In a nod to history, Bill Clinton, now 78, will once again take the stage at the United Center, nearly three decades after his 1996 re-election acceptance speech. He will advocate for Vice President Harris this Wednesday, making his 12th consecutive Democratic convention address.
Clinton’s speech is expected to blend optimism with pointed critiques of former President Trump. He aims to contrast Harris’s leadership qualities with Trump’s, underscoring her strengths and what her candidacy represents for the nation. Sources suggest Clinton is still refining his speech, ensuring it resonates despite the party’s recent upheavals following President Biden’s withdrawal.
Clinton’s upcoming address at the DNC expected to offer insights into the party’s evolution and Harris’s candidacy
The former president’s address is seen as a strategic move to appeal to undecided swing voters who have previously supported both Biden and Trump. Jamal Simmons, a former Clinton aide, notes Clinton’s unique ability to articulate the importance of the moment to such voters.
Clinton and Harris have communicated a few times since she became the Democratic nominee, including meeting at the funeral of former Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. While their history is limited, mutual respect exists between them. The Clintons were quick to endorse Harris after Biden’s support, reflecting their desire for party unity.
Despite recent calls from some Democrats to distance themselves from Clinton due to past controversies and evolving party values, his upcoming speech is anticipated to offer valuable perspective on the party’s evolution. Unlike Obama, Clinton brings a long-view understanding of political shifts, making his contribution to the convention noteworthy.
