In 1932, New York Governor Franklin Delano Roosevelt was introduced with the song “Happy Days Are Here Again” at the Democratic National Convention, where he accepted the nomination for the presidency.
Despite the optimism of the song, the nation was deep in the Great Depression, with widespread unemployment, hunger, and homelessness. Fascist regimes were rising in Europe, and Hitler was on the verge of taking power in Germany.
Yet, Roosevelt’s choice of “Happy Days” as his campaign anthem resonated with hope and the promise of better times, much like the message Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz convey in their current campaign.
Though Harris and Walz haven’t adopted Roosevelt’s theme song, the spirit of their campaign mirrors his optimism. They argue that, despite the challenges facing the nation, effective leadership and sound policies can lead to a future of freedom, opportunity, and prosperity for all Americans.
As Roosevelt once inspired a nation to rebuild and recover, Harris and Walz aim to uplift those who feel left behind, much like Roosevelt did in his era. Former President Donald Trump’s message is one of anger and division, proposing policies that reduce government support and stoke fear.
Trump’s approach, characterized by misinformation and personal attacks, stands in stark contrast to the unifying and hopeful message that Harris and Walz promote. Harris, embodying optimism and empathy, calls for unity and progress, positioning herself as a leader focused on the future, in stark contrast to Trump’s fixation on the past.