Maryland Governor Wes Moore, leveraging his experience as a U.S. Army veteran, called on Democrats to reclaim the notion of patriotism from Republicans in his convention speech delivered Wednesday night. He advocated for an inclusive interpretation of national pride, stating, “Making America great doesn’t mean telling people, ‘You’re not wanted.’ And loving your country does not mean lying about its history.” Moore urged the audience at the United Center to recognize that “the ambitions of this country would be incomplete without your help.”
During his speech, Moore honored the six maintenance workers who tragically lost their lives after a container ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge. He made a connection between his military service and his political role, expressing that the final 11 weeks leading up to Election Day represent a duty to safeguard the nation’s future by overcoming cynicism and mobilizing voters.
Moore emphasized the patriotic duty to serve even in difficult circumstances, acknowledging the imperfections of American history. “I know our history isn’t perfect,” he remarked, urging the audience to let skepticism coexist with hope rather than allowing it to dominate their outlook.
At 45, Moore holds the distinction of being the youngest Democratic governor in the country and the only Black governor in the state, positioning him as a prominent figure in the future of the party. His address was anticipated to resonate with millions, particularly as it followed remarks from Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, another military veteran.
In his speech, he shared personal anecdotes from his life as the son of an immigrant single mother and reflected on the lives lost in a recent construction accident, highlighting the support he received from Vice President Kamala Harris on that tragic day. He commended Harris as “the right one to lead us in this moment.”
Earlier in the day, Moore commented in an interview about how GOP efforts have distorted the meaning of patriotism, asserting that Americans should strive to honor the nation’s core ideals. He emphasized, “People worked far too hard, generations before us, to make sure that the promise of this country is honored. We are not going to be the generation that forfeits it.”
Since arriving in Chicago, Moore has praised Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, noting his impressive military career and the challenges of achieving the rank of sergeant major. Moore expressed that his friendship with Walz has deepened since taking office in January 2023 and mentioned their mutual support for President Joe Biden amidst calls from some Democrats for Biden to step aside from the upcoming election.
“I’ll stand with him in a foxhole anytime he asks,” said Moore, who also noted his desire for a hunting trip with Walz.
Facing the upcoming election, Moore emphasized the urgency of the moment. “We have got 75 days and a wake-up until Election Day,” he stated. “Seventy-five days and a wake-up for us to prove what Americans can do when the pressure is on. Seventy-five days and a wake-up for us to show that true patriots do not whine and complain — we put our heads down and we get to work.”