The third night of the Democratic National Convention highlighted former President Bill Clinton and introduced Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to a broader audience, following his selection as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate. Walz, who has a background as a teacher and football coach, emphasized a small-town perspective on the Democratic agenda, focusing on individual freedoms and critiquing what he described as the overreach of Republican policies under Donald Trump.
The event also featured emerging Democratic leaders and media personality Oprah Winfrey, who energized the crowd with her speech in support of the party’s ticket.
Walz responded to longstanding Republican portrayals of Democrats as disconnected coastal elites by highlighting his own experiences as a Midwesterner. He aimed to appeal to rural and white voters who have become increasingly estranged from the Democratic Party. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar introduced Walz, framing him as a voice of common sense.
Clinton made his 13th consecutive appearance at a Democratic National Convention, reflecting on his extensive experience in politics, and humorously noted, “I’m still younger than Donald Trump.” During his address, he cautioned attendees about the challenges ahead, emphasizing the importance of not underestimating their opponents, drawing on past election experiences.
The presence of parents of hostages taken during the recent Hamas attack on Israel was a poignant moment at the convention. Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin spoke out about their son’s abduction and the need for humanitarian action, contrasting the different messages received at the Republican convention regarding the Biden administration’s handling of the situation.
Democrats paused to address the January 6 insurrection, featuring a video of Trump inciting his supporters, which elicited chants of “lock him up” from the audience. The event aimed to reinforce the importance of safeguarding democracy while providing a platform for Republican concerns about Trump’s actions.
The theme of the night was “Freedom,” which resonated through speeches and backed by Beyoncé’s song. Democrats linked this concept to their fight for reproductive rights and broader social issues. Colorado Governor Jared Polis called out Republican agendas that threaten individual freedoms, while Oprah Winfrey invoked the spirit of standing up against oppression.
The convention also saw a blend of traditional and modern influences, with over 200 content creators and influencers in attendance, aiming to engage younger audiences. TikTok influencers shared their experiences, appealing specifically to Latino voters as part of the outreach for the Harris campaign.
Musically, the Democrats showcased a wide array of genres reflecting their diverse support base, featuring artists such as Stevie Wonder and John Legend, in contrast to the classic rock theme prevalent at the Republican convention. The varied artistic representation underscored the Democrats’ aim to resonate with a multi-racial coalition of voters.