Staff Reports
The Democratic National Convention is gearing up for a star-studded appearance from former President Barack Obama, who is still clutching tightly to his status as the party’s golden boy. However, while he delivers his inevitable sermon in Chicago touting the virtues of his party, many prominent figures of the current administration will be busy elsewhere—namely, at a campaign rally in Milwaukee. It seems the Obama love fest might come at the expense of the current crop of Democratic stars, including Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota.
President Biden, in a stunning move that would have put a smile on any vacation-loving father’s face, slipped out of the convention like a politician exiting a bar without settling the tab. He jetted off to California for a week-long retreat, leaving the impression that watching the Democrats rally without him is akin to watching a barbeque without the meat. A vacation during an important political event—what a bold strategy, Joe. One can only wonder if he plans to chill on the beach or discuss policy over kale salads.
Obama to speak at DNC as Harris, Walz and other party leaders make themselves scarcehttps://t.co/TTJppOfLPm pic.twitter.com/6tRtBhDakt
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) August 21, 2024
Adding to the gala of stars, former First Lady Michelle Obama will grace the occasion with her presence. Despite being a household name and rumored to be the “savior” the Democrats didn’t know they needed—due to Biden’s lackluster debate performances—she has never taken the plunge into the political race herself. It’s as if she enjoys the limelight but shies away from the responsibility. Maybe she’s just waiting for the right moment to swoop in and steal the whole show.
No one can expect Obama to miss this chance to make the case for Harris as the next commander-in-chief. After all, he did endorse her just days after Biden made the graceful exit from the primary race. It couldn’t have been a ploy to maintain some semblance of party unity, could it? The nerve of the current leadership to lean on the past like it’s an old crutch. If party unity were a currency, it might just be stuck in the change jar.
As Obama prepares to drop his wisdom bombs, one can’t help but notice the irony that this big night also marks the 20th anniversary of his breakout speech at the 2004 convention, which, let’s be honest, sounds like an ancient history lesson at this point. Kerry lost that election, but for Obama, it was a launching pad, so one might wonder if he hopes to stir the same magic again—eager to remind us all just how much he misses the spotlight.
To further underscore the party’s concern for its future, speakers scheduled alongside Obama include the second gentleman, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and other local Democrats who seem to have mastered the art of saying a lot while communicating very little. A true embodiment of Democratic values as they attempt to navigate election season while avoiding any mention of the looming shadow of Trump. At least they can count on Obama to remind them of the glory days, even if those days belong squarely in the rear-view mirror.
