The Democratic National Convention is over, but the incredible words and notions that were shared last week will live on forever. This is the first convention I’ve ever been socially and politically conscious enough to give full attention to and it was absolutely amazing. Not only was a historic event, but it was a place where our most eloquent and regarded leaders came together to support one common cause. Here are some of the highlights and truly most inspirational moments from the convention:
1. Michelle Obama
First Lady Michelle Obama started the speeches of the convention off on the best foot possible with her eloquent and inspiring speech on Monday night.
"Don't let anyone ever tell you that this country isn't great, that somehow we need to make it great again. Because this, right now, is the greatest country on earth."
"Leaders like Hillary Clinton who has the guts and the grace to keep coming back and putting those cracks on that highest and hardest glass ceiling until she finally breaks through, lifting all of us along with her."
"I want someone with the proven strength to persevere, who knows this job and takes it seriously, someone who knows the issues are not black and white and cannot be boiled down to 140 characters."
"That is the story of this country, the story that has brought me to this stage tonight, the story of generations of people who felt the lash of bondage, the shame of servitude, the sting of segregation, but who kept on striving and hoping and doing what needed to be done so that today, I wake up every morning in a house that was built by slaves and I watch my daughters—two beautiful, intelligent, black young women—playing with their dogs on the White House lawn."
"Because of Hillary Clinton, my daughters and all our sons and daughters now take for granted that a woman can be president of the United States."
"We explain when someone is cruel or acts like a bully, you do not stoop to their level. Our motto is when they go low, we go high."
2. Joe Biden
Vice President Joe Biden’s speech was a scathing evisceration of Donald Trump and a heartfelt patriotic cry for America.
“We cannot elect a man who exploits our fears of ISIS and other terrorists. Who has no plan whatsoever to make us safer. A man who embraces the tactics of our enemies, torture, religious intolerance. You all know. All the Republicans know, that's not who we are. It betrays our values. It alienates those who we need in the fight against ISIS. Donald Trump, with all his rhetoric, would literally make us less safe. We cannot elect a man, who belittles are closest allies, while embracing dictators like Vladimir Putin. No, I mean that. A man who seeks to sow division in America for his own gain and disorder around the world. A man who confuses bluster with strength. We simply cannot let that happen as Americans, period.”
"It’s never, never, never been a good bet to bet against America. We have the finest fighting force in the world. Not only do we have the largest economy in the world, we have the strongest economy in the world. We have the most productive workers in the world. And given a fair shot, given a fair chance, American have never, ever, ever let their country down. Never.”
"There's only one person in this race who will be there, who has always been there for you, and that's Hillary Clinton's life story. It's not just who she is, it's her life story. She's always there. She's always been there and so has Tim Kaine.”
3. Barack Obama
President Barack Obama’s speech was as genuine, hopeful and realistic as he is.
“I can say with confidence there has never been a man or a woman—not Bill, not me—more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America.”
"Most of all, I see Americans of every party, every background, every faith who believe that we are stronger together— Black, White, Latino, Asian, Native American; young and old; gay, straight, men, women, folks with disabilities, all pledging allegiance, under the same proud flag, to this big, bold country that we love.”
"We are not a fragile or frightful people. Our power doesn’t come from some self-declared savior promising that he alone can restore order. We don’t look to be ruled.”
"America has never been about what one person says he’ll do for us. It’s always been about what can be achieved by us, together, through the hard, slow, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately enduring work of self-government.”
“Don’t boo. Vote.”
4. Hillary Clinton
Future President Hillary Clinton’s speech was a historic and grand success that brings us one step closer to a more united nation.
"We have to heal the divides in our country. Not just on guns, but on race, immigration and more. That starts with listening to each other. Hearing each other. Trying, as best we can, to walk in each other's shoes."
"Freedom and equality, justice and opportunity. We should be so proud that these words are associated with us. That when people hear them, they hear America. So don't let anyone tell you that our country is weak. We're not. Don't let anyone tell you we don't have what it takes. We do."
"A man you can bait with a tweet is not a man we can trust with nuclear weapons."
"In America, if you can dream it, you should be able to build it. We're going to help you balance family and work. And you know what, if fighting for affordable child care and paid family leave is playing the 'woman card,' then deal me in."
“A country where all our children can dream and those dreams are within reach. Where families are strong, communities are safe, and yes, love trumps hate. That's the country we're fighting for. That's the future we're working toward. And so it is with humility, determination and boundless confidence in America's promise that I accept your nomination for President of the United States."
5. Khizr Khan
Gold Star father and Muslim immigrant Khizr Khan gave a poignant and emotional speech concerning his son who gave his life for his country in Iraq, and the patriotism of all walks of people.
"Donald Trump consistently smears the character of Muslims. He disrespects other minorities, women, judges, even his own party leadership. He vows to build walls and ban us from this country.”
"Donald Trump, you are asking Americans to trust you with our future. Let me ask you: Have you even read the US Constitution? I will gladly lend you my copy. In this document, look for the words 'liberty' and 'equal protection of law.'"
"Have you ever been to Arlington Cemetery? Go look at the graves of the brave patriots who died defending America—you will see all faiths, genders, and ethnicities. You have sacrificed nothing and no one."
"We can't solve our problems by building walls and sowing division. We are stronger together. And we will keep getting stronger when Hillary Clinton becomes our next president."
Honorable Mentions:
Bill Clinton
"She's the best darn change-maker I've ever met in my entire life."
"You can drop her in any trouble spot... Come back in a month and somehow she would've made it better."
Bernie Sanders
“If you don’t believe this election is important, if you think you can sit it out, take a moment to think about the Supreme Court justices that Donald Trump would nominate and what that would mean to civil liberties, equal rights and the future of our country.”
"Any objective observer will conclude that—based on her ideas and her leadership—Hillary Clinton must become the next president of the United States."
"Our job is to do two things—to defeat Donald Trump and to elect Hillary Clinton. It is easy to boo, but it is harder to look your kids in the face if we are living under a Trump presidency."
Tim Kaine
"You know who I don't trust? Donald Trump. The guy promises a lot. But you might have noticed, he has a habit of saying the same two words right after he makes his biggest promises, ’believe me.’"
"When I lived in Honduras, I learned that the best compliment you could give someone was to say they were 'listo,' ready. Because what 'listo' means in Spanish is this... it means prepared, it means battle-tested, it means rock-solid, up for anything, never backing down. And friends, Hillary Clinton, she's 'lista.' Hillary Clinton is lista."
Sarah Silverman
“Can I just say, to the Bernie or Bust people: you’re being ridiculous.”
