Obamas, dancing delegates and other takeaways from DNC day two

The Democratic National Convention, a significant event for the Democratic Party, showcased a variety of memorable moments on its second day. One of the standout highlights was the appearance of rapper Lil Jon, who energized the crowd and got delegates dancing. His performance came as part of the formal process of endorsing Kamala Harris, who is vying for the presidency. The previous night, President Joe Biden delivered an emotional farewell speech, reflecting on his extensive career in politics and his decision to pass the torch to Kamala Harris as she takes on the Democratic presidential candidacy. The following evening, the Obamas took center stage, aiming to infuse the convention with optimism about the future while also delivering some light-hearted jabs at Donald Trump. During their speeches, both Barack and Michelle Obama combined humor with serious calls to action, urging Democrats to mobilize and vote in the upcoming election. Barack Obama characterized Trump as selfish and dangerous, humorously noting his obsession with crowd sizes. Michelle Obama, on the other hand, made a pointed remark about Trump’s use of the phrase 'black jobs' during his campaign, suggesting that he might be looking for one of those jobs himself, referencing her husband's previous presidency. She emphasized that Kamala Harris symbolizes 'hope,' echoing the sentiments of Barack's campaign in 2008. Another notable speaker of the night was Stephanie Grisham, who previously served as Trump’s White House press secretary. Grisham, who resigned following the January 6 Capitol attack, expressed her support for Kamala Harris, stating, 'I couldn't be part of the insanity any longer. ' She criticized Trump, claiming he lacks empathy, morals, and a commitment to the truth. Other Republicans who have switched sides also took the stage, including Mesa, Arizona Mayor John Giles. However, it remains uncertain whether their speeches will sway the opinions of staunch Trump supporters, given his strong influence over the party. In response, Trump’s former running mate, JD Vance, held a news conference to criticize Harris, focusing on her record regarding crime and public safety. Kamala Harris's husband, Doug Emhoff, also had a moment in the spotlight. He was introduced by his son, Cole, who shared insights about their blended family and how they have adapted to their high-profile lives in Washington. Cole humorously remarked on how Doug seemed a bit out of place on Capitol Hill, saying, 'I thought, what is my goofy dad doing here? ' Doug went on to praise Kamala, calling her the 'right person' for both him and the country. Interestingly, while Doug was speaking, Kamala was reportedly circling in a plane above, waiting to land after attending a rally in Wisconsin. The convention was not just about speeches; it was also filled with entertainment. Lil Jon's performance added a fun element, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer even joined in the festivities, dancing his way to the stage. However, not all speeches were met with enthusiasm. Senator Bernie Sanders addressed the convention, but the energy in the arena was noticeably low, with murmurs of conversation heard during his speech. This stark contrast to the enthusiastic reception he received in 2016 raises questions about his current support within the party. The crowd was primarily made up of delegates who had initially backed Joe Biden, which may explain the lack of excitement for Sanders. Overall, the second day of the Democratic National Convention was a blend of lively entertainment, important endorsements, and serious discussions about the future of the Democratic Party.