," which is set to be the momentum driver for the upcoming, most challenging months of the presidential campaign.

Barack Obama, like his wife who preceded him, focused among other things on supporting Kamala Harris, while also highlighting Donald Trump’s flaws.

- This is a 78-year-old billionaire who hasn’t stopped whining about his problems since he rode down his golden escalator nine years ago. We have seen that movie before and we all know that the sequel is usually worse. America is ready for a new chapter. America is ready for a better story. We are ready for a President Kamala Harris" preying on voters’ fears and basest instincts.

- This convention shows something that has also been observable in the last month of the Democratic campaign: enormous energy and a kind of return to the belief that the Democratic Party candidate can win in these elections. This had been lacking in the Democratic campaign for several months. There was visible apathy, some discouragement, a lack of belief in Joe Biden’s potential success - summarises the first two days of the convention Andrzej Kohut, an Americanist from the Centre for Eastern Studies.

- Especially those key speeches, the speech of Hillary Clinton, the speech of Joe Biden, and the speech of the Obamas, were met with immense enthusiasm, he emphasises in a conversation with Wirtualna Polska.

The expert, however, draws attention to two things that stand out the most from what we have seen in Chicago so far. The first concerns the image of the party itself. - Democrats want to show that they are a party of ordinary people, that their candidates chosen as part of this convention, namely Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, are just such ordinary Americans - indicates Kohut.

- The second thing - it was very clear in Barack Obama’s speech, is a kind of change in the narrative concerning Donald Trump himself - he adds. Previously, Trump was portrayed "in very apocalyptic colours," as someone who poses a serious threat to democracy. However, the Obamas have indicated a new path. The former president now appears as "a bit ridiculous, somewhat disconnected from the reality of ordinary Americans, proposing absurd ideas, supporting some conspiracy theories, who is also convicted and falls asleep during trials." - This is a new perception - summarises the Americanist.

- The change stems from a sense that it is difficult to harm him (Trump - ed.) by repeatedly raising the same warnings about the future of American democracy. So maybe he can be harmed by laughter. Laughter is a powerful weapon in politics; ridiculing the rival - emphasizes the WP interlocutor.

- So Obama did indeed reach for this weapon and did so very effectively. The audience reacted very enthusiastically to his successive jokes - he indicates.

However, this is not the only weapon Democrats have raised against Trump. Democrats want to demonstrate their similarity to ordinary Americans, with whom it is easy to relate, thereby making it easy to contrast with billionaire Trump, who hails from an extremely wealthy New York family.

Democrats are also looking for ways to "stop the exodus of Latino and African American voters, which started trending towards Donald Trump." At the same time, this must be done concurrently with mobilizing the electorate - including women. Here, Michelle Obama had taken on the role of "mobilizer," which - even before Harris’s nomination - enjoyed significant support among voters and could potentially have run for president herself.

- This is also a very significant element of the speeches of both Obamas, where, referring to Michelle Obama’s late mother, they spoke about the role of women in the United States. This is about reaching out to women who see Kamala Harris as their representative and, therefore, vote for her - explains Kohut.

Obama did not spare Trump words of criticism either. She described him as a product of "the affirmative action of generational wealth" who despite that has "the grace to always land on his feet," whining that he is somehow a victim. She depicted him as a racist and misogynist who exploited fears and lies, a charlatan and hater still playing "the same old game."

This tactic is meant to strengthen Harris’s position, who in recent polls holds a slight lead over Trump. The convention is expected to increase and solidify it. However, Democrats appear to be aware that September and October will still bring challenges in the campaign.

- The American presidential campaign intensively happens in September and October - reminds Kohut and points out that Democrats are aware of the challenges Harris faces. - I have a feeling that this was also repeatedly mentioned during the convention, that one should not fall into excessive triumphalism and should work if one wants to achieve this victory - emphasises the WP interlocutor.

The current Vice President now faces a real electoral test, and mere "initial enthusiasm" will not suffice. - Harris will have to present her programme proposals, which will also expose her to different attacks. She will finally have to give some interviews. She will also have to face the press at a press conference.

- Until now, she has avoided all these things and tried to minimise risk before the convention, but these things are inevitable. The campaign might still be complicated for the Democrats - says the expert.

- The fact that today it is the Democrats who have a convention full of enthusiasm and hope that this victory is within reach is a huge success. Not so long ago, no one expected it. A month ago, we had the Republican convention in Milwaukee, which took place at a time when it seemed that Trump was heading for a rather certain victory - reminds Kohut.

So what are the forecasts for the coming months? - In this campaign, of course, a lot can still happen - he says briefly.