Now the US election campaign is entering the hot phase! The Democrats nominated Joe Biden, 77, for the presidential nomination and Kamala Harris, 55, as the runner-up this week.
This year’s National Democratic Party Congress was unique. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the political spectacle had to be held virtually for the first time – without confetti and balloons. It took getting used to listening to Barack Obama’s (59) speech without applause. At times it was also bizarre, for example when runner-up Kamala Harris waved to an empty hall.
But this didn’t affect the matter, on the contrary: virtually there was less show than usual, but more content. The Democrats made the best of the situation.
Obama’s break with tradition is symbolic
In addition to the formalities, the traditional event also serves to put the supporters in the right mood for voting. Well-known party exponents such as Barack and Michelle Obama (56), Bill (74) and Hillary Clinton (72) tried their best to make Joe Biden sympathetic to voters in front of the TV screens.
But it quickly became clear this week: The Democrats are not on fire for Joe Biden. You are hot for Donald Trump (74). Almost every speech began and ended with rebuke to the US President. The focus was on its mismanagement of the pandemic, which hit the US particularly hard.
The speeches by the Obamas were particularly noteworthy. Former presidents and first ladies are usually reluctant to criticize. But both Michelle and Barack gave a good deal against Trump. This break in tradition is symbolic of the Democrats’ Party Congress, 2020 edition: United against Trump, Biden comes second.
Obama on Trump: “Donald Trump can’t do his job”(01:38)
Biden is controversial
The fact that the party is concentrating more on the opponent than on its own candidate is extraordinary. But this strategy inevitably makes sense.
No matter if old or young, black or white – the liberals are united in their disgust for the US president. When it comes to Biden, however, opinions differ widely.
The 77-year-old is not the new face we were hoping for. It does not stand for departure. Biden also does not represent the party base, which is getting younger. Again a white, old man, the democratic party is more diverse than ever before. And it’s not just the left wing that thinks that way.
His party’s strategy has also reached Biden. In his closing speech at the party congress on Thursday, he again focused on Trump – and not his own ideas.
Will the liberals’ hatred of Donald Trump be enough to overthrow the US president? We’ll know the answer to that in 74 days …
The US presidential elections will take place on November 3, 2020. The incumbent President Donald Trump is aiming for a second term. All current developments on the elections and candidates are always available in the news ticker, and all articles on the topic can be found here on the US elections page.
