There’s still more to cover in summer politics. So much occurred within just a few months, even for politics. Both the Republican National Convention and the Democratic National Convention took place, Kamala Harris picked her running-mate, and the first debates between the new candidates have been scheduled. These are the last few major events that happened this summer:
- The Republican National Convention Solidifies Conservative Candidates
On the first day of the Republican National Convention, former Ohio Senator, J.D. Vance was picked as Donald Trump’s running mate for the 2024 election.
To begin the day, several other vice presidential candidates got the chance to speak. Afterward, Union Head Sean O’Brien presented a speech, demonstrating Trump’s hope to win over the workers of America.
On the second day, many former campaign opponents of Trump spoke in support of him at the convention, including Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis, and former United States ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley.
Haley focused on talks of unification, while DeSantis made Trump out as a martyr, stating, “Donald Trump has been demonized, he’s been sued, he’s been prosecuted and he nearly lost his life. We can’t let him down and we can’t let America down.”
The third day focused heavily on what the party considered Biden’s failures.
They criticized his handling of pulling soldiers out of Afghanistan.
The cap-off to the day was Vance’s first speech as Trump’s running-mate. He focused on his upbringing, his beliefs, and finished off by attacking Biden for his past actions as Senator, saying he supported, “a bad trade deal that sent countless good American manufacturing jobs to Mexico.”
On the fourth day, Trump accepted his presidential candidacy and made the longest speech in convention history. He focused on the assassination attempt and promised to crack down on immigration. Afterward, American professional wrestler, Hulk Hogan appeared, claiming his support for Trump and calling him an “American hero.”
2. Concerns are raised over Trump’s mental faculties
In a strange twist from the Republican campaign focusing on Biden’s declining mental health, clips of Trump stumbling over his words and misremembering information began to circle the Internet. A group of psychiatrists, calling themselves “Duty to Warn,” also came out with concerns about potential dementia symptoms in the former president.
3. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is picked as Harris’s running mate
In the rush after Harris’s candidacy announcement, many politicians nationwide vied to become her pick for Vice President, such as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. On August 6, her pick was revealed. Tim Walz was chosen and made his first appearance in a rally the next day. This shows that both campaigns have a clear focus on winning midwestern swing states.
4. First Debate Between Harris and Trump is Scheduled
According to USA Today, both Harris and Trump agreed to have a debate on September 10. The Harris-Walz campaign stated that the Trump-Vance campaign agreed to three total debates; two presidential, and one vice presidential. The second presidential debate has not been scheduled yet. Highlands High School Government teacher, Kym Grillot explained, “In the past there have been 4 debates: 3 presidential and 1 vice-presidential… Each candidate will practice debating with their advisors acting as their opponent… It will be exciting, but very combative for sure.”
The debate will be streamed on ABC News Live 24/7 channel, Disney+, and Hulu.
5. First Debate Between Walz and Vance is Scheduled
A date for their debate was agreed upon between the two vice presidential candidates. The debate is set for October 1st. It should be noted that there were several dates proposed for a VP debate. Vance said he would be willing to participate in two, but Walz only agreed to the one set for October. It is expected to be an interesting debate, as both candidates claim to represent the American Midwest. The debate will be streamed on CBS.
6. The Democratic National Convention
On day one of the Democratic National Convention, Biden officially passed the torch to Harris. Former candidate Hillary Clinton also made an appearance. Kamala Harris also made a surprise showing, despite not being on the agenda.
On the second day, former president Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, both spoke in support of Harris. Several Republican politicians, such as Mayor John Giles of Mesa, Arizona, also spoke in support, stating that the Biden-Harris administration had done a lot for his community. The convention was broken up by a party in place of the state roll call, with different songs representing different states.
The third day featured appearances from former president Bill Clinton and television star Oprah Winfrey. Tim Walz made an appearance, accepting his nomination for Vice President. In his speech, he leaned more upon his past resume, glossing over his political one. He ended his speech honoring his family by saying, “Hope, Gus and Gwen, you are my entire world, and I love you.”
On the fourth and final day, Kamala Harris officially accepted her nomination for president, setting in stone what the election ballots will look like. In her speech, she talked about what it was like when she was growing up. She also mentioned Trump’s various legal troubles, questioning his suitability as a presidential candidate.
Currently, Harris and Walz are leading Trump and Vance in the polls, but only barely. According to Forbes sources, Harris is leading Trump anywhere between 3-4%. However, this has fluctuated so the race is still neck-and-neck. Back when Trump and Biden were running, Trump had a similar 3-4% lead over the current president.
