Hillary Gives Remarks At DNC
The Democratic National Convention in Chicago kicked off with an interesting mix of messages on its first night, and things quickly took a turn from the anticipated theme of “joy” to something far more divisive. The shift came when former presidential nominee Hillary Clinton took the stage and delivered a speech that many saw as a direct taunt aimed at former President Donald Trump.
Clinton, with a noticeable smirk, made headlines by calling Trump “the first person to run for president with 34 felony convictions.” This comment drew a strong reaction from the crowd, which erupted into chants of “Lock him up!” Clinton initially tried to speak over the chanting but eventually let it continue, leaning into the moment.
But here’s where things get particularly interesting. Trump’s legal troubles have been a focal point in this election cycle, and Clinton’s reference to his convictions was no accident. It tied directly into the broader message the convention seemed to be pushing that night.
After Clinton’s speech, the convention featured a video highlighting Trump’s various legal battles, including his prosecution related to the payments to Stormy Daniels. The video even edited Trump’s January 6th speech, omitting key phrases like “peacefully and patriotically,” which he used during the rally.
What makes this all the more ironic is the backdrop of Clinton’s own history. She mentioned Trump’s convictions without acknowledging the controversies that have followed her over the years. For example, in 2016, Clinton faced scrutiny over her use of a private email server while she was Secretary of State, a decision that many argued compromised classified information.
Despite the intense investigation, she avoided charges, a fact that remains a point of contention among her critics. Furthermore, Clinton’s own campaign in 2016 was marred by accusations of hiding payments to Fusion GPS, the firm behind the infamous Steele dossier, which fueled the “Russia collusion” narrative against Trump.
The choice to focus on Trump’s legal issues, rather than promoting a more unified message, seems to have shifted the convention’s tone from one of positivity to one of confrontation. Following Clinton’s speech, Rep. Jamie Raskin took the stage.
Raskin, who had voted against certifying Trump’s Electoral College victory in 2017 and later led efforts to impeach Trump over the January 6th events, continued this theme of division. His role in the January 6th Committee, which has been criticized for destroying its documents after Democrats lost control of Congress, added another layer of controversy to the evening.
The Democrats’ initial message of “joy” seemed to get lost as the night progressed, replaced by a more pointed and aggressive tone against Trump. This approach might energize the base, but it could also backfire by alienating voters who are tired of the relentless focus on Trump’s legal issues and are looking for a more positive vision for the future.