Day 4 - Moving Along

Overall I thought the Democrats did a pretty good job of getting their act together on short notice. Now they'll have just a couple months to cope with the fact that Trump has been campaigning ever since he lost to Biden.

Of the last night's presentations the gun violence segment was moving and effective.

A lot of New Mexicans may be disappointed with a muddled opportunity for the country to hear about Interior Secretary Deb Haaland's time in the Biden administration.  As was the case with Governor Lujan Grisham, Haaland was given a cheerleader role to fulfill which seemed to make her uncomfortable. Perhaps she will have a place in a Harris administration, or maybe she'll just go back home and run for Governor of New Mexico.

A bigger disappointment was the treatment of the concerns of the Uncommitted. It was not unexpected in a way because Biden is still the President, and Harris is still a part of that Administration; she is not in a position to break with the Biden policy right now.  However, Harris as the Party's nominee is ultimately in charge of what happens in the Convention.  So, the conclusion is inescapable that she backed the decision to deny any kind of on-stage presence of a Palestinian-American to make a case for the people of Gaza.

Also, I'm curious about what others thought of the Gretchen Whitmer presentation. My immediate reaction was that it was a bit too slick, and without much substance for someone who is politically ambitious.  She has shown some courage and skill as Governor.  Probably not a good idea to judge her prospects by one speech.

Day 3, Almost There

 Tell me why the Democrats have kept trotting out Bill Clinton for each of these events.  He had nothing useful to say, but he droned on.

Oprah talked too long as well, but she had the crowd with her.

Midway through the night, Hakim Jeffries and Stevie Wonder briefly made it all seem worthwhile.

Pete Buttigieg was given a chance to tell his own story.  One wonders where he goes next.

Walz was corny, as scripted, but he kept his comments mercifully short.

Day 2 Impressions

 Bernie, Bernie, Bernie.  He gave his standard stump speech we have all heard.  That's ok because the truth does not change, and Bernie is the only one who will stand up and tell it.  He clearly laid out the targets of change needs and pointed to the real solutions. He challenged everyone - Harris included - to respond to the slaughter in Gaza.  

Michelle Obama was spectacular, a superstar.  Barack gave a display of his usual and excellent oratorical skills, but delivered nothing new or challenging.  It was a reminder of how much fun it was to have a combination of intelligence and style in the White House. (Vinson Cunningham's take on the Obamas' performances is worth a read: The Obamas’ Rousingly Pragmatic Call to Action at the D.N.C.)

For New Mexicans the presentation by NM Governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham, was a disappointment.  She was given a cheerleader role which she is totally incapable of delivering.  She is smart and tough and capable of much more that was shown that night.  She has had a falling out with her own party at home, so hopefully she will get a job in the Harris administration that fits her skill set.

Following Lujan Grisham was Angela Alsobrooks, a candidate for the Senate from Maryland.  She gave a terrific presentation and is someone to watch whether she wins this time around or not.

And what of Buttigieg and Haaland?  They are both highly competent and articulate Cabinet members and should be given a chance to speak about their areas of expertise.