The Democratic convention has been marked by a star-studded week of powerful speeches from President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice-President Joe Biden, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders as well as former president Bill Clinton.
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Clinton, 68, becomes the first woman nominee of a major American party, a milestone not lost on her allies at the Democratic National Convention this week.
Clinton will face pressure to be many things to many people, all while finding a way to acknowledge her trust issues with voters – and her place in USA history as the first woman to lead a Democratic or Republican presidential ticket. Moments after her nomination was confirmed, she appeared on a big video screen to thank the crowd and celebrate her success.
Fourth on the list of most mentioned speakers was Katy Perry, who sang one of Clinton’s most oft-played campaign songs, “Roar“.
Mocking Trump’s penchant for getting into spats on Twitter, Clinton criticized Trump’s thin skin for critics, whom he regularly derides in 140 characters or fewer. “But we are not afraid”, Clinton said. She aimed to draw on an idea that has driven her throughout her career, that all Americans should be given the chance to fulfill their potential, a campaign aide said. “Your cause is our cause”, she said, although boos were audible at points in the speech.
The challenge for her will be restating the anti-Trump argument in a fresh way that energizes Democrats and doesn’t alienate Republicans. “None of us can raise a family, build a business, heal a community or lift a country totally alone”. Obama, 54, said the November 8 presidential elections were a “fundamental choice” about what the country is and the very “meaning of our democracy”, and “not just a choice between parties or policies; the usual debates between left and right”.
Those of us who still can’t conceive why anyone would vote for Trump after his Mussolini imitation in Cleveland probably aren’t the best judges of how this convention was received. “We need to make sure that this means something”, he said. “Instead, we will build an economy where everyone who wants a good job, will get one”.
Mr Sanders has urged his supporters to support her, and a string of party leaders have warmly endorsed Mrs Clinton. Let me tell you it was tough-because Hillary was tough.
On the opening day, Democrats drew almost 26 million viewers, compared to 23 million for the Republicans. “This is a historic moment tonight… and she is going to give an incredible speech”. “Russia, if you’re listening, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing”, Trump said.
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Clinton cited Khan to hit out against Trump’s threats to temporarily suspend Muslim immigration while determining how to vet them.
