Clinton’s Commitment to Harris
The 42nd president “Bill Clinton” who has now spoken at every Democratic convention since 1976, pledged to do everything in his power to elect Kamala Harris as the nation’s first female president. From Chicago, Clinton attacked Trump, the Republican nominee, as a narcissist preoccupied with petty concerns and ill-focused on the real problems of everyday Americans.
Comparing Trump’s fixation on the size of crowds with Harris’ passion for the betterment of human lives, he said in his speech at the Democratic National Convention.
“In 2024, we have an unmistakable choice,” Clinton said to a jam-packed audience at the United Center. “Harris is dedicated to serving people, whereas Trump is all about himself.” Should she win this November, Harris will shatter the “highest, hardest glass ceiling,” the phrase Clinton has used to describe her own aspirations since her 2016 loss to Trump.
As Bill Clinton spoke, Hillary Clinton was in the audience, clapping along with their daughter Chelsea and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
Clinton’s Self-Deprecating Humor
Much of Clinton’s speech was permeated by self-deprecating humor, as when he spoke of Harris’ past job at McDonald’s during her student years: “I’ll be thrilled when she takes office because she will surpass me as the president who’s spent the most time at McDonald’s.”.
Long-winded, Clinton has spoken at every Democratic convention since 1976, including his 1996 acceptance address, which lasted nearly 65 minutes. This one was much shorter, much more nostalgic. “I want to say this from the bottom of my heart,” said Clinton, 78. “I don’t know how many more of these I’ll be able to attend.”.
Well, Clinton, notorious for constantly rewriting his speeches up to the last minute, tore the first draft up and started over with a speech more folksy and energetic in tone.
He also landed some near body blows on Trump—to applause from the audience. Clinton joked that he couldn’t make any sense out of Trump’s constant references to Hannibal Lecter, the evil genius and cannibalistic killer from the film “The Silence of the Lambs.”
Trump Campaign’s Response
Responding to the former president’s speech, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung dismissed Clinton. “Bill Clinton is a washed-up has-been clinging to the spotlight because no one cares what he has to say,” Cheung said. “He and Crooked Hillary are suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome and have become shadows of their former selves.”
Clinton’s Legacy and Support for Harris
Clinton’s relations with the public have been a mix of both blessing and bane. Although he had to survive an impeachment attempt in 1998 and left office in the record 56% approval rating, his positive rating fell sharply in the months after his departure due to some controversial pardons granted on his last day in office.
Now, Clinton is preparing to campaign for Harris, particularly in battleground states. He would like to use his past economic successes as a means to shore up her candidacy.
Clinton’s Call to Action
“If you elect this team and let them bring a breath of fresh air, you’ll be proud of it for the rest of your life,” Clinton said. “Your children and grandchildren will be proud too.”
“I’ll be doing my part,” he concluded. “Now, you do yours.
