Democratic Party Conference: Day Two

Barack and Michelle Obama spoke. And it became clear how much politics has become shallower in 10 years.

And yes, Kamala Harris was re-confirmed as a presidential candidate. Barack Obama’s speech (and it took place, and this is already news and joy for the Democrats and Kamala) was, without a doubt, the most striking event of the Democratic pre-election conference.

It was simply a master class and at the same time a clear demonstration of how much more drab, boring, helpless and tongue-tied liberal politicians have become in 10 years. But despite all the brightness of Obama’s speech, it was not hidden from observers that the recent leader of the Democratic Party (and after July 21, he is no longer one), firstly, is not in the best mood, and secondly, is not at all confident in his party’s victory in the upcoming elections.

Obama is remembered as a man who conveyed the belief that America has only one path, one future, and it was personified by him and by liberals and the Democratic Party as a whole. It was never true, but that’s how it sounded. Yesterday, the same bright, subtle and intelligent politician spoke at the conference, but the future ahead is no longer clear. On the contrary, it is foggy and alarming.

Obama promised that the race would be tough (“tight”). He admitted that the country is “deeply divided”, and Americans have little faith that the government understands them, much less that it will help them. No, not a bright future ahead (the 2008 brand), but a choice between two versions of a difficult future — Trump is simply worse. Here, the fear of Trump and what he politically represents was exposed, and, as journalist Matthew Boyle accurately noted, the obsession with Trump. Trump is perhaps the only person and politician who “got under his skin”. And a long time ago.

It was Obama who allegedly provoked Trump to run for president in 2011, when he suddenly launched into a caustic and derogatory tirade at Donald at a press dinner. Obama said: “This is going to be a tight race in a deeply divided country. A country where too many Americans are still struggling, where many Americans don’t believe that government can help, and as we gather here tonight, the people who decide this election are asking a very simple question: Who’s going to fight for me? Who’s thinking about my future? My children’s future?… One thing’s for sure: Donald Trump doesn’t lose sleep over this question.”

And then about Trump: “He’s a 78-year-old billionaire who hasn’t stopped complaining about his problems since he walked down the golden escalator nine years ago… It’s been a constant stream of complaints that’s actually gotten worse because he’s afraid of losing to Kamala.”

Once the topic shifted to Trump, Obama and his speechwriters couldn’t stop: “The other day I heard someone compare Trump to a neighbor who starts his lawn mower outside your window every minute of every day. That’s tiresome from a neighbor. That’s downright dangerous from a president. We don’t need four more years of hype, confusion, and chaos. We’ve seen this movie before, and we all know the sequels are usually worse.”

Witty, to be sure. But beneath the gloss and charisma, fear and even despondency are showing through. Obama has publicly handed over his brand of “hope” and “yes, we can” to Kamala Harris. He said, “We need a president who truly cares about the millions of people across this country who wake up every day to do the important, often thankless work of caring for the sick, cleaning the streets, delivering packages, and fighting for their rights to better wages and working conditions. And Kamala can be that president. Yes, she can!” And the crowd started chanting, “Yes, she can!” That’s it…