A Tale of Two Conventions by C. Ealey

I watched both the Republican and Democratic convention over the past two weeks and I must admit the Republican convention was hard to watch. Much has already been said about the dark dystopian view of this country by the Republicans and their spineless concession to nominate Donald Trump as the standard bearer of their party. What happened to the “Never Trump Movement”? Apparently, it fizzled out the first day because of backroom trickery by the RNC rules committee. So disappointing but just what you’d expect from Republicans. The attendees at the RNC didn’t look like America either with only a few people of color and the arena was not completely filled. Many national GOP leaders boycotted the convention and refused to endorse Trump. Those who endorsed him did so either because they felt they had no choice or because they retained a vague hope that should he win, their congressional leaders would be able to limit the damage that might occur in an unrestrained Trump presidency. Adding to the fractiousness of the GOP’s situation, significant components of another insurgent group, prominent leaders of the religious right, also refused to endorse Trump creating negative press with a walkout on the first day followed by a prime time rejection by Ted Cruz on day three. And we can’t forget Melania Trumps plagiarism of Michelle Obama’s 2008 DNC speech on the first night. With most GOP leaders not in attendance, the key Trump endorsement speeches were given by his children. While Trump had promised a “blockbuster”, the Republican convention was a lack-luster affair bringing together a strange collection of minor “celebrities” and drew headlines for a series of unforced errors. Overall, the Republican convention was a pathetic show filled with hate.

In contrast, the Democratic National Convention was well produced and, despite moments of tension and controversy, was a nearly flawless affair. The convention hall in Philadelphia was filled to the rafters with people of all colors, religions, and ethnic backgrounds, young and old, gay couples, and people with disabilities. It looked like America; everyone was represented in the audience and on the stage. Hillary Clinton was able to receive validation and support from President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice-President Biden, Senator Bernie Sanders, leading progressive Senator Elizabeth Warren, and most of the Democratic Party’s Senators and Members of Congress. In addition, there was a host of major celebrities who performed at or addressed the event.

As political and policy events, the Democrats’ convention had the clear advantage. Both parties spent considerable time in attacking the others’ nominee. But the Democrats were better at telling their story, presenting their candidate and their programs, and creating optimism that they had made progress in the last 8 years and would continue to make positive change in the years to come. Bravo Democrats!

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DNC: First Lady Michelle Obama Written by: Rajada Ealey

Fourteen minutes and forty-five seconds. It only took fourteen minutes and forty-five seconds for the first lady to give a powerful speech which was truly amazing. Hearing the hope and passion in her voice made this year’s election promising. As she talked about her daughters, Hillary Clinton, and hope, I can definitely say my eyes were glued to my computer screen as I listened closely to every word she exhaled. I thought to myself, “How can the first lady have such hope in our country at a time like this? Is this real? Or is it just her job?” I sat and pondered these questions as I continued to watch. We all know the world is a little chaotic right now, so hope and optimism is just what we need right now. Though America has elected Obama to serve two terms in office, which definitely made a mark in history, who’s to say what space we’re now holding in our history books. Will it be for a woman or for the reality TV host? But Michelle made it very clear in her speech “[she’s] with Hillary.”

The heart of Michelle Obama’s speech centered around the youth. She begins to emphasize how her two daughters, Sasha and Malia, spent a huge portion of their life in the White House. She claimed that it would “form the foundation of how they would become,” and how her and Obama would think about this everyday. Michelle tells us it is not just their words and actions that impact their kids but also kids around the world. A role model-- An important job for both the First Lady and President. A role model is what they had to be and a role model is what America needs in future Presidents. Michelle states, “...that is what we’re deciding. Not democrat or republican. Not left or right…[but] who will have the power to shape our children for the next four or eight years of their lives.” The concept of voting for the best role model, I think, is an interesting way of putting it but I understand the passion she carries for the younger generation. Kids today can be very impressionable and what they see happening in the world and on TV plays a huge role in what they might say or do. It takes a certain type of President to be a role model and there “is only one person who [she] trust with that responsibility” and that is Hillary Clinton.

I continue to listen closely to Michelle as continues on with praising Hillary Clinton. Letting all of America know that she is the voice for children, that she takes her job seriously, and that she is well informed. She constantly repeats “I want a president who…” Which is very moving. It shows Michelle’s passion about this year’s election and having Hillary Clinton for President. As she begins to talk about how we’ve moved our country, Michelle’s speech quickly turns towards touchy topics such as the Dallas shooting and the shooting in Orlando. Telling us that could've easily been anyones child during the protest or in the nightclub. Michelle Obama is a great speaker and it touched me personally when she compared Hillary Clinton’s strive and perseverance to the slaves who also had hope for something better. Waking up in a house built by slaves only reminded her of the hard work they put in. She’s recognized that same hope and hard work in Hillary Clinton which lead her to believe she can ignite the strive in our younger generation, and you know I’m starting to believe she can too. We have a very interesting election ahead of us.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZNWYqDU948