Democratic Convention Wrap-Up

Democrats wrapped up their convention in Philadelphia last week, selecting Hillary Clinton as their presidential nominee. Clinton is the first woman to ever lead a major party ticket. 

The convention got off to a rocky start. Just before the convention got underway, Wikileaks released tens of thousands of hacked emails from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) that showed the organization tried to undermine the campaign of Clinton's primary rival Bernie Sanders, senator from Vermont. The DNC is not supposed to take sides during the battle for the nomination. The emails also reinforced Sanders' longtime claim that the system is rigged. DNC chair, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, was forced to step down. Sanders' supporters were furious and staged protests and walkouts. During the initial speeches, many delegates booed when Hillary Clinton's name was mentioned. It was an inauspicious start to the convention. 

However, the Democrats eventually managed to pull their convention back from the brink. Here are the convention highlights. This information will aid in completing questions, exercises, and activities for the lesson on conventions in the Presidential Elections unit study. 

Monday, July 25, 2016: United Together
Senator Bernie Sanders gave a speech to a roaring crowd. He gave an emphatic endorsement of Hillary Clinton, which is largely credited with bringing the convention back together. First Lady Michelle Obama gave a speech that was also well received. "I wake up every morning in a house that was built by slaves," Michelle Obama said, noting that because of Hillary Clinton, her daughters may take for granted that a woman could become president. Senator Elizabeth Warren mainly used her speech to attack Donald Trump. 

Tuesday, July 26, 2016: A Lifetime of Fighting for Children and Families
Delegates voted on Tuesday. Clinton received 2,838 votes, surpassing the 2,382 she needed. Sanders received 1,843 delegate votes. Bill Clinton was the featured speaker on this night. The role of the spouse of the candidate is mainly to humanize him or her. And Bill Clinton tried to do just that, speaking about how he and his wife met, her family, and her Methodism. 

Wednesday, July 27, 2016: Working Together
Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia accepted the Democratic nomination on Wednesday. Vice presidential nominees usually perform the role of attack dogs. Kaine told delegates, "Folks, you cannot believe one word that comes out of Donald Trump's mouth." It was also a chance for Kaine to introduce himself to the nation. He told about how he was educated at a Jesuit boys' school; worked at a Jesuit missionary school in Honduras; became a civil rights lawyer; was elected mayor of Richmond, governor of Virginia, and finally U.S. senator. 

Thursday, July 28, 2016: United Together
The nominee's daughter Chelsea Clinton introduced her mother, as Ivanka Trump had done for her father. The candidates' daughters have had an unprecedented role in these campaigns and conventions. Chelsea Clinton's speech was also meant to humanize her mother, offering many personal anecdotes. Finally, Hillary Clinton, gave her acceptance speech. 
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DNC Convention Activity:
The challenge this week is to watch the speech of former first daughter Chelsea Clinton. Find it here. Answer the following questions:

1. How was Hillary Clinton as a mother, according to Chelsea?

2. What kinds of things did Hillary Clinton do to show her daughter love?

3. What books did Chelsea Clinton mention and why did she mention them?

4. Why did Chelsea Clinton say she was proud of her mother?

5. Did Chelsea's speech change your view of Hillary Clinton? How? 

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