The 2016 election season has been memorable, to say the least. Now that both major parties' conventions are over, it is officially a race between Republican businessman, Donald J. Trump, and Democrat former First Lady, Senator and Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton. The Democratic National Convention had a rocky start after chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz resigned due to email controversy and Senator Bernie Sanders' supporters protested the impending Clinton nomination. On July 28th, after days of speeches and delegate roll calls, Secretary Clinton made history when she accepted the Democratic Party's nomination for President of the United States. This historic convention was full of political advice and commentary from many speakers, providing a positive outlook on the state of our country. Here are some important takeaways from Philadelphia:
1. We need to consider the president's influence on our children.
During her speech on Monday night of the convention, First Lady Michelle Obama reminded Americans that our president is also the president and role model of our children. We have to consider how the action's and behavior of our president will impact our children. Obama never mentioned Trump's name, though she explained why Hillary Clinton would be a positive role model, lauding her record of public service.The idea of presidential influence over our children is also reflected in a Hillary Clinton campaign ad called, "Role Models." The video shows children watching Trump speak on TV, as he says some of his infamous remarks such as his sexist comments about Fox News commentator, Meghan Kelly, and his cruel imitation of New York Times reporter, Serge Kovaleski - a man living with a physical disability. Hillary's point: do we want a bully to set an example for America's children?
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2. "When they go low, we go high".
While explaining the influential role of the President on our children in her speech, the First Lady stated: "How we insist that the hateful language they hear from public figures on TV does not represent the true spirit of this country. How we explain that when someone is cruel or acts like a bully, you don't stoop to their level. No, our motto is, "when they go low, we go high." She never mentioned Donald Trump by name, but shamed his tendency to insult and mock others. We should not lower ourselves to the level of name-calling, and should instead work on rising above to put forth positive political and social change.
3. Love "trumps" hate.
This slogan was present throughout the convention, from signs in the audience to Hillary Clinton's acceptance speech. She stated that we are fighting for an America where love is more powerful than hate. Many speakers touched upon the negative tone of the RNC, fearing that Trump is trying to use fear and hate to scare us. We should instead try to evoke positivity while working to change our country.
Two of the survivors from the 2015 shooting at the Emmanuel Church in Charleston took to the stage to address gun violence. They reminded us that the Bible states that love is more powerful than hate. Though they were victims of a hate crime, they are choosing to forgive and become activists, instead of being hateful towards the perpetrator. Their refrain: "Together we can heal, together we can love." This sentiment must be accepted by all of America if we hope to move past racism, violence and many of the other issues that are plaguing modern society.
4. Beware the demagogue.
Many speakers warned voters about Trump's potential to be a demagogue, including President Obama and Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Obama cautioned against supporting a candidate who claims to be the sole solution to America's problems. He stated: "Our power doesn't come from some self-declared savior promising that he alone can restore order as long as we do things his way. We don't look to be ruled. Our power comes from those immortal declarations first put to paper right here in Philadelphia all those years ago.
5. We are stronger together.
The convention started off with major contention from #BernieOrBust supporters. Much of the opening day involved democratic leaders trying to unite support for Clinton. On the first night, Bernie reminded his supporters that the party is stronger as a united front. His very liberal political revolution is still ongoing, and as Hillary stated in her speech, "Bernie, your campaign inspired millions of Americans, particularly the young people who threw their hearts and souls into our primary. You've put economic and social justice issues front and center, where they belong. And to all of your supporters here and around the country: I want you to know, I've heard you. Your cause is our cause." As she and other speakers pointed out, there is more at stake in this election than animosity within the party. Hillary hopes to gain further support from disgruntled Bernie supporters by aligning further with his political ideals.
The DNC contained hopeful rhetoric and advice from its many speakers, ending with Clinton's historic nomination. Though our political beliefs and ideologies may differ, we should all be proud that 96 years after women obtained the right to vote, we finally have a real chance of having a woman president in the White House. These lessons from our politicians make for important life lessons as well as political guidance.
