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Jimmy Williams
The Democratic National Convention last week was marked by speeches from rising stars, reminiscent of former President Barack Obama’s breakout moment 20 years ago.
Obama’s 2004 keynote address at the convention catapulted him onto the national stage, leading to his eventual ascension to the Senate and the White House. Now, with nearly eight years out of office, his influence lingers as new voices emerge, echoing his journey from promising newcomer to political heavyweight.
Among those making waves were Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg—each already seasoned, yet seen as potential future presidential contenders. However, the convention also provided a platform for younger and less widely known figures, allowing them to introduce themselves to a national audience and potentially shape the Democratic Party’s future.
Jasmine Crockett’s Historic Speech
Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a freshman who has quickly become known for her sharp and viral moments on social media, delivered a standout speech. Despite initial apprehensions about the attention her prime-time appearance would bring, Crockett recognized the significance of her moment. Notably, she is likely the first Black female freshman to speak in such a coveted slot in modern history.
Crockett’s presence at the convention highlights how a single speech can elevate a politician’s profile, particularly on Capitol Hill. Her performance set her apart early in the week, marking her as a rising figure to watch.
New Voices, New Visions
Lateefah Simon, a social justice advocate from Oakland, California, was another fresh face given a prime-time speaking role. Though she has not yet won her election, she is heavily favored to secure the House seat vacated by Rep. Barbara Lee. Simon’s speech introduced her as a close confidante of Vice President Kamala Harris, portraying Harris as a compassionate and dedicated prosecutor.
Simon’s appearance resonated deeply with the California delegation, with many praising her energetic and articulate delivery. Her close connection to Harris also served to bolster the vice president’s image on the national stage.
Honoring the Civil Rights Legacy
Shomari Figures, an attorney and former Obama and Biden administration official, used his brief speech to highlight the legacy of civil rights leaders from his district, including Rosa Parks and John Lewis. His powerful words reminded the audience of the debt owed to those who fought for freedom and justice.
Figures, who is running for an open House seat, emphasized the ongoing struggle to continue the work of these courageous individuals, positioning himself as a candidate deeply rooted in the civil rights tradition.
The Tennessee Three’s Impact
Tennessee state Rep. Justin Pearson delivered a brief but impactful address during the roll call of delegates. His passionate call for social justice and gun control resonated widely on social media, further solidifying his status as a rising star. Pearson, along with his fellow lawmakers Justin Jones and Gloria Johnson, became nationally known in 2023 after Republicans expelled Pearson and Jones from the state House chamber following a gun control protest. Their swift re-election only amplified their profiles, making them sought-after speakers at the convention.
Pearson’s oratorical skills, honed in the church, drew comparisons to Barack Obama’s early speeches, with some observers predicting a bright future for him in national politics.
A Deep Bench of Talent
The convention showcased a deep bench of talent within the Democratic Party, with speeches from figures like Maryland Governor Wes Moore and California Rep. Ro Khanna also drawing significant attention. Moore’s narrative-driven speech and Khanna’s frequent trips to key primary states have fueled speculation about their future ambitions.
Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, who is running for an open Senate seat in Maryland, used her time on stage to highlight her connection to Kamala Harris. Her story of overcoming obstacles resonated with the audience, and she exited to chants of her name, underscoring the positive reception of her message.
As the Democratic National Convention ended, it’s clear that the party’s future is bright, with a diverse array of voices ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow. Whether any of these rising stars will follow in Obama’s footsteps remains to be seen, but their performances this week suggest they are more than ready for the spotlight.
