At the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, attendees erupted in chants of “lock him up” following former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s criticism of former President Donald Trump regarding his legal issues.
The chant was a twist on the familiar “lock her up” slogan used by Trump during his 2016 campaign against Clinton, where he frequently attacked her for her tenure as Secretary of State, especially concerning her use of a private email server. He had vowed to imprison her.
Clinton, who is 76, did not directly address the chanting crowd. Instead, she attempted to speak over the noise initially. As the chants intensified, she paused at the podium with a smile and nod until the momentum died down.
The chants were ignited after Clinton highlighted Trump’s legal challenges, ridiculing him for seemingly dozing off in a Manhattan courtroom during his hush-money trial earlier this summer. “When he woke up,” she remarked, “he made his own kind of history: the first person to run for president with 34 felony convictions.” This comment thrilled the crowd.
In May, a Manhattan jury found Trump guilty of 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records, which stemmed from hush money payments made to an adult film star ahead of the 2016 election, who alleged an affair with him.
Trump is set to receive his sentence next month, and while some analysts suggest that a prison term is possible, they also believe it is unlikely for a first-time, non-violent offender.
Vice President Kamala Harris has been working to curb the “lock him up” chants at campaign events, possibly to maintain a more measured tone compared to the heated rhetoric observed at Trump rallies eight years ago.
Reports indicate that any signs of endorsement from Harris could further complicate the ongoing federal charges against Trump, which include the January 6 and election interference cases being investigated by special counsel Jack Smith.
As Clinton addressed the audience, she energized the Democratic delegates with her remarks that referenced Harris’ groundbreaking campaign. “The future is here,” she exclaimed, prompting cheers from the crowd.
“I wish my mother and Kamala’s mother could see us,” Clinton added, which was met with prolonged applause and a standing ovation. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Harris’ running mate, expressed his amazement as Clinton took the stage, while Walz’s wife, Gwen, was emotional during the former first lady’s speech.