Bill Clinton received a warm welcome at the Democratic National Convention held at the United Center, reminiscent of his past presidential victories. However, the applause he received this time was less intense than that which greeted his wife, Hillary Clinton, who spoke earlier in the week.
Despite being remembered fondly by many Democrats nearly 25 years after leaving the White House, Bill Clinton’s star power has somewhat diminished in comparison to Hillary’s, especially among younger party members. During his speech, Bill made several jokes that drew enthusiastic responses from the audience, such as encouraging Democrats to focus on the number of “I’s” in Donald Trump’s statements rather than counting the lies. Nevertheless, Hillary’s address was hailed as more dynamic and engaging, as she championed Kamala Harris’s candidacy and delivered sharp criticisms of Trump.
As the Democratic Party moves past the resentment stemming from Hillary’s 2016 loss, she has emerged as a significant figure for younger party members, many of whom only have an awareness of Bill Clinton’s presidency through historical accounts. Hillary Clinton’s candidacy and the subsequent Women’s March served as pivotal moments for this generation. Young Democrats, like 25-year-old Sabrina Collins from Kentucky, credit her with paving the way for modern political activism.
Although many younger party members initially supported Bernie Sanders in 2016, Hillary Clinton has garnered a near-iconic status among the current generation. A 20-year-old attendee at the convention expressed a strong desire to hear her speak, indicating the high regard in which she is held. Former Senator Debbie Stabenow acknowledged Hillary’s bravery in helping to break barriers for women in politics.
During the convention, young Democrats showed indifference towards Bill Clinton’s return, with many expressing unfamiliarity with his past. When asked who they were more eager to see, Hillary received unanimous enthusiasm, while Bill was met with a less informed and more neutral response.
Bill Clinton’s speech was longer than Hillary’s but seemed to lack the same energy. Although he attempted to convey an uplifting message, he occasionally strayed from his prepared remarks and appeared less vigorous than in his prime, even mispronouncing Kamala Harris’s name twice. Clinton did deliver some applause-worthy lines, including a humorous jab about his age in comparison to Trump, noting he still considers himself younger than the former president.
Throughout his address, he emphasized job creation statistics under Democratic and Republican administrations, citing a substantial disparity in favor of his party. Although he received cheers from the audience, it was evident that he no longer commands the same spotlight as Hillary Clinton, who continues to resonate strongly with the party’s evolving base.