Bill Clinton is a man of many faults, but despite all of them, he has maintained his status as a celebrity in the Democratic Party. On Wednesday night, he spoke to a roaring crowd, mocking Donald Trump’s age and stressing the need for evolution – not just from Trump, but from a younger generation.
He began his speech by commenting on his age – he had just turned 78 – and criticizing Trump for being older than him.
Bill Clinton: “Biden has voluntarily given up political power… this will enrich Joe Biden’s legacy… I want to thank him for his courage, compassion, commitment and class.”
“I turned 78 two days ago … I’m still younger than Donald Trump” pic.twitter.com/hpKf0AtIZ9— Selina Wang (@selinawangtv) 22 August 2024
Clinton’s speech underscored one of his strengths within the Democratic Party: he has always been better than most of his party members at talking to regular people and emphasizing the need to connect with regular people. Clinton also tried to make the case that Harris is much better suited for the job than Trump.
The former president’s strength among working-class voters will be touted as one of the most significant aspects of his speech Wednesday night. Harris has struggled with those voters, and constant attacks on her running mate’s misrepresentations about his military career may make it hard for her to reach many of those voters. But Clinton’s speech showed that there is still someone in the party who can talk to them.
Bill Clinton: “Kamala Harris is the only candidate in this race who has the vision […] the next time you hear [Trump]Don’t count the lies. Count the ‘I’s'” pic.twitter.com/RrbGXkfA8d
– Nikki McCann Ramirez (@NikkiMcR) 22 August 2024
Like Obama the night before, Clinton praised Harris for her policy positions, arguing that Harris would stand up for the people with policies aimed at “lifting up” Americans in need.
But Clinton’s speech differed from Obama’s: He openly addressed independent voters and Republicans skeptical of Trump, urging them to join him in voting for Harris, while Obama attacked Republicans on Tuesday.
Yes, Clinton’s speech was full of spin and dishonest comments about Trump, but he was careful not to attack Republicans in the same way that Obama did. Clinton knows that Harris needs center-right independent candidates and Republicans who don’t like Trump to win, and he has been reaching out to them. Obama is unable to do that.
