Emotions, insults and celebrities: RNC and DNC recap

BY ANDREW UTTERBACK / Multimedia Journalist

The Republican and Democratic National Conventions (RNC and DNC) were packed with historic moments from both parties and gave us a strong glimpse of what to expect in the months leading up to Nov. 5. It shattered expectations for many in the political spectrum who thought both conferences would be fairly run-of-the-mill in the weeks leading up to the events. 

Dr. Marcie Reynolds, an assistant professor in political science, had much to say about the two conventions.

“These circumstances highlight presidential candidates who are committed and courageous—one by becoming stronger even when his life is threatened and the other by stepping up at the last minute to become a candidate without winning any primaries or caucuses– like Humphrey who eventually lost the election. At the very least, the assassination attempt and Biden dropping out focuses media and public attention on the candidates,” Reynolds said. 

On the RNC side, Donald Trump’s speech came just days after the assassination attempt on his life at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The former president’s entrance was met with applause, emotion and a sense of unity that many on both sides of the aisle couldn't help but notice.

Trump opened his over 90 minute speech by retelling the moment from his own perspective, saying, “I’m not supposed to be here tonight.” 

The entire first half of the speech had a tone of humility and an almost peaceful attitude with Trump even saying this had strengthened his faith. 

The second half of the speech was more of what some might call traditional Trump, with jabs at opponents and campaign promises. 

Trump’s pick for Vice President, Ohio Senator JD Vance, also took the stage as he made his first major public appearance since being selected just two days earlier on day one of the convention. 

On the DNC side, history was made as sitting President Joe Biden exited the race on July 21, making Vice President Kamala Harris the presumed, and later confirmed, primary candidate. She was joined by her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, as she took the national stage for the first time as the presidential candidate.

Harris’ speech highlighted her career as a prosecutor, her mission to unite America and expressed her concern about the dangers of Republican policy. It was a fairly unsurprising speech, but the fact that she was giving it at all instead of the sitting president was what made it historic. 

President Biden did speak at the convention in an emotional speech the New York Times characterized as a “political farewell.” 

He discussed his accomplishments as president, put his full support behind Harris and then moved to policy attacks against Republicans, telling voters, “Above all, we need you to beat Donald Trump.”

Reynolds gave her opinion about whether this will affect how people vote in the election.

“The conventions are entertaining and at times inspirational, but they have limited effect on those who will vote in November. The primary audiences for the conventions are the party faithful who already know how they will vote,” Reynolds said.

These two conferences evoked opinions from not only those in the political space, but also students on our own campus. Tarleton students Evan Brown and Ryan Kneebone had thoughts after watching parts of or all of the conferences.

“I think the reliance on pop culture endorsements from people like Hulk Hogan, Jason Aldean, Kid Rock, Lil John, Mark Hamill and Oprah Winfrey is a sign that both parties are scraping the bottom of the intellectual barrel for anyone who’d support them.” Brown said. 

Those celebrities all spoke at either the RNC or DNC, with Hulk Hogan’s being the one that most are still talking about. The viral moment from the speech was of the 71-year old ripping his shirt on stage while talking in his iconic voice from his days as a professional wrestler. 

Kneebone echoed what Dr. Reynolds said about the conventions being more of a pep rally. 

“A few years ago these conventions used to mean something,” Kneebone said. “Both parties have continued to claim that we need to come together to make a change, but actions will always speak louder than words. Despite these massive conventions, nothing gets done. No changes are made.” 

The two candidates are set to face each other in their first debate scheduled for Sept. 10.