The Democrats, From Funeral to Party

Nancy Pelosi, emeritus president of the U.S. House of Representatives and the architect, some say, of convincing President Joe Biden to withdraw his re-election bid, described the moment as "a wonderful exuberance."

She could have also described it as irrational.

The Democratic National Convention ended Thursday in Chicago with the proclamation of Vice President Kamala Harris as the presidential candidate and a vision of a patriotic and nationalistic country, yet inclusive, racially and religiously diverse, seeking socioeconomic justice and support for the middle class.

A country made up of people proud to be Americans, regardless of color or origin.

The fact is, the Democrats seem to be having a prolonged honeymoon with their candidate, and that is beginning to have an impact among independents, resonate in national polls, and, experts say, seriously worry the Republicans.

So much so that the Republican presidential candidate himself has already been quoted with ambiguous comments about how beneficial his government would be for women's rights, or the need to admit more immigrants.

For the Democrats, their convention, Kamala Harris's acceptance speech, was an interesting and perhaps successful attempt to wrest the mantle of patriotism from the Republicans, who use it as exclusive.

Harris is the first woman of color to seek the U.S. presidency for a major party and defines herself as the daughter of immigrants, middle-class, and a former prosecutor who promotes inclusion and diversity. This was emphasized before a convention where thousands of people of diverse races, different religions, and varied shades of color chanted "USA, USA."

Once seen as a vice president who seemed irrelevant, her allies now present her as almost a singular heroine—strong and compassionate, understanding and energetic, feminist and confident in a marriage where she shares responsibilities with her husband and his ex-wife, and without any known flaws.

And of course, an absolute contrast to Trump, a billionaire businessman accused of promoting a sexist view of the world and being the front, at least, of extreme right-wing religious and nationalist groups.

The best of all: the intoxicating feeling that they have a chance of winning when six weeks ago, they were ready to attend a funeral.

Harris is described as the prosecutor facing a felonious competitor. And someone who has not been afraid to confront both drug cartels and human traffickers, as well as abusive or overly ambitious companies.

Her appearance Thursday at the United Center in Chicago was necessarily a moment of presentation, with many generalities if you like, but in a speech welcomed for its linearity, clarity, and relative brevity—barely 40 minutes—and a clear confrontation with the Republicans and their candidate.

By José Carreño Figueras

Contributor

JOSE.CARRENO@ELHERALDODEMEXICO.COM

@CARRENOJOSE1