Jeff Greenfield’s analysis this week of Kamala Harris’s convention speech offers a comprehensive view of her ability to connect with the American electorate. His recognition of Harris’s effort to align her personal story with the broader American experience is particularly astute. Harris has shown that she understands the importance of presenting herself as someone whose life and values resonate with those of everyday Americans.
Her identity as a biracial woman with a blended family distinguishes her in the presidential race, and she effectively used this uniqueness to highlight the diversity of America. By doing so, she positioned herself not as an outsider, but as a representative of the nation’s evolving demographics. This positioning was crucial in ensuring that her message was perceived as mainstream, rather than fringe, thereby reinforcing her connection with a wide swath of the electorate.
Greenfield rightly compares Harris’s speech to those of past nominees like George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama, who also used personal narratives to connect emotionally with voters. Harris followed this successful formula, recounting her own experiences in a way that allowed her to build a rapport with her audience. This strategy has historically resonated well, and Harris’s execution was no exception.
Her emphasis on her middle-class roots further solidified this connection. By sharing her upbringing in a working-class neighborhood, Harris established common ground with many voters, making her commitment to middle-class issues not just a political stance, but a deeply personal one. This focus on the middle class is likely to play a significant role in shaping her policy agenda and campaign messaging moving forward.
Harris’s speech did touch on broad goals, such as creating an “opportunity economy” and building more housing. However, her critique of Donald Trump and the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade added specificity and urgency to her message. She made it clear that her campaign would be focused on protecting the rights and well-being of all Americans, a promise that will undoubtedly resonate with many voters.
Her prosecutorial background was another key element of her speech, as she highlighted her actions against predatory lenders and drug cartels. This emphasis on her record presented her as a tough, no-nonsense leader who will not shy away from holding wrongdoers accountable. This portrayal is likely to appeal to voters who are looking for a leader who is both principled and decisive.
A significant portion of Harris’s speech was dedicated to drawing a contrast between herself and Donald Trump. She painted Trump as a leader who has consistently acted against American values, while presenting herself as a champion of justice, democracy, and integrity. This stark contrast was designed to position her as the clear moral and ethical choice in the upcoming election.
Greenfield notes that Harris, unlike some other progressive leaders, chose not to target billionaires or corporate elites in her speech. Instead, she focused on issues that have broad, bipartisan appeal. This strategy was likely a deliberate attempt to avoid alienating moderate voters, while still addressing concerns that resonate with the majority of the electorate.
The Democratic National Convention made a concerted effort to reflect the diversity of America through its messaging and speaker lineup. While the convention was broadly inclusive, I would suggest a point missed by Greenfield whether it fully addressed the concerns of certain demographics, such as white men who may feel marginalized. These men, often described as “less assertive” or “more reserved,” represent a significant portion of the electorate. While it is Governor Walz purview to make this section of the electorate feel heard, engaging more directly with their experiences and values could have further strengthened the convention’s message of unity and inclusion.
Harris’s speech was a well-crafted effort to connect with a wide audience, reinforcing the Democratic Party’s commitment to inclusivity while positioning her as a relatable, strong, and capable leader. Greenfield’s analysis is largely accurate, but a deeper engagement with the diverse identities within certain demographics could have made the convention’s messaging even more impactful as she tacks toward the middle.
Greenfield, J. (2024, August 23). What Kamala Harris Was Really Saying in Her Convention Speech. POLITICO. Retrieved from https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/08/23/kamala-harris-dnc-speech-theme-analysis-00175973