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Commentary: Inevitable-seeming rerun of 2020 presidential election derailed by early “October surprises”
The October surprise(s) came early in this year’s presidential election. Before and during the Republican National Convention — a mere six weeks ago — a rerun of 2020 seemed inevitable. Convicted felon and serial liar Donald Trump and sleepy old sometimes incoherent Joe Biden would face off again. Yawn. After Biden flubbed the debate the headlines trumpeted “Democrats in disarray” and the Republicans were justifiably pretty confident.
The RNC kicked off four days of outrage, grievance, promises to get revenge against the enemies and a fervent desire to return to a time when America was “Great Again.” Most of the speakers were white males and family members of the nominees were seldom seen. Only token women and people of color addressed the delegates.
The only mystery was who would be the Republican Vice Presidential nominee. Sen. J. D. Vance, who wrote a bestseller trashing his Appalachian upbringing, made his money in Silicon Valley and owed his only election in large part to Trump’s endorsement, proudly stepped up. The Republicans were so confident of victory in November that this Trump sycophant would do. Then came the first surprise.
Biden dropped out and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. Pundits and Republicans demanded a mini-primary to demonstrate her “worthiness” for the top job. But no Democrat contested her nomination. Surprise! She selected former congressman and current Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate.
The Democratic convention opened on Monday, Aug. 19, with a day of effusive thanks for Biden’s selfless withdrawal and a celebration of his accomplishments. Convention themes: Democratic diversity, embrace the future, reproductive autonomy, Project 2025 — the Heritage Foundation’s blueprint for a second Trump administration, and Republicans for Harris.
Each evening a steady stream of prominent and run-of-the-party Republicans disavowed Trump. Throughout the week a rainbow of speakers illustrated the Democratic “big tent.” Biden capped the first evening with a valedictory speech, concluding with a ringing endorsement of Harris. The money quote: “I love my job, but I love my country more.” Biden’s legacy as one of the most significant presidents in history shines brightly. His heartfelt endorsement of Harris was unexpected by those who had embraced “Democratic disarray.”
A relatively small number of uncommitted delegates were present due to the administration’s Gaza policy. They rallied with a few thousand supporters outside the convention hall. But this was not 1968. The police were light-years better trained and the dissent was recognized if not accepted inside the building.
Day two had major star power: Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama and Michelle Obama and other bright lights inspired along with entertainment. The formal roll call of states was enlivened by a DJ on the dais. Never been done before. More than one commentator noted that music on Biden’s day was mostly drawn from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s and music in the rest of the week was from the ’80s, ’90s and ’00s. Another torch passed?
Wednesday continued the main themes and the Man from Hope, Bill Clinton, showed that he was a little slower but that he’d not lost any of his rhetorical abilities. He foreshadowed the main purpose of Wednesday’s show which was to introduce Tim Walz.
Coach Walz, a new political branding, grew up in a small town, spent 24 years in the Army Reserves earning rank of sergeant major, went to college on the GI Bill, taught high school for many years, married another teacher with whom he has two very active and photogenic kids, was elected to Congress repeatedly from a ruby red district and is in his second term as Governor. He’s also a straight white male who doesn’t need affirmation of his masculinity. Everybody loves him. His on-stage back-up band consisted of members of the football team he took from last place to a state championship. Eat your heart out, J. D. Vance. Oh yeah, his speech thrilled the delegates.
Before Harris spoke on the last night two themes were emphasized: reproductive freedoms and toxic masculinity. Speakers emphasized the misogyny of the Trump/Vance ticket and the unsuitability of Trump to lead our armed forces: no person who denigrates Medal of Honor recipients is worthy of being the commander in chief.
The Orator of Week was Kamala Harris. This was the final surprise of the past weeks. Those expecting the Harris of four years ago were either elated or disappointed. Trump was clearly in the latter group, live “truthing” a steady commentary of personal attacks mixed with questionable “facts.” Harris showed all her speaking chops as she prosecuted the case for her candidacy. She brought down the house, along with thousands of balloons. Hope and joy were apparent throughout the hall and the party went on and on. Her theme is “We Won’t Go Back.”
— By Dan Raas
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