The first night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago was marked by an energetic and impassioned speech from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who used her primetime slot to rally support for Vice President Kamala Harris.
Ocasio-Cortez praised Harris for her commitment to key issues, including reproductive rights, civil rights, and corporate accountability. But it was her mention of Harris’s efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and bring hostages home that drew some of the loudest applause from the crowd.
This part of Ocasio-Cortez’s speech clearly resonated with the audience and was seen as a nod to a significant and growing segment of the Democratic Party’s base, which has become increasingly critical of Israel’s actions in recent years.
Inside and outside the convention, left-wing activists and protesters made their voices heard, calling on Harris to take a stronger stance against Israel, including demands for an arms embargo and increased pressure on Israeli leaders to halt their operations against Hamas.
What in the world was this supposed to be
pic.twitter.com/Vu18T5l62F— Greg Price (@greg_price11) August 20, 2024
The decision to feature Ocasio-Cortez in such a prominent speaking role at the convention underscores the growing influence of the progressive wing within the Democratic Party. Her speech sought to frame the Democrats as the true representatives of the working class, contrasting them with the Republicans, whom she depicted as the party of the wealthy elite.
In her remarks, Ocasio-Cortez also addressed the frequent criticism she has faced from Republicans, particularly those who have mocked her previous career as a bartender. Emphasizing her pride in her working-class roots, she said, “I’m happy to any day of the week, because there is nothing wrong with working for a living.”
She went on to express her support for Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, portraying them as leaders who understand and champion the struggles of everyday Americans.
