What Happened at the Democratic National Convention

Let's jump right into it – the Democratic National Convention took place from Aug. 17 - Aug. 20. Here are some things you may have missed if you didn’t watch the Democratic Party talk to itself:

Day 1: This year was the first time any national convention went fully virtual. Former First Lady Michelle Obama gave an impassioned speech about unity in America and the need for a change of leadership, referring to Biden as “a profoundly decent man, guided by faith… He knows what it takes to rescue an economy, beat back a pandemic and lead our country.” After her speech, several lifelong Republicans came forward, warning against the dangers of following leadership blindly. 

Senator Bernie Sanders ripped into Donald Trump, calling out the behavior the president has exhibited: silencing doctors and scientists warning against the dangers of the virus, standing idle as reported cases pass 5 million in America, overseeing the greatest economic collapse in America since the Great Depression and blatantly disregarding any racial and class tensions that have risen since he took office in 2017.

Day 2: Joe Biden was continuously hailed as the answer to Donald Trump, the unifying savior to lead us out of the mess of 2020 – the world pandemic, protests against police brutality and weakening ties with other countries. Keynote speakers such as John Kerry, former Secretary of State; Bill Clinton, Former President; and Chuck Schumer, United States Minority Leader, each took their turn in biting a piece out of the current president’s already lackluster image and reputation. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez gave a short speech seconding the nomination for Joe Biden, promising a movement to aid the people of the U.S. instead of the wealthy few.

Day 3: Michelle Lujan Grisham, governor of New Mexico, spoke on her state's response to climate change, and how Biden can unite and lead us to a cleaner America. A major theme of the third night was about how Biden wouldn’t ignore issues like the climate crisis, immigration and women’s suffrage. Biden would address problems and lead America and the world into a newer, brighter future. Former President Barack Obama gave a speech restating what a leader should be, indirectly and directly referencing the president. His speech is well worth the listen.

Day 4: In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Biden proclaimed that this election is more than just deciding who is going to be president; this election will decide the course of America’s future. “Too much anger, too much fear, too much division. Here and now I give you my word. If you entrust me with the presidency, I will draw on the best of us, not the worst. I will be an ally of the light, not the darkness. It is time for us, for we, the people, to come together. And make no mistake, united we can and will overcome this season of darkness in America.”

Alexander Nesmith is a Junior

Communication Major from

Calhoun, Georgia