Summer’s Republican and Democratic conventions were anything but standard, marked by a rare absence of the typical rivalries and internal disputes that often characterize such gatherings. This unusual display of unity can be attributed to the divisive influence of Donald Trump, whose presence has reshaped the political landscape.
The Republican convention in Milwaukee felt more like a flashy, chaotic gathering akin to a Chinese Communist Party congress, with speaker after speaker lavishing praise on Trump, who observed from his elevated position.
Few Republicans denounced Trump’s grip on the GOP and endorsed Kamala Harris
Trump’s third nomination resembled a ritual of loyalty, with Republicans abandoning their traditional principles—like free markets, small government, and strong global leadership—in favor of a personality cult centered around Trump. In today’s GOP, there’s no room for dissenters who question Trump’s constant stream of falsehoods and his bleak vision of America’s decline.
On the other side, Republican dissent found a voice at the Democratic convention in Chicago. Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, one of the few Republicans who voted to impeach Trump for inciting the January 6th insurrection, denounced Trump’s grip on the GOP and endorsed Kamala Harris. Those like Kinzinger, who chose the Constitution over Trump’s loyalty demands, have been driven out of the party by Trump’s fervent supporters.
Trump’s dominance in Milwaukee had the opposite effect in Chicago, where it energized the anti-Trump movement. Harris easily secured the Democratic nomination without facing any real competition, as Biden’s delegates eagerly rallied around her, revitalizing key voter groups and closing the gap with Trump in the polls.
In her acceptance speech, Harris highlighted her upbringing as a mixed-race child of immigrants in a working-class Oakland neighborhood, embodying the American dream of upward mobility. She deliberately avoided identity politics, instead emphasizing her background as a prosecutor and aligning herself with the middle class, who believe in the American dream and expect others to play by the same rules. She also criticized Trump for “denigrating America” and aligning with dictators instead of supporting U.S. allies.
Harris’s patriotic stance, strong support for Israel, and condemnation of Hamas differentiate her from the progressive left. Her speech showed that she’s reaching beyond the Democratic base to appeal to swing voters in key battleground states.
However, Harris still faces the challenge of restoring public confidence in the Democratic Party’s ability to manage the economy, control public debt, and tackle cultural issues like immigration and education. To succeed, she must transcend party lines and emerge as a leader capable of uniting a nation fractured by Trump’s divisive influence.
While the Republicans have lost faith in America’s future, Harris and the Democrats remain hopeful that the country can still deliver on its promise of freedom and democracy for all. This optimism may be their strongest asset in securing victory this November.
