The 2020 Democratic and Republican National Conventions

The+2020+Democratic+and+Republican+National+Conventions

Sana Muneer, Lenses Editor

The Democratic and Republican National Conventions kicked off on August 17th and 24th featuring a wide selection of virtual and in-person speakers. The purpose of the conventions was to unite people with their shared values, show the American people what each party values and stands for, and portray what the elected nominee for President of the United States wants to accomplish in their presidency.

On the first night of the three, some of the many Democratic Party keynote speakers were former First Lady Michelle Obama, former presidential nominee Bernie Sanders, Amy Klobuchar (Minnesota), and Andrew Cuomo (New York). Other speakers included singer Barack Obama, Billie Eilish, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and live music by John Legend, Maggie Rogers, and also Billie Eilish again.  Michelle Obama delivered a very impactful speech, talking about empathy and compassion. The Democratic National Convention ended with Joe Biden accepting his Presidential nomination, pledging to develop and deploy rapid Covid-19 testing, provide as much medical and protective supplies for the country’s needs, mandate masks, and prepare to put politics aside and give America the honest information it deserves regarding the media. 

On the other hand, the Republican National Convention commenced on August 27, hosting a variety of speeches from multiple members of the Trump family also Kellyanne Conway, Mitch McConnel, Mike Pence, and more people. Donald Trump delivered a 75-minute speech, ripping at Joe Biden and the rest of the Democratic party. Trump also avoided speaking on the recent events that happened in Kenosha, Wisconsin with the shooting of Jacob Blake, yet mentioned the place in regards to increasing street violence. 

In regards to Covid-19, both political parties had different ways of going at their convention. Democratic candidates Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, have reportedly only taken part in 15 in-person and public events and fundraisers, resigning to mostly online from afar. While the Democrats are taking steps to social distance and wear masks, Republican candidates Donald Trump and Mike Pence are continuously holding weekly events and defied an order from the governor of Virginia prohibiting indoor gatherings.