2020 DNC thread (starts at 9pm ET)

[redjohn]

Tonight's lineup looks super strong. I think the condensed nature of this could be more impactful, as it'll be easier for viewers to tune in without getting bored too quickly.

[redjohn]

Reaaaaaaally hoping there's no embarrassing technological issues.

[redjohn]

God, what an amazing speech from Michelle Obama. Seriously emotional and moving.

[redjohn]

The power of Michelle's speech is that she didn't sound scripted, and every word was clearly meaningful. Bernie gave a good speech as well, but there's a certain realness that came from Michelle's that stems from her not being a politician or seeking any political office.

[redjohn]

In politics, you have to reckon with the relationships you've built. Bernie lost out in both cycles because he failed to create close relationships with popular Democrats that could have helped him win over more voters.

Hillary, on the other hand, had to reckon with the fact that her team treated Bernie poorly (and arguably unfairly), and in return they didn't receive as enthusiastic a backing as they believed they were entitled to. That's completely on Hillary. Biden formed a much better relationship with Sanders, and he's reaping the benefits. It's one of the most positive aspects of Biden in my opinion, he's great at forming good relationships with people on both sides and that's how progress gets made.

[redjohn]

I like how a whole wing of the democratic party has kind of created this alternate history where Bernie Sanders campaigned against Hilary until election day or something, as if he didn't do 39 events for her and there weren't multiple media personalities (and Hilary herself!) praising Bernie at the time for how hard he was working for Hilary. Sure you can say he wasn't urgent enough in his tone or underestimated the chances of Trump winning, but that wasn't exactly unique to him!

https://www.newyorker.com/news/amy-davidson/bernie-sanderss-hard-fight-for-hillary-clinton

Those who paid attention know this, but there's a segment of Democrats unwilling to accept any responsibility for their loss four years ago. It's long past time to move on and focus on current elections. I'm glad that the speakers at the DNC aren't stuck in this firing-squad mentality.

[redjohn]

Good, vanilla speech from Bill. I'd have preferred he didn't speak at all but I doubt it gets much coverage; he didn't say anything noteworthy.

[redjohn]

Perez showing his Wisconsin ties. With the video looking out of sync I can't stop thinking he'd be an amazing animated voice actor.

[redjohn]

Can't help but think about how amazing it is that AOC's giving a speech at the DNC; such an improbable path from ousting a longtime incumbent AND being a democratic socialist. She's a political superstar and the future of the party.

[redjohn]

Awww, this is sweet.

[redjohn]

Can already tell this is going to be the most impactful night yet.

[redjohn]

Billie did an AH MAZING job, love her voice

[redjohn]

Gosh, what an emotional segment. How can anyone support deportation of non-violent people? I'll never understand.

[redjohn]

The jokes are cringe-worthy. Yikes. Musical performance from Legend & Common was excellent.

[redjohn]

YESSSS TAMMY

[redjohn]

Just wanna point out that I posted earlier today I hoped he'd match the rhetoric of his first ad.

He's not just matching it, he's quoting it. Magnificent.