Zeitgeist: the defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time.
Is it me, or does everyone seem happier, more relaxed, and more hopeful? That toxic life force hanging over our heads feels diminished and in the rearview. Since the beginning of the ugly Trump show, I knew there would be a day of reckoning, but I didn't know it would take this long, and, of course, I had no idea it would happen like this.
Last night's DNC was deeply emotional. Kamala Harris has matured into this moment perfectly. She personifies the strength, authority, and poise we need. No Drama Obama drove the bus, and I didn't have to think about it. I was a safe passenger. Biden’s many accomplishments are profoundly consequential, and people hardly notice. He’s a worker, not a showhorse. He got shit done. Kamala’s playing it just right. The best way to infuriate and diminish a bully is to ignore him. Don’t engage. You get down in the pig pen and muck around with the pig; the pig likes it, and you get dirty. On the other hand, Tim Walz looks overwhelmed and humbled by all this, which carries its own endearment.
There was more in the air this time than political rhetoric. You can’t manufacture joy; people will always choose optimism over dread. What do we hear from people who watched the DNC last night? Tears of joy. Cry hallelujah.
It’s must-watch TV, even if Taylor Swift or Beyonce don’t appear. There’s an air of inevitability to this election. This momentum will accelerate, and Trump’s dementia only goes one way.
Top Lines
“Kamala Harris has a resume. Donald Trump has a rap sheet.” Rep. Jasmine Crockett.
“And by the way, JD Vance, do you understand why there was a sudden job opening for running mate on the GOP ticket? They tried to kill your predecessor.” Rep. Jamie Raskin.
It’s in the Music
Kamala Harris’s 2024 playlist
“Freedom” Beyoncé
“Mamushi” Megan Thee Stallion feat. Yuki Chiba
“The Battle Cry of Freedom” (cover) Bon Iver (Original written by George Frederick Root)
“Femininomenon” Chappell Roan
From WaPo:
Thus far, Harris’s musical choices tap into a youthful, feminist energy. Their fan bases also tend to include voters that Harris will be relying on come November: Young, diverse, queer, etc. Compare Harris’s music to that of Trump’s, who has gone in a different direction.
At the recent RNC on July 19, former president Donald Trump walked out to James Brown’s “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” a song that many perceive as sexist. Previous song choices also include the highly patriotic “God Bless the U.S.A” by Lee Greenwood and Queen’s “We Are the Champions.”
Who's speaking on Tuesday?
Barack Obama is set to deliver the keynote address.
Former first lady Michelle Obama will also address the convention on Tuesday, as will second gentleman Doug Emhoff and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. And Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Tammy Duckworth of Illinois are also expected to speak, along with Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.
The evening will also feature some Republicans: Mayor John Giles of Mesa, Arizona, former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham, and others.
Alternative channels for news, analysis, and inspiration
Letters from an American - Heather Cox Richardson is reporting from the Convention. Required reading.
The Good in Us by Mary L. Trump - Yes, she’s Donald’s niece and has great insight.
Civil Discourse by Joyce Vance - Legal expert breaks down the many pending Trump trials and dissects Project 2025. She also has beautiful chickens.
Hopium Chronicles by Simon Rosenberg - Expert commentary from a 30-year veteran of US politics.
The Status Kuo - The Status Kuo provides accessible political and legal analysis with a dose of humor.
A friend just emailed this: "Last night we watched nearly every speech at the Convention in Chicago and absolutely every speaker issued forth with an Obama style elocution that kept me in tears of joy for 3 or 4 hours straight." I'm hearing this kind of joy everywhere.