What Went Down On Night 3 Of The DNC

I was not expecting the DNC to make some good TV — but they did tonight! And Barack Obama’s speech, as I think most of us were expecting, was pretty relentless in its attacks on Trump. Of the two, I still think Michelle Obama’s speech is the highlight — it just felt better pitched to the moment, when it really does feel like the world is falling apart. Harris had a tough job, making her speech from the empty convention hall. Like I said earlier, I think I get why they made that choice, but they might have been better off leaning entirely into the virtual setting. The DNC has proven surprisingly good at it!

I think this was a night where Democrats hit their marks, but it was also a bit of a roller coaster emotionally and substantively, and it brought home both the strengths and weaknesses of a virtual convention. Though come to think of it, you could say all of that about Night 1 or Night 2, too.

Some memorable speeches and really, truly effective use of video format tonight. The DNC managed to not only make do with the virtual format but actually take advantage of it to deliver powerful and intimate messaging about the party’s focus and successes.