Harris has yet to experience her own Obama 2004 moment. Tonight's speech offers that opportunity.
Harris intends to connect Trump to the contentious Project 2025 agenda.
TroibNews 
CHICAGO — Historically, presidential nominees have often made their mark during national conventions—opportunities to cast themselves in a memorable light and set the stage for future acceptance speeches. Until recently, Kamala Harris hadn't quite sculpted her public persona or presented her backstory on such a grand scale as others like Barack Obama in 2004 or Ronald Reagan in 1976 during their convention moments.
The COVID pandemic curtailed the normal fanfare around Harris’ 2020 vice presidential speech, making her address on Thursday a pivotal first. This moment highlights a significant shift in the Democratic narrative from President Joe Biden to the vice president, revealing a lack of widespread familiarity with Harris’ personal history, even among her longstanding supporters.
“Many people are talking about her life, and there have been some wonderful videos this week looking back on her, but even I have not known some things,” Barbara Boxer, a former senator, commented, illustrating the novelty of Harris’s story to even informed circles.
Although a convention speech can't encapsulate the entirety of a candidate's life and motivations, it does play a crucial role in generating interest and shaping public perception.
Revelations such as Harris’ early employment at McDonald’s are surfacing, adding layers to her image that weren't previously well-known, Boxer noted.
Harris’ upcoming speech aims to bind her personal journey as an immigrant’s middle-class daughter to broader American aspirations. An adviser, speaking anonymously, detailed that her narrative will touch upon her motives for pursuing a law career, specifically her drive to safeguard sexual abuse survivors and homeowners during the foreclosure crisis. The speech intends to position Donald Trump as a relic of the past while portraying Harris as a beacon for a brighter future.
Additionally, she plans to challenge Trump’s association with the controversial Project 2025 agenda, emphasizing its potential threats to freedom and economic stability.
“The delegates in that room are some of the most hyper-aware, involved people in politics. Yet for many of them, this will be the first time they’ve attended a speech by the vice president or seen her in this setting,” Brian Brokaw, an adviser, noted, pointing out the fresh impact Harris is poised to make.
Previously, at the onset of her presidential campaign in 2019, Harris saw a brief surge in popularity. However, her national prominence at conventions has been less impactful, evidenced by a lackluster speech in 2012 and missed opportunities for greater exposure in subsequent political battles.
The 2020 DNC speech situation further exemplified the challenges, as her speech was overshadowed by Biden’s impromptu TV appearance.
“She's going to reintroduce herself in a way that I think is going to be really powerful,” expressed Rep. Robert Garcia from California, emphasizing the dual focus on her accomplishments and future intentions.
Harris’ public image has been a work in progress, adaptive to the evolving political landscape and her positions within it. As she prepares for challenging campaign discussions and a forthcoming major TV interview, her consistency is increasingly coming under the spotlight.
“I don't think I have ever witnessed such a change in a candidate,” Boxer remarked, attributing this evolution to Harris’ tenure as vice president, a period of intensive political learning and adaptation.
Observers like Markos Moulitsas, founder of Daily Kos, have noted a considerable transformation in Harris since 2019, from her public engagement to the professionalism within her campaign.
“Her operation is more professional and focused, and it's really allowing for her inner joy to come through that we just didn’t see at that time. People are complaining about all the reliance on vibes,” Moulitsas said. “But that’s part of what people vote for."
Antonio Villaraigosa, former Los Angeles Mayor and one-time DNC chair, acknowledged Harris’ capabilities, tempering expectations with a realistic comparison to past high-profile speeches.
“Will it top Michelle Obama’s?” he asked. “I doubt it. But I think she’s going to give a very good speech.”As Harris prepares to take the convention stage, the stakes are high, not just for her personal narrative but for the Democratic Party as a whole. The landscape of American politics is contentious, with delineations increasingly sharp between the two dominant parties. Harris’ ability to effectively convey her vision and relate her personal journey could significantly influence public perception as the election season heats up.
Strategists within her campaign underscore the importance of reconnecting with voters by embracing her identity and experiences. They recognize that Harris' authenticity can resonate profoundly, particularly with younger demographics and marginalized communities who often seek leaders reflecting their realities.
Despite the challenges she has faced in previous campaigns, aides are confident that her speech will mark a turning point. The formulation of her message indicates a desire to galvanize supporters and draw in those who may have previously felt detached from her political journey.
In an age when candidates often face scrutiny for their statements and positions, Harris’ narrative of resilience and ambition may prove compelling. Her story as a daughter of immigrants, facing adversity while striving for success, encapsulates the American dream that many voters aspire to. This underlying theme is expected to be a focal point in her address.
Moreover, as the nation grapples with pressing issues such as economic disparity, social justice, and climate change, Harris intends to identify herself as part of the solution. Her past experiences, including her legislative work and as a prosecutor, will likely serve as evidence of her commitment to these causes.
Political analysts suggest that how Harris navigates this moment could define the trajectory of her role not only within the Biden administration but also as a potential future Democratic leader. As the party aims to unify ahead of the election, her speech could either solidify her standing or reveal any lingering reservations within the party ranks.
The anticipation surrounding her address is palpable; it reflects the hopes of many who seek a fresh, invigorating perspective in the current political climate. Harris’ evolution over the last few years—from a relatively unassuming figure to a dynamic vice president embodied in a new narrative—has set the stage for a much-anticipated moment.
Overall, her upcoming speech is seen as both a litmus test of her growth and a critical opportunity to engage directly with a national audience that has yet to fully embrace her political persona. With the backdrop of a highly competitive campaign season, Kamala Harris stands poised to make a significant impression, all while reaffirming her place as a key player in the future of the Democratic Party.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, watching how she leverages this convention opportunity will undoubtedly provide insight into not just her aspirations but also the aspirations of a party that seeks to invigorate its base and reach across the aisle. Whether she can cultivate the excitement and support needed to propel her vision into action will be a defining question as the convention unfolds.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
The COVID pandemic curtailed the normal fanfare around Harris’ 2020 vice presidential speech, making her address on Thursday a pivotal first. This moment highlights a significant shift in the Democratic narrative from President Joe Biden to the vice president, revealing a lack of widespread familiarity with Harris’ personal history, even among her longstanding supporters.
“Many people are talking about her life, and there have been some wonderful videos this week looking back on her, but even I have not known some things,” Barbara Boxer, a former senator, commented, illustrating the novelty of Harris’s story to even informed circles.
Although a convention speech can't encapsulate the entirety of a candidate's life and motivations, it does play a crucial role in generating interest and shaping public perception.
Revelations such as Harris’ early employment at McDonald’s are surfacing, adding layers to her image that weren't previously well-known, Boxer noted.
Harris’ upcoming speech aims to bind her personal journey as an immigrant’s middle-class daughter to broader American aspirations. An adviser, speaking anonymously, detailed that her narrative will touch upon her motives for pursuing a law career, specifically her drive to safeguard sexual abuse survivors and homeowners during the foreclosure crisis. The speech intends to position Donald Trump as a relic of the past while portraying Harris as a beacon for a brighter future.
Additionally, she plans to challenge Trump’s association with the controversial Project 2025 agenda, emphasizing its potential threats to freedom and economic stability.
“The delegates in that room are some of the most hyper-aware, involved people in politics. Yet for many of them, this will be the first time they’ve attended a speech by the vice president or seen her in this setting,” Brian Brokaw, an adviser, noted, pointing out the fresh impact Harris is poised to make.
Previously, at the onset of her presidential campaign in 2019, Harris saw a brief surge in popularity. However, her national prominence at conventions has been less impactful, evidenced by a lackluster speech in 2012 and missed opportunities for greater exposure in subsequent political battles.
The 2020 DNC speech situation further exemplified the challenges, as her speech was overshadowed by Biden’s impromptu TV appearance.
“She's going to reintroduce herself in a way that I think is going to be really powerful,” expressed Rep. Robert Garcia from California, emphasizing the dual focus on her accomplishments and future intentions.
Harris’ public image has been a work in progress, adaptive to the evolving political landscape and her positions within it. As she prepares for challenging campaign discussions and a forthcoming major TV interview, her consistency is increasingly coming under the spotlight.
“I don't think I have ever witnessed such a change in a candidate,” Boxer remarked, attributing this evolution to Harris’ tenure as vice president, a period of intensive political learning and adaptation.
Observers like Markos Moulitsas, founder of Daily Kos, have noted a considerable transformation in Harris since 2019, from her public engagement to the professionalism within her campaign.
“Her operation is more professional and focused, and it's really allowing for her inner joy to come through that we just didn’t see at that time. People are complaining about all the reliance on vibes,” Moulitsas said. “But that’s part of what people vote for."
Antonio Villaraigosa, former Los Angeles Mayor and one-time DNC chair, acknowledged Harris’ capabilities, tempering expectations with a realistic comparison to past high-profile speeches.
“Will it top Michelle Obama’s?” he asked. “I doubt it. But I think she’s going to give a very good speech.”As Harris prepares to take the convention stage, the stakes are high, not just for her personal narrative but for the Democratic Party as a whole. The landscape of American politics is contentious, with delineations increasingly sharp between the two dominant parties. Harris’ ability to effectively convey her vision and relate her personal journey could significantly influence public perception as the election season heats up.
Strategists within her campaign underscore the importance of reconnecting with voters by embracing her identity and experiences. They recognize that Harris' authenticity can resonate profoundly, particularly with younger demographics and marginalized communities who often seek leaders reflecting their realities.
Despite the challenges she has faced in previous campaigns, aides are confident that her speech will mark a turning point. The formulation of her message indicates a desire to galvanize supporters and draw in those who may have previously felt detached from her political journey.
In an age when candidates often face scrutiny for their statements and positions, Harris’ narrative of resilience and ambition may prove compelling. Her story as a daughter of immigrants, facing adversity while striving for success, encapsulates the American dream that many voters aspire to. This underlying theme is expected to be a focal point in her address.
Moreover, as the nation grapples with pressing issues such as economic disparity, social justice, and climate change, Harris intends to identify herself as part of the solution. Her past experiences, including her legislative work and as a prosecutor, will likely serve as evidence of her commitment to these causes.
Political analysts suggest that how Harris navigates this moment could define the trajectory of her role not only within the Biden administration but also as a potential future Democratic leader. As the party aims to unify ahead of the election, her speech could either solidify her standing or reveal any lingering reservations within the party ranks.
The anticipation surrounding her address is palpable; it reflects the hopes of many who seek a fresh, invigorating perspective in the current political climate. Harris’ evolution over the last few years—from a relatively unassuming figure to a dynamic vice president embodied in a new narrative—has set the stage for a much-anticipated moment.
Overall, her upcoming speech is seen as both a litmus test of her growth and a critical opportunity to engage directly with a national audience that has yet to fully embrace her political persona. With the backdrop of a highly competitive campaign season, Kamala Harris stands poised to make a significant impression, all while reaffirming her place as a key player in the future of the Democratic Party.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, watching how she leverages this convention opportunity will undoubtedly provide insight into not just her aspirations but also the aspirations of a party that seeks to invigorate its base and reach across the aisle. Whether she can cultivate the excitement and support needed to propel her vision into action will be a defining question as the convention unfolds.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
