Gabe, I disagree with your comment about the DNC convention getting boring! I have loved every night of the event and look forward to this last night as well-can’t believe how great late night TV has been, first the Olympics and now the DNC convention!! I think the convention has showcased all the democratic talent waiting in the wings-that’s what many of us reading newsletters don’t know about-we don’t spend time around them everyday.
The criticism of Harris/Walz and the Democrats for being light on policy is at best a straw dog. Despite denials, the only policy statements the Republicans offer is the grotesque nonsense that the party is now trying to walk away from: Project 2025. But all of that aside, only political wonks truly care about the specifics of party platforms and policy statements. The true test is the feeling (or to use the overworked word “vibe”) that connects the candidates to the voters. And the promise for a brighter future that each projects. Clearly, Harris and Walz have captured a zeitgeist by the tail. They feel like a brighter tomorrow than the tomorrow offered by the Republican agents of doom and spite.
Given that Dems are in power and the PERCEPTION of the economy is negative, they’re going to have to say a lot specific about economic policy. I don’t think trying to sell Bidenomics will work, as it hasn’t yet and we’re going on a few years.
The reminder that Biden was handed a mess when he took office and COVID was causing so many deaths per day that morgues could not keep up. In light of that history, Biden’s bringing back our economy is an astounding accomplishment. But the public needs to be reminded of that history, where we were compared to where we are now.
That’s been the playbook for two years and here we are with a toss up election. Regardless of the reason, I don’t think there are any gains left to be juiced from reminding voters of that history: they need to be forward looking.
Yes, Johnny, I think it’s good that you used all caps for “PERCEPTION.” And that’s because the Dems have really done a lousy messaging job in communicating all that the Biden administration has done for the economy. So yes, I agree that over the next 70+ days Harris and surrogates need to do what Biden was unable to do: SELL the many real accomplishments as a way of addressing the perception. Yet I still contend that the major determinant is the obvious positivity coming from Harris et al versus the fear and anger and bleakness the Republicans are peddling. That’s a tired shitshow.
I too find Gabes perspective invaluable. But I will say, I agree with Rachel Maddow, that Michelle Obama gave the greatest convention speech of all-time. It's incomprehensible to me that Gabe didn't register, or acknowledge how she moved the entire audience.
I disagree too. It amazes me how you work so hard to play the middle and deliver positive and negative comments on everything that happens on both sides warranted or not. Do you really want to always play the middle and therefore be ineffective? The fact that you could find negatives in Walz’s speech and goodwill put me over the edge. And dissing on the football players? Really? I am close to ending my subscription but I’m trying to give you the benefit of the doubt because you are young. Your written words influence people and you need to think about the kind of influence you are having. I hope for your sake you are able to live your life in a democracy. I’m old enough to be your grandma and I say these words with concern for your future.
Disagree. If I want someone who writes one side and refuses to elucidate how others think, I can just live in my own head or tune into any of the schlock out there. Gabe is able to clearly (and enjoyably) put down several lines of thinking in almost every newsletter. I don’t want confirmation bias. I want to explore how others think, for a lot of reasons. WUTP does that more clearly than almost anywhere else.
Hi Doris, I think I understand your comments. Gabe may not appear as a loyalist Democrat, but when he acknowledges what others are likely to pick up he demonstrates that a voter can see imperfections and still support the candidate. I hope you stick with Gabe. We need his reporting and analysis, pro and con
Hi Doris. I gravitate to Gabe for the very reasons you’re dissatisfied. Most journalist that I follow are preaching to me, the choir. I don’t seek out those on the right so that I can declare open mindedness. Gabe finds the sweet spot for me every time. I hope you keep supporting this young writer. PS. I’m also old enough to be his grandparent.
I thought the football players on stage was the cheesiest moment of the convention so far. It went on too long and contained zero messaging.i thought it was ineffective and a waste of time.
Great piece! One minor question: Did you mean to imply that Granholm could've been president instead of Obama if she gave the keynote address in 2004? If so, I think this is a mistake because I do not think Granholm is eligible to run for president; she was not born in the US and she only became a citizen as an adult.
Anyway, great article and please correct me if I have misunderstood something.
This, in a nutshell, is why everyone is excited about Walz, as he does seem to have "a more “authentic connection to everyday Americans.”" As the DNC comes to a close, I'm glad this was the first political convention I've ever watched, happy that I saw all of Day 1 and then caught up later on outstanding speeches the other days that I couldn't get home from work soon enough to see in real-time.
Kamala is SUCH a skilled, charismatic speaker. That speech threaded a very fine needle in raising the topic of Gaza. Overall, she rolled a natural 20 on a D20.
Gabe, thanks for your honest thoughts. They are always appreciated!
I truly respect that we can count on you to give a thoughtful approach to your writing, and that I do not know ahead of time what your emphasis and impressions will be. That is very refreshing and unique.
As far as other memorable moments. what about, “He calls it “a beautiful thing.” What is so beautiful about a child having to carry her parent’s child?” Did the power of that moment remain in the convention, or has it dissolved?
Walz needs to clean up those slips like having the automatic weapon in combat and IVF allowing him to have children rather than other fertility measures. Too close to misinformation. They need to be squeaky clean to be able to ‘throw stones’.
I think the reason Shapiro wasn't chosen is that, simply because he is Jewish, it would have put the ongoing catastrophe in Gaza front and center in the campaign--and it's too complex and emotional issue to be allowed to overtake the campaign's momentum. I would have chosen Mark Kelly--who could accuse an astronaut of being not patriotic enough? But Walz is likeable, has the necessary political experience, and works well with Kamala--so we'll see!
Gabe: YOU are spot on with your comments. It’s the heartfelt moments that mean the most. Walz seems like the real deal. I do agree that it gets a little bit “repetitive” as we hear the same type things over and over with “tad infractions” within. Best moments were what you cited and I would add: Steve Kerr’s remarks on leadership (coincidentally another great Coach😉)
I've been cognizant of conventions ever since 1968 - that terrible year - and I've come to believe that they are nothing in this day and age but infomercials. So why should the average person pay much attention to them?
Yeah, Walz's reputation as displayed yesterday probably wasn't the 'whole truth.' Do you think Vance's was at the Republican convention? Or any other politician?
No, the real vetting by the ordinary Americans who choose to do so comes during the campaign. I still believe Walz is better than any Republican candidate since George H.W. Bush.
The convention is the first 6 months of campaign compressed into 4 days. I have never watched a convention before. ( I am 72.) I have learned a lot about Harris, Walz and the other players in this party.
Carol, I don't mean to be disrespectful or flippant - I'm glad you're participating in American Democracy by watching the convention.
But . . . What you are 'learning' about Harris and Walz is simply what they intend you to 'learn' about them. I encourage you to listen to them, but I also hope you'll take what you've learned and then listen to other voices, such as an independent newspaper / newsmagazine; and, of course, Gabe.
Gabe, I disagree with your comment about the DNC convention getting boring! I have loved every night of the event and look forward to this last night as well-can’t believe how great late night TV has been, first the Olympics and now the DNC convention!! I think the convention has showcased all the democratic talent waiting in the wings-that’s what many of us reading newsletters don’t know about-we don’t spend time around them everyday.
The criticism of Harris/Walz and the Democrats for being light on policy is at best a straw dog. Despite denials, the only policy statements the Republicans offer is the grotesque nonsense that the party is now trying to walk away from: Project 2025. But all of that aside, only political wonks truly care about the specifics of party platforms and policy statements. The true test is the feeling (or to use the overworked word “vibe”) that connects the candidates to the voters. And the promise for a brighter future that each projects. Clearly, Harris and Walz have captured a zeitgeist by the tail. They feel like a brighter tomorrow than the tomorrow offered by the Republican agents of doom and spite.
Given that Dems are in power and the PERCEPTION of the economy is negative, they’re going to have to say a lot specific about economic policy. I don’t think trying to sell Bidenomics will work, as it hasn’t yet and we’re going on a few years.
The reminder that Biden was handed a mess when he took office and COVID was causing so many deaths per day that morgues could not keep up. In light of that history, Biden’s bringing back our economy is an astounding accomplishment. But the public needs to be reminded of that history, where we were compared to where we are now.
That’s been the playbook for two years and here we are with a toss up election. Regardless of the reason, I don’t think there are any gains left to be juiced from reminding voters of that history: they need to be forward looking.
Yes, Johnny, I think it’s good that you used all caps for “PERCEPTION.” And that’s because the Dems have really done a lousy messaging job in communicating all that the Biden administration has done for the economy. So yes, I agree that over the next 70+ days Harris and surrogates need to do what Biden was unable to do: SELL the many real accomplishments as a way of addressing the perception. Yet I still contend that the major determinant is the obvious positivity coming from Harris et al versus the fear and anger and bleakness the Republicans are peddling. That’s a tired shitshow.
This is full of wonderful insights. Keep up the great work, Gabe.
I too find Gabes perspective invaluable. But I will say, I agree with Rachel Maddow, that Michelle Obama gave the greatest convention speech of all-time. It's incomprehensible to me that Gabe didn't register, or acknowledge how she moved the entire audience.
I disagree too. It amazes me how you work so hard to play the middle and deliver positive and negative comments on everything that happens on both sides warranted or not. Do you really want to always play the middle and therefore be ineffective? The fact that you could find negatives in Walz’s speech and goodwill put me over the edge. And dissing on the football players? Really? I am close to ending my subscription but I’m trying to give you the benefit of the doubt because you are young. Your written words influence people and you need to think about the kind of influence you are having. I hope for your sake you are able to live your life in a democracy. I’m old enough to be your grandma and I say these words with concern for your future.
Disagree. If I want someone who writes one side and refuses to elucidate how others think, I can just live in my own head or tune into any of the schlock out there. Gabe is able to clearly (and enjoyably) put down several lines of thinking in almost every newsletter. I don’t want confirmation bias. I want to explore how others think, for a lot of reasons. WUTP does that more clearly than almost anywhere else.
Playing the middle does not mean you are ineffective. It means you are not partisan.
If you want right and/or left opinions, you can always listen to Fox or MSNBC.
Hi Doris, I think I understand your comments. Gabe may not appear as a loyalist Democrat, but when he acknowledges what others are likely to pick up he demonstrates that a voter can see imperfections and still support the candidate. I hope you stick with Gabe. We need his reporting and analysis, pro and con
Hi Doris. I gravitate to Gabe for the very reasons you’re dissatisfied. Most journalist that I follow are preaching to me, the choir. I don’t seek out those on the right so that I can declare open mindedness. Gabe finds the sweet spot for me every time. I hope you keep supporting this young writer. PS. I’m also old enough to be his grandparent.
I thought the football players on stage was the cheesiest moment of the convention so far. It went on too long and contained zero messaging.i thought it was ineffective and a waste of time.
Great piece! One minor question: Did you mean to imply that Granholm could've been president instead of Obama if she gave the keynote address in 2004? If so, I think this is a mistake because I do not think Granholm is eligible to run for president; she was not born in the US and she only became a citizen as an adult.
Anyway, great article and please correct me if I have misunderstood something.
This, in a nutshell, is why everyone is excited about Walz, as he does seem to have "a more “authentic connection to everyday Americans.”" As the DNC comes to a close, I'm glad this was the first political convention I've ever watched, happy that I saw all of Day 1 and then caught up later on outstanding speeches the other days that I couldn't get home from work soon enough to see in real-time.
Kamala is SUCH a skilled, charismatic speaker. That speech threaded a very fine needle in raising the topic of Gaza. Overall, she rolled a natural 20 on a D20.
Gabe, thanks for your honest thoughts. They are always appreciated!
I truly respect that we can count on you to give a thoughtful approach to your writing, and that I do not know ahead of time what your emphasis and impressions will be. That is very refreshing and unique.
As far as other memorable moments. what about, “He calls it “a beautiful thing.” What is so beautiful about a child having to carry her parent’s child?” Did the power of that moment remain in the convention, or has it dissolved?
Walz needs to clean up those slips like having the automatic weapon in combat and IVF allowing him to have children rather than other fertility measures. Too close to misinformation. They need to be squeaky clean to be able to ‘throw stones’.
I think the reason Shapiro wasn't chosen is that, simply because he is Jewish, it would have put the ongoing catastrophe in Gaza front and center in the campaign--and it's too complex and emotional issue to be allowed to overtake the campaign's momentum. I would have chosen Mark Kelly--who could accuse an astronaut of being not patriotic enough? But Walz is likeable, has the necessary political experience, and works well with Kamala--so we'll see!
I have no problem with the moniker Coach Walz. We still use Mayor Pete at times, right?
I am a paid subscriber but, on the Substack app, it does not allow me to see certain articles. What am I doing wrong?
Gabe: YOU are spot on with your comments. It’s the heartfelt moments that mean the most. Walz seems like the real deal. I do agree that it gets a little bit “repetitive” as we hear the same type things over and over with “tad infractions” within. Best moments were what you cited and I would add: Steve Kerr’s remarks on leadership (coincidentally another great Coach😉)
I've been cognizant of conventions ever since 1968 - that terrible year - and I've come to believe that they are nothing in this day and age but infomercials. So why should the average person pay much attention to them?
Yeah, Walz's reputation as displayed yesterday probably wasn't the 'whole truth.' Do you think Vance's was at the Republican convention? Or any other politician?
No, the real vetting by the ordinary Americans who choose to do so comes during the campaign. I still believe Walz is better than any Republican candidate since George H.W. Bush.
The convention is the first 6 months of campaign compressed into 4 days. I have never watched a convention before. ( I am 72.) I have learned a lot about Harris, Walz and the other players in this party.
Carol, I don't mean to be disrespectful or flippant - I'm glad you're participating in American Democracy by watching the convention.
But . . . What you are 'learning' about Harris and Walz is simply what they intend you to 'learn' about them. I encourage you to listen to them, but I also hope you'll take what you've learned and then listen to other voices, such as an independent newspaper / newsmagazine; and, of course, Gabe.