Democrats Push ‘Joy’ Strategy in 2024 Race, Positioning Kamala Harris as a Unifying Force

Democrats are placing their bets on the belief that American voters are eager to move beyond the divisive era shaped by former President Donald Trump. At the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, the party showcased a strategy centered on “joy,” with Vice President Kamala Harris being positioned as the candidate to lead the nation into a more hopeful future.

Former President Bill Clinton emphasized this theme by declaring that Harris brings “sheer joy” to the 2024 presidential race. Meanwhile, Oprah Winfrey encouraged the nation to “choose joy.” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg further contrasted Trump’s “darkness” with the more uplifting political approach offered by Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, stating, “it just feels better to be part of.”

This messaging shift highlights how quickly the dynamics of the 2024 presidential race have changed since President Joe Biden exited the race last month. While Biden’s campaign was heavily focused on the dangers Trump posed to democracy, Harris has taken those concerns and wrapped them in a more forward-looking narrative centered on themes of freedom and joy. The convention was designed to reflect this new tone, complete with a party-like atmosphere.

The evening’s entertainment featured performances by John Legend, drummer Sheila E., and Stevie Wonder, who delivered a rousing rendition of “Higher Ground.” The celebratory mood extended to the appearance of alumni from Mankato West High School’s football team, which had previously won a state championship under Walz’s guidance as an assistant coach. They appeared on stage in their old jerseys as a pep band played the school’s fight song. “Thank you for bringing the joy to this fight,” Walz told the audience.

Six Key Moments from the DNC’s Third Night

1. Tim Walz, the ‘Happy Warrior,’ Makes His Case

Governor Tim Walz, relatively new to the national stage, used his moment to introduce himself as more than just a politician. Before becoming Harris’s running mate, Walz had never delivered a speech to a national audience, let alone used a teleprompter. Yet, instead of leaning on his political credentials as a two-term governor and former congressman, he presented himself as a high school teacher, football coach, hunter, and neighbor.

Walz used his speech to argue that Democrats are the true champions of freedom. “In Minnesota, we respect our neighbors and the choices they make. Even if we wouldn’t make the same choices ourselves, we’ve got a golden rule: Mind your own damn business,” Walz said. He linked this philosophy to Harris’s policy positions on health care, abortion rights, and homeownership, speaking in tones reminiscent of the late Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone.

“When we Democrats talk about freedom, we mean the freedom to make a better life for yourself and the people you love,” he said. “Freedom to make your own health care decisions. And yeah, your kids’ freedom to go to school without worrying about being shot dead in the hall.”

The governor’s heartfelt address also touched on personal struggles, particularly the fertility challenges he and his wife, Gwen, faced. He emotionally addressed his family, saying, “Hope, Gus, and Gwen, you are my entire world, and I love you.” His son Gus stood up with tears in his eyes, applauding his father.

Walz concluded his speech with a call to action, urging Democrats to give their all in the remaining 76 days of the campaign, saying, “We’re gonna leave it on the field.” He exited the stage to Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World,” a song that Harris’s campaign received special permission to use, marking a sharp contrast to Young’s previous legal battle to prevent Trump from using it.

2. Oprah Winfrey Ties Harris to a Legacy of Progress

Oprah Winfrey took the stage to draw a historical connection between Harris and previous generations of African American trailblazers, portraying the vice president as representing “the best of America.” Winfrey recounted the story of Tessie Prevost, who passed away last month, and three other Black girls who, at the age of six, bravely began desegregating New Orleans elementary schools in 1960.

Winfrey noted that the “New Orleans Four” paved the way for Harris, who nine years later became part of the second class to integrate public schools in Berkeley, California. Now, Winfrey declared, Harris is on the cusp of making history.

“Soon and very soon, we’re going to be teaching our daughters and sons about how this child of an Indian mother and a Jamaican father, two idealistic and energetic immigrants… grew up to become the 47th president of the United States,” Winfrey said, to a roaring crowd chanting “U-S-A.” She also addressed Ohio Senator JD Vance’s derogatory remarks about childless women, making a powerful statement about the shared humanity of all Americans.

3. Bill Clinton’s Stark Choice: ‘For the People’ or ‘Me, Myself, and I’

Former President Bill Clinton framed the election as a choice between Harris, who is “for the people,” and Trump, who he described as being solely about “me, myself, and I.” Clinton, whose influence within the party has diminished over the years, still holds a unique appeal to White working-class voters, making his appearances at conventions particularly noteworthy.

Clinton discussed Harris’s policies on housing, health care, and job growth, while also painting Trump as a self-centered figure. He quipped, “So the next time you hear him, don’t count the lies. Count the I’s.” This line drew attention to Trump’s focus on his grievances, vendettas, and conspiracy theories.

4. A Generational Shift in the Democratic Party

The convention in Chicago also symbolized a generational shift within the Democratic Party. While the primary goal was to build momentum for Harris, the event also highlighted the passing of the torch from seasoned figures like Biden, Clinton, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to newer leaders.

Bill Clinton, aware of his own mortality, reminded the crowd of his long history with the Democratic National Convention and urged voters to support Harris, saying, “If you vote for this team… you’ll be proud of it for the rest of your life. Your children will be proud of it. Your grandchildren will be proud of it.”

5. The Struggles of Hostage Families

In a poignant moment, Rachel Goldberg-Polin, mother of a hostage taken by Hamas, expressed the agony that she and her husband, Jon Polin, have endured. She thanked the Biden-Harris administration for their support, while also acknowledging the suffering on all sides of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

6. Defending Democracy: Trump Betrayed Us

Even as Harris reframed the Democratic message, the convention retained a strong focus on defending democracy. Aquilino Gonell, a former U.S. Capitol Police sergeant, accused Trump of betraying the officers who defended the Capitol on January 6, 2021. His emotional testimony was a reminder of the stakes in the upcoming election, underscoring the enduring relevance of the fight to preserve democratic values.