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The DNC Is A Party. How Long Will It Last?

The DNC Is A Party. How Long Will It Last?

Update: 2024-08-221
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This podcast delves into the atmosphere and key themes of the Democratic National Convention, focusing on the "vibes" and the emergence of a new generation of Democratic leaders. The episode features interviews with delegates, politicians, and journalists, exploring the convention's energy, the passing of the torch, and the potential impact of Kamala Harris's leadership. The episode also discusses the logistical challenges and heightened energy of the DNC compared to the RNC, highlighting the increased delegate count, the impact of Kamala Harris's presence, and the difficulty of navigating the convention floor as a reporter. The podcast explores the emergence of Kamala Harris's Democratic Party, analyzing the convention's atmosphere and the potential for unity within the party. The interviewee discusses the disciplined nature of the convention, the absence of significant tension between factions, and the limited impact of dissenting voices. The episode examines Joe Biden's speech at the DNC, focusing on its themes of unity, the passing of the torch, and the introduction of a new generation of Democratic leaders. The interviewee discusses the speech's impact, the significance of Biden's presence on Monday night, and the overall theme of generational change at the convention. The podcast analyzes the impact of Barack and Michelle Obama's speeches at the DNC, highlighting their unique ability to lecture the party and their call to action. The interviewee discusses the Obama's message of unity, their criticism of Donald Trump, and their instructions to the party to get out and vote. The episode explores the evolving strategy surrounding Kamala Harris's candidacy, focusing on the emphasis on her distinctness from Joe Biden and the potential for a shift in approach. The interviewee discusses the "generic Democrat" strategy, the need to define Harris's position on issues, and the importance of maintaining positive vibes. The episode examines Tim Walsh's speech at the DNC, focusing on its brevity, its powerful imagery, and its contrast to the more extended speeches of other convention speakers. The interviewee discusses the speech's impact, the use of former football players and Walsh's son, and the overall message of unity and family. The episode explores the contrast between the entertainment aspects of the DNC and the concerns of uncommitted delegates, highlighting the tension between the party's overall enthusiasm and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The interviewee discusses the Minnesota-themed entertainment, the protest of uncommitted delegates, and the potential for further conflict. The episode examines the potential impact of RFK Jr.'s endorsement of Donald Trump, discussing the possibility of a shift in the race and the Democrats' preparedness for such a change. The interviewee discusses the Democrats' current euphoria, the potential for a boost to Trump's campaign, and the overall implications of RFK Jr.'s decision. The episode concludes with a discussion about the level of enthusiasm surrounding Kamala Harris's candidacy, exploring whether it is a temporary surge or a lasting trend. The interviewee discusses the potential for a sustained lead, the importance of maintaining momentum, and the overall outlook for the race.

Outlines

00:00:00
Democratic National Convention: Vibes and the New Generation

This episode delves into the atmosphere and key themes of the Democratic National Convention, focusing on the "vibes" and the emergence of a new generation of Democratic leaders. The episode features interviews with delegates, politicians, and journalists, exploring the convention's energy, the passing of the torch, and the potential impact of Kamala Harris's leadership.

00:06:51
The Chaotic DNC: Double the Delegates, Double the Energy

The episode shifts to a discussion about the logistical challenges and heightened energy of the DNC compared to the RNC. The interviewee highlights the increased delegate count, the impact of Kamala Harris's presence, and the difficulty of navigating the convention floor as a reporter.

00:08:19
The Democratic National Convention: A New Era of Leadership

This chapter explores the emergence of Kamala Harris's Democratic Party, analyzing the convention's atmosphere and the potential for unity within the party. The interviewee discusses the disciplined nature of the convention, the absence of significant tension between factions, and the limited impact of dissenting voices. The episode also examines Joe Biden's speech at the DNC, focusing on its themes of unity, the passing of the torch, and the introduction of a new generation of Democratic leaders. The interviewee discusses the speech's impact, the significance of Biden's presence on Monday night, and the overall theme of generational change at the convention.

00:14:00
The Obama's Return: A Lecture to the Democrats and a Call to Action

This chapter analyzes the impact of Barack and Michelle Obama's speeches at the DNC, highlighting their unique ability to lecture the party and their call to action. The interviewee discusses the Obama's message of unity, their criticism of Donald Trump, and their instructions to the party to get out and vote. The episode also explores the evolving strategy surrounding Kamala Harris's candidacy, focusing on the emphasis on her distinctness from Joe Biden and the potential for a shift in approach. The interviewee discusses the "generic Democrat" strategy, the need to define Harris's position on issues, and the importance of maintaining positive vibes.

Keywords

Democratic National Convention


A quadrennial event held by the Democratic Party to formally nominate its presidential and vice-presidential candidates. It is a major political event that attracts national attention and media coverage.

Vibes


A general feeling or atmosphere, often associated with a particular event or place. In the context of the DNC, "vibes" refer to the overall energy and mood of the convention.

New Generation


A group of individuals who are younger and more recent in their political involvement, often representing new ideas and perspectives within a political party.

Kamala Harris


The Democratic vice-presidential nominee in the 2020 election, known for her progressive views and her experience as a senator and attorney general.

Passing of the Torch


A symbolic transfer of leadership or responsibility from one generation to another, often used to describe the transition from older to younger political figures.

Unity


A state of agreement and cooperation among different factions or groups within a political party or organization.

Generic Democrat


A term used to describe a candidate who represents the general values and policies of the Democratic Party, without necessarily emphasizing specific or unique positions.

Barack Obama


The 44th President of the United States, known for his charisma and his ability to inspire and unite people.

Michelle Obama


The former First Lady of the United States, known for her advocacy for education, health, and women's rights.

Q&A

  • What were the key themes and observations from the Democratic National Convention?

    The convention was characterized by a strong sense of "vibes" and a focus on the emergence of a new generation of Democratic leaders. The passing of the torch from older to younger figures was evident, and there was a sense of unity and discipline within the party, despite some dissenting voices.

  • How did the DNC differ from the RNC in terms of atmosphere and logistics?

    The DNC was significantly more chaotic and stressful than the RNC, with double the delegates and a heightened sense of energy. The increased delegate count made it difficult to navigate the convention floor, and the presence of Kamala Harris drew a larger crowd and more media attention.

  • What are the potential implications of RFK Jr.'s endorsement of Donald Trump?

    RFK Jr.'s endorsement could potentially give Trump a boost in the polls, particularly among younger and Hispanic voters. However, the impact of his endorsement is uncertain, as his support was already diminished, and the overall race remains close.

Show Notes

They swapped candidates, are on the offensive, and almost all in accord. The Democrats are suddenly feeling good. 


Guest: Jim Newell, senior politics writer at Slate.


Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.


Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme and Rob Gunther.

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The DNC Is A Party. How Long Will It Last?

The DNC Is A Party. How Long Will It Last?

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