The writer with Gov. Ned Lamont.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong is keeping a daily diary for the Independent this week as he attends the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
One word to describe Vice President Kamala Harris’s speech from last night: kaboom! I muttered a number of times during the speech to others nearby that she was crushing it. On the more objective measures, Kamala’s remarks met the moment in several critical respects.
Narrative arc. The Vice President’s delivery was very strong, but the writing was stronger. Her speech was more coherent and well-structured than the earlier Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Joe Biden speeches. Only Michelle’s remarks were on the same level. The writing for speeches like this often seems to ramble and do too much, maybe because of the pressure to deliver memorable soundbites and cover messages required by the polling or to speak to certain key segments of voters. Kamala told a story. She talked at length about who she is and what she is about — which may have felt a little long, but I think did a lot to make and sustain a personal connection to voters. Then the criminal prosecutor and attorney general made an impassioned oral argument against Trump. She closed by telling us what her focuses are, and in particular, how she would prioritize national security and prosecute the general major conflicts she will have to manage. Beginning, middle, end.
Delivery. Her delivery was strong. She has lost points in the past on style and delivery. Not this time. Michelle warned us about setting a “Goldilocks” standard for her to meet. Truth is, she was just right. She was warm and engaging in the early going, smiling but never unserious. When she had to deliver a fastball, she was forceful with strength and weight to her words. It never felt forced or put on. On the attack she was very tough but not shrill. She inhabited the space on stage and looked commanding and presidential.
Stagecraft. They also got the picture and presentation right. They could have easily put her up there in front of a bright blue screen, or a digital waving American flag, or some other cliche. Instead it was a brown background, like the paper the Declaration of Independence might have been written on. Or even a library or wood paneling. It was deep and rich and substantial. The look was punctuated by her strong black suit when all the women in the room were wearing white. That was a power move, a visual expression of her singularity and dominance.
But no Beyoncé?! Many of us fell for that one — rumors were swirling that Beyoncé had landed, that Taylor’s place was spotted, that either or both were in the stadium. Nope. But the balloon drop was epic, featuring massive balloons that seemed to bounce endlessly in the final celebration.
We are going to win.
See below for previous entries in this series:
• Tong’s DNC Diary Day 4: Tammy Duckworth, Tish James, & Avocado Toast
• Tong’s DNC Diary Day 3: How Far We’ve Come. How Far We’ve Fallen
• Tong’s DNC Diary Day 2: Kaboom!
• Tong’s DNC Diary Day 1: “There’s A Pit In My Stomach”