When Bill Clinton took the stage at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, he was met with applause fitting for a two-term president. However, the reaction was not as loud or prolonged as the response received by his wife, Hillary Clinton, who had spoken the previous night.
Even after nearly 25 years since he left the White House, Bill Clinton is still a cherished figure among many Democrats. His remarks drew cheers at certain moments, especially when he delivered witty lines reminiscent of his earlier days. In a humorous jab at Donald Trump, he encouraged Democrats to focus on counting the ‘I’s rather than the lies. Nevertheless, Hillary Clinton’s speech resonated more powerfully with the audience, showcasing her ability to energize the crowd right after receiving a long round of applause.
Hillary’s speeches and presence have become more appealing, especially to younger Democrats who regard her as a role model. Most of these individuals have grown up hearing about her rather than Bill Clinton, with many being born after his presidency. For them, Hillary’s 2016 campaign and the subsequent Women’s March marked a significant political awakening. Some view her as a pioneering figure, with voices like Sabrina Collins noting her impact on current organizing and activism efforts.
While many young Democrats initially favored Bernie Sanders during the 2016 primaries, Hillary Clinton has since gained a near-iconic status among this demographic. In a sign of her popularity, one attendee expressed the urgency of wanting to hear from Hillary, reflecting a sense of anticipation for her words and insights.
At a Gen Z-focused event, a local council member recounted a favorite moment from Hillary’s speech, noting the crowd’s reaction to her comments about Trump’s legal issues and their subsequent chant. Rather than reproach the crowd, Hillary engaged with them, which resonated positively with younger attendees.
Historically, Bill Clinton has been the one to deliver memorable moments at conventions, having attended every DNC since 1980. However, his appearances have changed over time; in 2020, he had a brief virtual role after the onset of the pandemic. The scrutiny of his past behavior has also intensified, particularly following the #MeToo movement, and some former supporters have even stated that he should have resigned during the controversies surrounding his presidency.
Despite the potential awkwardness around past issues, Bill Clinton’s presence at the convention drew little backlash. Many Democrats appeared ready to embrace him again, though it was evident that younger attendees expressed greater enthusiasm for Hillary. Bill’s speech, while longer in duration, seemed to lack its former vigor, with several attendees noting a difference in delivery and content compared to his wife’s rousing address.
During his speech, he attempted to inject energy and joy, but his improvisations occasionally disrupted the flow. Clinton’s candid reflections on age drew laughter and applause, particularly when he contrasted his age with Trump’s.
As Bill Clinton spoke, the crowd was at times quiet, as he elaborated on political issues. He emphasized the job creation records of Democratic versus Republican presidents, eliciting one of the loudest cheers of the night. While the crowd welcomed him back, it was clear that Hillary remains the more prominent figure in the eyes of many Democrats today.