Throughout the week in Chicago, Democrats expressed excitement and optimism about Kamala Harris’s unexpected candidacy. On Thursday evening, Harris delivered a speech aimed at reintroducing herself to voters just over ten weeks before Election Day.
Matt Bai, along with colleagues Michele L. Norris and David Von Drehle, discussed her performance after the speech. Bai asked for grades on Harris’s speech, with Norris praising its tactical strength and the compelling contrasts she drew from her background, emphasizing her immigrant roots against a party that often weaponizes immigration.
David Von Drehle rated the speech an A-plus, comparing its impact to Bill Clinton’s memorable remarks in 1992. He noted that the speech resonated authentically, unlike others where the speaker’s voice was drowned by the prose. Norris highlighted Harris’s steadiness and her ability to pass the “commander in chief” test, while also mentioning the clear contrasts with Trump, particularly her prosecutorial tone which indicated her confidence and readiness for debate.
The conversation then turned to Harris’s approach to the sensitive topic of Gaza. Both Norris and Von Drehle acknowledged her ability to navigate a complex discussion by defending Israel while affirming the humanity of Palestinians, which kept her audience engaged. Bai expressed his agreement, stating that Harris succeeded in telling her story and meeting the standards of governance, although he noted that the economic section felt less robust.
Von Drehle remarked on Harris’s growth as a speaker since her initial presidential campaign launch five years ago, emphasizing that effective public speaking can improve through practice. The discussion also touched on the significance of her moment for women of color, along with the need for her campaign to galvanize support among White women who have previously leaned towards Trump.
As the trio reflected on the significance of Harris’s message in the context of the upcoming election, they noted the rapid pivot of the Democratic Party post-Biden’s campaign. David pointed out that polling consistently shows a majority of Americans may prefer alternatives to Trump, and Harris’s performance in this context was deemed positive. The conversation wrapped up with thoughts on outreach to various demographics, including the Latino community, and the importance of Black leadership within the party.
Overall, the panelists highlighted Harris’s effective communication, her ability to resonate with audiences, and the changing dynamics within the Democratic Party as they gear up for the election.