DiscoverThe NPR Politics PodcastBarack And Michelle Obama Are Fired Up: DNC Night 2
Barack And Michelle Obama Are Fired Up: DNC Night 2

Barack And Michelle Obama Are Fired Up: DNC Night 2

Update: 2024-08-214
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The Democratic National Convention showcased a strategic approach to winning the election, featuring powerful speeches designed to appeal to a wider audience. Michelle Obama delivered a passionate and emotional speech, highlighting her shared values with Kamala Harris and criticizing Donald Trump's divisive rhetoric. Her speech was seen as a masterclass in rhetoric and a stark contrast to her previous political persona. The convention also featured several prominent Republicans and former Trump officials, aiming to create a permission structure for independent voters and Republicans who are dissatisfied with Donald Trump to consider voting for the Democratic candidate. This strategy reflects the Democrats' need to build a broad coalition to win the election. Doug Emhoff, Kamala Harris's husband, delivered a heartfelt and relatable speech, highlighting his blended family and his personal connection to Harris. His speech was seen as a strategic move to appeal to a wider audience, particularly white men who may not be familiar with Harris.

Outlines

00:00:37
Powerful Speeches and Strategic Appeals at the Democratic National Convention

The Democratic National Convention featured powerful speeches from Michelle Obama and Doug Emhoff, highlighting shared values, criticizing Donald Trump, and appealing to a broader audience beyond the Democratic base. Michelle Obama delivered a passionate and emotional speech, highlighting her shared values with Kamala Harris and criticizing Donald Trump's divisive rhetoric. Her speech was seen as a masterclass in rhetoric and a stark contrast to her previous political persona. The convention also featured several prominent Republicans and former Trump officials, aiming to create a permission structure for independent voters and Republicans who are dissatisfied with Donald Trump to consider voting for the Democratic candidate. This strategy reflects the Democrats' need to build a broad coalition to win the election. Doug Emhoff, Kamala Harris's husband, delivered a heartfelt and relatable speech, highlighting his blended family and his personal connection to Harris. His speech was seen as a strategic move to appeal to a wider audience, particularly white men who may not be familiar with Harris.

Keywords

Permission Structure


A social or political context that allows individuals to feel comfortable engaging in a particular behavior or expressing a particular opinion. In this case, the presence of prominent Republicans at the Democratic National Convention creates a permission structure for independent voters to consider voting for the Democratic candidate.

Blended Family


A family that is formed through the combination of two or more families, often through remarriage or cohabitation. This concept reflects the increasing diversity of family structures in modern society.

Democratic National Convention


A quadrennial event held by the Democratic Party to formally nominate its presidential and vice-presidential candidates.

Donald Trump


The 45th President of the United States, known for his divisive rhetoric and policies.

Kamala Harris


The 49th Vice President of the United States, the first woman, first African American, and first Asian American to hold the office.

Michelle Obama


The former First Lady of the United States, known for her eloquence and advocacy for various social causes.

Doug Emhoff


The husband of Kamala Harris, the first Second Gentleman of the United States.

Q&A

  • How did Michelle Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention differ from her previous political persona?

    Michelle Obama's speech was more aggressive and political than her previous speeches, reflecting a shift in her approach to politics. She directly criticized Donald Trump and his divisive rhetoric, highlighting her shared values with Kamala Harris.

  • What was the Democratic National Convention's strategy for appealing to voters beyond their base?

    The convention featured several prominent Republicans and former Trump officials, aiming to create a permission structure for independent voters and Republicans who are dissatisfied with Donald Trump to consider voting for the Democratic candidate.

  • How did Doug Emhoff's speech contribute to the Democratic National Convention's overall message?

    Doug Emhoff's speech was designed to be relatable and authentic, highlighting his blended family and his personal connection to Kamala Harris. This strategy aimed to appeal to a wider audience, particularly white men who may not be familiar with Harris.

Show Notes

President Obama and Michelle Obama delivered rousing speeches on the second night of the Democratic National Convention. Lil Jon performed during the ceremonial roll call. And Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff delivered a speech about the role Kamala Harris plays in his blended family.

This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, White House correspondent Deepa Shivaram, and senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson.

The podcast is produced by Casey Morell and Kelli Wessinger. Our editor is Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.

Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.

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Barack And Michelle Obama Are Fired Up: DNC Night 2

Barack And Michelle Obama Are Fired Up: DNC Night 2