CHICAGO — On his first evening in the city, Maryland Governor Wes Moore visited a bar filled with young social media influencers to discuss poverty. Sitting next to a Barbie doll dressed in a hot pink suit, he aimed a camera and greeted “Lil Gretch,” the doll that Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer uses on social media, saying, “I gotta talk to you about the child tax credit. I’m with you. Let’s end child poverty together.” He then gave the doll a playful high-five, and the video quickly garnered over 400,000 views within a single day. This moment embodies Moore’s larger goal as a spokesperson for the Democratic party during the National Convention and leading up to the Election.
Moore is tasked with engaging hard-to-reach demographics that are essential for the party’s future. He is reaching out to younger Gen Z voters, Black men, veterans, and anyone who feels disconnected from politics. Moore aims to connect personally to these groups through both sophisticated strategies and light-hearted interactions.
“I want to address those who feel the system isn’t working for them,” Moore explained before attending a Democratic National Committee (DNC) event for influencers. “We are thrilled to engage with these communities, as they represent countless Americans who need to know they belong in this country.”
Moore’s busy schedule at the convention included energizing speeches to delegates from 13 states, addressing veterans, discussing racial wealth disparities, and participating in various fundraisers and events, such as a comedy show. His responsibilities culminate with a key convention speech.
Before his speech on Wednesday, Moore was seen preparing eagerly for a segment on “The Daily Show,” even suggesting a push-up contest with host Jordan Klepper. During his address before Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who was nominated for Vice President, he aims to reframe patriotism for Democrats around American values, contrasting it with Republican narratives.
“It’s contradictory to claim you protect American values while ignoring our history,” he said, hinting at the themes of his speech.
In a hallway after delivering five speeches to various delegations, Moore discussed his ability to blend pop culture with serious political discussions. He admitted that while his video with Lil Gretch was somewhat awkward, its attention-grabbing nature serves a purpose.
Moore’s methods appear effective. Political influencer Haley Lickstein noted that his vibrant speeches energized an audience of around 150 content creators at the DNC event. She emphasized the importance of connecting with people through social media, especially younger voters.
Moore has been warmly welcomed by Democratic delegates throughout the convention, often stopping to take selfies and converse with attendees. Many expressed their admiration for him, with one Pennsylvania delegate stating, “You’re so inspiring.” Another delegate described how overwhelmed she felt after meeting him.
During his address to Maryland delegates, he delighted them by highlighting their prime seating arrangements. Wearing a vintage “Maryland for Clinton-Gore” t-shirt from 1996, a long-time delegate remarked on how exceptional their treatment has been compared to past conventions, where they often felt overlooked.
Moore’s political ambitions took a turn as he shifted from campaigning for President Joe Biden to supporting Vice President Kamala Harris’s candidacy. He sees this convention as a moment to define his role among emerging Democratic leaders and rally undecided voters.
“This election hinges on those who choose not to vote,” Moore asserted, urging delegates to engage in grassroots campaigning in their states. He promised to revisit areas like Michigan and Wisconsin for more hands-on efforts.
Reflecting on his last visit to Wisconsin, where he sought to bolster Biden’s campaign, Moore told delegates, “We are optimistic about the future.” His words energized the room, encouraging attendees to forge ahead in their efforts.
Seventy-one-year-old Thelma A. Sais passionately responded to Moore’s call, recalling her own history and connection to the civil rights movement. She expressed hope that with leaders like Moore following Kamala Harris, the Democratic party’s future looks bright.
“I’ve seen skill, talent, and charisma,” she remarked. “Wes Moore has a gift, and I believe he will one day lead us on that convention stage.”