Chants of “USA, USA!” echoed throughout the convention in Chicago, accompanied by camo attire and American flag hats. As Vice President Harris concluded her speech, red, white, and blue balloons rained down alongside large American flags.
American flags are typically associated with Trump rallies, but Democrats are eager to shift the narrative, emphasizing that patriotism remains a key part of their identity. In her speech, Harris stated, “It is now our responsibility, as it has been for generations before us, to fight for this beloved country and protect the ideals we hold dear, upholding the privilege of being American.”
Harris wraps up her speech as American flags and balloons rain down on the enthusiastic crowd
The convention arena was packed with delegates donning patriotic attire, such as “Harris-Walz” camo hats and glittering American flag cowboy hats. The Chicks performed the national anthem in front of a backdrop of Stars and Stripes.
A DJ played patriotic anthems like Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” and John Mellencamp’s “Small Town,” fueling the crowd’s enthusiasm with the question, “Are you proud to be American?”
Harris’s remarks mirrored Biden’s theme of America’s limitless possibilities, though she added her own perspective as a leader representing a new generation of Democrats and as the daughter of immigrants. According to Jamal Simmons, a former communications director for Harris, Democrats aim to make America inclusive for all, compared to to Republican policies that he claims restrict access to certain groups.
Former Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.) acknowledged that Democrats have historically focused on America’s flaws but commended them for reconnecting with national pride. He noted that this pivot resonates with many Americans, especially immigrant families.
Prior to Harris’s speech, veterans were spotlighted, with Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) delivering remarks, flanked by Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), to enthusiastic “USA” chants from the audience. Former GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), a Trump critic who endorsed Harris, joined in the chorus of “USA” chants, affirming that Democrats are just as patriotic as Republicans.
Simmons emphasized that Harris’s campaign theme of “freedom” is central to reclaiming patriotism for Democrats. He noted that values like freedom, liberty, and justice are cornerstones of the party’s message. This slogan draws parallels to President Barack Obama’s iconic “hope” message from his 2008 campaign. Other Democrats echoed the sentiment that patriotism should be central to their party’s identity.
Harris’s running mate, Gov. Tim Walz (D-Minn.), opened his keynote by declaring, “We’re here for one simple reason: We love this country.” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also emphasized his military background, taking aim at Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) for previous comments about childless Americans lacking commitment to the nation’s future.
Harris’s focus on patriotism signals a departure from Biden’s previous messages, which emphasize that loving the country should not be conditional on political victories.
While Harris did address the dangers of another Trump presidency and the January 6 riots, her primary focus was on patriotism. She encouraged voters to contribute to the next chapter in America’s history, stating, “We are the heirs of the greatest democracy and must rise to this moment for future generations.”
In formally accepting the Democratic nomination, Harris proclaimed, “On behalf of everyone whose stories could only come to light in the greatest nation on earth, I accept this nomination.”
