Kamala Harris wasn’t taking any chances in her DNC speech — but that’s why it worked

The 2024 Democratic National Convention is over, and despite fears of intraparty fighting and violent clashes between police and protesters outside the United Center — this was not a replay of 1968. In fact, Lil John’s roll call cameo notwithstanding, it was about as basic as political conventions get. And that’s probably the best Democrats could hope for. 

The crowd in Chicago’s United Center roared as Vice President Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic nomination for president. It’s a historic moment and one that clearly inspired a lot of emotion. The cameras found more than a few non-dry eyes in the house. 

But like the convention itself, Harris’ speech was successful in large part because she played it kind of safe.