It was Vice President Kamala Harris’s night, but the loudest cheers and applause at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) were reserved for veteran Democratic leader Hillary Clinton. The crowd’s uproar, which included chants of “lock him up” following Clinton’s mention of Donald Trump’s 34 felony convictions, was a moment of vindication for her. This marked a symbolic victory for Clinton, a former adversary of Trump, who had been the target of Trump’s campaign rhetoric in 2016.
The DNC, taking place from August 19-22 in Chicago, witnessed Clinton’s speech as a significant personal triumph. Despite the evening being dedicated to Harris, Clinton’s remarks drew a standing ovation that lasted for 1.5 minutes, surpassing the applause received by Harris, as reported by the New York Post. Clinton’s address centered on the challenges women face in politics, contrasting Harris’s role as a prosecutor with Trump’s legal troubles.
In her speech, Clinton thanked President Joe Biden for his enduring service and for paving the way for Harris, describing it as a “new chapter.” She also reflected on trailblazers such as Shirley Chisholm and Geraldine Ferraro, honouring their groundbreaking contributions to American politics. Clinton also highlighted her own 2016 presidential campaign, celebrating the progress made since then and the continued advancement of women in political roles.
Clinton drew a sharp contrast between Harris, who successfully prosecuted serious criminals, and Trump, who has faced legal challenges and multiple felony charges. As she spoke, the DNC crowd’s chants of “lock him up” echoed back at Trump, repurposing the slogan he once used against her.
This moment of retribution for Clinton was especially poignant, considering Trump’s previous calls for her imprisonment. Despite Trump’s denial of ever calling for Clinton’s arrest in a Fox News interview, he had frequently used the “lock her up” rhetoric. With Harris now leading in approval ratings over Trump, including in critical swing states, Clinton sees Harris as the embodiment of what she could not achieve in 2016. For Clinton, Harris represents a chance for the change she once sought, and she expressed her full support and faith in Harris’s ability to make that vision a reality.
