chicagosun-times--2020-08-20--Barack Obama’s 2020 Democratic Convention speech

Here is the text of the prepared remarks President Barack Obama gave Wednesday night at the Democratic National Convention .
Good evening , everybody .
As you ’ ve seen by now , this isn ’ t a normal convention .
It ’ s not a normal time .
So tonight , I want to talk as plainly as I can about the stakes in this election .
Because what we do these next 76 days will echo through generations to come .
I ’ m in Philadelphia , where our Constitution was drafted and signed .
It wasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the inhumanity of slavery and failed to guarantee women – and even men who didn ’ t own property – the right to participate in the political process .
But embedded in this document was a North Star that would guide future generations ; a system of representative government – a democracy – through which we could better realize our highest ideals .
Through civil war and bitter struggles , we improved this Constitution to include the voices of those who ’ d once been left out .
And gradually , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equal , and more free .
The one Constitutional office elected by all of the people is the presidency .
So at minimum , we should expect a president to feel a sense of responsibility for the safety and welfare of all 330 million of us – regardless of what we look like , how we worship , who we love , how much money we have – or who we voted for .
But we should also expect a president to be the custodian of this democracy .
We should expect that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political beliefs , the president will preserve , protect , and defend the freedoms and ideals that so many Americans marched for and went to jail for ; fought for and died for .
I have sat in the Oval Office with both of the men who are running for president .
I never expected that my successor would embrace my vision or continue my policies .
I did hope , for the sake of our country , that Donald Trump might show some interest in taking the job seriously ; that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the office and discover some reverence for the democracy that had been placed in his care .
But he never did .
For close to four years now , he ’ s shown no interest in putting in the work ; no interest in finding common ground ; no interest in using the awesome power of his office to help anyone but himself and his friends ; no interest in treating the presidency as anything but one more reality show that he can use to get the attention he craves .
Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because he can ’ t .
And the consequences of that failure are severe .
170,000 Americans dead .
Millions of jobs gone while those at the top take in more than ever .
Our worst impulses unleashed , our proud reputation around the world badly diminished , and our democratic institutions threatened like never before .
Now , I know that in times as polarized as these , most of you have already made up your mind .
But maybe you ’ re still not sure which candidate you ’ ll vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote at all .
Maybe you ’ re tired of the direction we ’ re headed , but you can ’ t see a better path yet , or you just don ’ t know enough about the person who wants to lead us there .
So let me tell you about my friend Joe Biden .
Twelve years ago , when I began my search for a vice president , I didn ’ t know I ’ d end up finding a brother .
Joe and I came from different places and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came to admire about him is his resilience , born of too much struggle ; his empathy , born of too much grief .
Joe ’ s a man who learned – early on – to treat every person he meets with respect and dignity , living by the words his parents taught him : “ No one ’ s better than you , Joe , but you ’ re better than nobody.
” That empathy , that decency , the belief that everybody counts – that ’ s who Joe is .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s lost her job , Joe remembers the night his father sat him down to say that he ’ d lost his .
When Joe listens to a parent who ’ s trying to hold it all together right now , he does it as the single dad who took the train back to Wilmington each and every night so he could tuck his kids into bed .
When he meets with military families who ’ ve lost their hero , he does it as a kindred spirit ; the parent of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endured the hardest loss there is .
For eight years , Joe was the last one in the room whenever I faced a big decision .
He made me a better president – and he ’ s got the character and the experience to make us a better country .
And in my friend Kamala Harris , he ’ s chosen an ideal partner who ’ s more than prepared for the job ; someone who knows what it ’ s like to overcome barriers and who ’ s made a career fighting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American dream .
Along with the experience needed to get things done , Joe and Kamala have concrete policies that will turn their vision of a better , fairer , stronger country into reality .
They ’ ll get this pandemic under control , like Joe did when he helped me manage H1N1 and prevent an Ebola outbreak from reaching our shores .
They ’ ll expand health care to more Americans , like Joe and I did ten years ago when he helped craft the Affordable Care Act and nail down the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They ’ ll rescue the economy , like Joe helped me do after the Great Recession .
I asked him to manage the Recovery Act , which jumpstarted the longest stretch of job growth in history .
And he sees this moment now not as a chance to get back to where we were , but to make long-overdue changes so that our economy actually makes life a little easier for everybody – whether it ’ s the waitress trying to raise a kid on her own , or the shift worker always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or the student figuring out how to pay for next semester ’ s classes .
Joe and Kamala will restore our standing in the world – and as we ’ ve learned from this pandemic , that matters .
Joe knows the world , and the world knows him .
He knows that our true strength comes from setting an example the world wants to follow .
A nation that stands with democracy , not dictators .
A nation that can inspire and mobilize others to overcome threats like climate change , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But more than anything , what I know about Joe and Kamala is that they actually care about every American .
And they care deeply about this democracy .
They believe that in a democracy , the right to vote is sacred , and we should be making it easier for people to cast their ballot , not harder .
They believe that no one – including the president – is above the law , and that no public official – including the president – should use their office to enrich themselves or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this democracy , the Commander-in-Chief doesn ’ t use the men and women of our military , who are willing to risk everything to protect our nation , as political props to deploy against peaceful protesters on our own soil .
They understand that political opponents aren ’ t “ un-American ” just because they disagree with you ; that a free press isn ’ t the “ enemy ” but the way we hold officials accountable ; that our ability to work together to solve big problems like a pandemic depends on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ logic and not just making stuff up .
None of this should be controversial .
These shouldn ’ t be Republican principles or Democratic principles .
They ’ re American principles .
But at this moment , this president and those who enable him , have shown they don ’ t believe in these things .
Tonight , I am asking you to believe in Joe and Kamala ’ s ability to lead this country out of these dark times and build it back better .
But here ’ s the thing : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone .
Not even a president .
Democracy was never meant to be transactional – you give me your vote ; I make everything better .
It requires an active and informed citizenry .
So I am also asking you to believe in your own ability – to embrace your own responsibility as citizens – to make sure that the basic tenets of our democracy endure .
Because that ’ s what at stake right now .
Our democracy .
Look , I understand why many Americans are down on government .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and abused in Congress make it easy for special interests to stop progress .
Believe me , I know .
I understand why a white factory worker who ’ s seen his wages cut or his job shipped overseas might feel like the government no longer looks out for him , and why a Black mother might feel like it never looked out for her at all .
I understand why a new immigrant might look around this country and wonder whether there ’ s still a place for him here ; why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now , the circus of it all , the meanness and the lies and crazy conspiracy theories and think , what ’ s the point ?
Well , here ’ s the point : this president and those in power – those who benefit from keeping things the way they are – they are counting on your cynicism .
They know they can ’ t win you over with their policies .
So they ’ re hoping to make it as hard as possible for you to vote , and to convince @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter .
That ’ s how they win .
That ’ s how they get to keep making decisions that affect your life , and the lives of the people you love .
That ’ s how the economy will keep getting skewed to the wealthy and well-connected , how our health systems will let more people fall through the cracks .
That ’ s how a democracy withers , until it ’ s no democracy at all .
We can ’ t let that happen .
Do not let them take away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them take away your democracy .
Make a plan right now for how you ’ re going to get involved and vote .
Do it as early as you can and tell your family and friends how they can vote too .
Do what Americans have done for over two centuries when faced with even tougher times than this – all those quiet heroes who found the courage to keep marching , keep pushing in the face of hardship and injustice .
Last month , we lost a giant of American democracy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I sat down with John and the few remaining leaders of the early Civil Rights Movement .
One of them told me he never imagined he ’ d walk into the White House and see a president who looked like his grandson .
Then he told me that he ’ d looked it up , and it turned out that on the very day that I was born , he was marching into a jail cell , trying to end Jim Crow segregation in the South .
What we do echoes through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re all the children of Americans who fought the good fight .
Great grandparents working in firetraps and sweatshops without rights or representation .
Farmers losing their dreams to dust .
Irish and Italians and Asians and Latinos told to go back where they came from .
Jews and Catholics , Muslims and Sikhs , made to feel suspect for the way they worshipped .
Black Americans chained and whipped and hanged .
Spit on for trying to sit at lunch counters .
Beaten for trying to vote .
If anyone had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not work , and could not work , it was those Americans .
Our ancestors .
They were on the receiving end of a democracy that had fallen short all their lives .
They knew how far the daily reality of America strayed from the myth .
And yet , instead of giving up , they joined together and said somehow , some way , we are going to make this work .
We are going to bring those words , in our founding documents , to life .
I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few years .
Folks of every age and background who packed city centers and airports and rural roads so that families wouldn ’ t be separated .
So that another classroom wouldn ’ t get shot up .
So that our kids won ’ t grow up on an uninhabitable planet .
Americans of all races joining together to declare , in the face of injustice and brutality at the hands of the state , that Black Lives Matter , no more , but no less , so that no child in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To the young people who led us this summer , telling us we need to be better – in so many ways , you are this country ’ s dreams fulfilled .
Earlier generations had to be persuaded that everyone has equal worth .
For you , it ’ s a given – a conviction .
And what I want you to know is that for all its messiness and frustrations , your system of self-government can be harnessed to help you realize those convictions .
You can give our democracy new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a better place .
You ’ re the missing ingredient – the ones who will decide whether or not America becomes the country that fully lives up to its creed .
That work will continue long after this election .
But any chance of success depends entirely on the outcome of this election .
This administration has shown it will tear our democracy down if that ’ s what it takes to win .
So we have to get busy building it up – by pouring all our effort into these 76 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – for Joe and Kamala , and candidates up and down the ticket , so that we leave no doubt about what this country we love stands for – today and for all our days to come .

Here is the text of the prepared remarks President Barack Obama gave Wednesday night at the Democratic National Convention.
Good evening, everybody. As you’ve seen by now, this isn’t a normal convention. It’s not a normal time. So tonight, I want to talk as plainly as I can about the stakes in this election. Because what we do these next 76 days will echo through generations to come.
I’m in Philadelphia, where our Constitution was drafted and signed. It wasn’t a perfect document. It allowed for the inhumanity of slavery and failed to guarantee women – and even men who didn’t own property – the right to participate in the political process. But embedded in this document was a North Star that would guide future generations; a system of representative government – a democracy – through which we could better realize our highest ideals. Through civil war and bitter struggles, we improved this Constitution to include the voices of those who’d once been left out. And gradually, we made this country more just, more equal, and more free.
The one Constitutional office elected by all of the people is the presidency. So at minimum, we should expect a president to feel a sense of responsibility for the safety and welfare of all 330 million of us – regardless of what we look like, how we worship, who we love, how much money we have – or who we voted for.
But we should also expect a president to be the custodian of this democracy. We should expect that regardless of ego, ambition, or political beliefs, the president will preserve, protect, and defend the freedoms and ideals that so many Americans marched for and went to jail for; fought for and died for.
I have sat in the Oval Office with both of the men who are running for president. I never expected that my successor would embrace my vision or continue my policies. I did hope, for the sake of our country, that Donald Trump might show some interest in taking the job seriously; that he might come to feel the weight of the office and discover some reverence for the democracy that had been placed in his care.
But he never did. For close to four years now, he’s shown no interest in putting in the work; no interest in finding common ground; no interest in using the awesome power of his office to help anyone but himself and his friends; no interest in treating the presidency as anything but one more reality show that he can use to get the attention he craves.
Donald Trump hasn’t grown into the job because he can’t. And the consequences of that failure are severe. 170,000 Americans dead. Millions of jobs gone while those at the top take in more than ever. Our worst impulses unleashed, our proud reputation around the world badly diminished, and our democratic institutions threatened like never before.
Now, I know that in times as polarized as these, most of you have already made up your mind. But maybe you’re still not sure which candidate you’ll vote for – or whether you’ll vote at all. Maybe you’re tired of the direction we’re headed, but you can’t see a better path yet, or you just don’t know enough about the person who wants to lead us there.
So let me tell you about my friend Joe Biden.
Twelve years ago, when I began my search for a vice president, I didn’t know I’d end up finding a brother. Joe and I came from different places and different generations. But what I quickly came to admire about him is his resilience, born of too much struggle; his empathy, born of too much grief. Joe’s a man who learned – early on – to treat every person he meets with respect and dignity, living by the words his parents taught him: “No one’s better than you, Joe, but you’re better than nobody.”
That empathy, that decency, the belief that everybody counts – that’s who Joe is.
When he talks with someone who’s lost her job, Joe remembers the night his father sat him down to say that he’d lost his.
When Joe listens to a parent who’s trying to hold it all together right now, he does it as the single dad who took the train back to Wilmington each and every night so he could tuck his kids into bed.
When he meets with military families who’ve lost their hero, he does it as a kindred spirit; the parent of an American soldier; somebody whose faith has endured the hardest loss there is.
For eight years, Joe was the last one in the room whenever I faced a big decision. He made me a better president – and he’s got the character and the experience to make us a better country.
And in my friend Kamala Harris, he’s chosen an ideal partner who’s more than prepared for the job; someone who knows what it’s like to overcome barriers and who’s made a career fighting to help others live out their own American dream.
Along with the experience needed to get things done, Joe and Kamala have concrete policies that will turn their vision of a better, fairer, stronger country into reality.
They’ll get this pandemic under control, like Joe did when he helped me manage H1N1 and prevent an Ebola outbreak from reaching our shores.
They’ll expand health care to more Americans, like Joe and I did ten years ago when he helped craft the Affordable Care Act and nail down the votes to make it the law.
They’ll rescue the economy, like Joe helped me do after the Great Recession. I asked him to manage the Recovery Act, which jumpstarted the longest stretch of job growth in history. And he sees this moment now not as a chance to get back to where we were, but to make long-overdue changes so that our economy actually makes life a little easier for everybody – whether it’s the waitress trying to raise a kid on her own, or the shift worker always on the edge of getting laid off, or the student figuring out how to pay for next semester’s classes.
Joe and Kamala will restore our standing in the world – and as we’ve learned from this pandemic, that matters. Joe knows the world, and the world knows him. He knows that our true strength comes from setting an example the world wants to follow. A nation that stands with democracy, not dictators. A nation that can inspire and mobilize others to overcome threats like climate change, terrorism, poverty, and disease.
But more than anything, what I know about Joe and Kamala is that they actually care about every American. And they care deeply about this democracy.
They believe that in a democracy, the right to vote is sacred, and we should be making it easier for people to cast their ballot, not harder.
They believe that no one – including the president – is above the law, and that no public official – including the president – should use their office to enrich themselves or their supporters.
They understand that in this democracy, the Commander-in-Chief doesn’t use the men and women of our military, who are willing to risk everything to protect our nation, as political props to deploy against peaceful protesters on our own soil. They understand that political opponents aren’t “un-American” just because they disagree with you; that a free press isn’t the “enemy” but the way we hold officials accountable; that our ability to work together to solve big problems like a pandemic depends on a fidelity to facts and science and logic and not just making stuff up.
None of this should be controversial. These shouldn’t be Republican principles or Democratic principles. They’re American principles. But at this moment, this president and those who enable him, have shown they don’t believe in these things.
Tonight, I am asking you to believe in Joe and Kamala’s ability to lead this country out of these dark times and build it back better. But here’s the thing: no single American can fix this country alone. Not even a president. Democracy was never meant to be transactional – you give me your vote; I make everything better. It requires an active and informed citizenry. So I am also asking you to believe in your own ability – to embrace your own responsibility as citizens – to make sure that the basic tenets of our democracy endure.
Because that’s what at stake right now. Our democracy.
Look, I understand why many Americans are down on government. The way the rules have been set up and abused in Congress make it easy for special interests to stop progress. Believe me, I know. I understand why a white factory worker who’s seen his wages cut or his job shipped overseas might feel like the government no longer looks out for him, and why a Black mother might feel like it never looked out for her at all. I understand why a new immigrant might look around this country and wonder whether there’s still a place for him here; why a young person might look at politics right now, the circus of it all, the meanness and the lies and crazy conspiracy theories and think, what’s the point?
Well, here’s the point: this president and those in power – those who benefit from keeping things the way they are – they are counting on your cynicism. They know they can’t win you over with their policies. So they’re hoping to make it as hard as possible for you to vote, and to convince you that your vote doesn’t matter. That’s how they win. That’s how they get to keep making decisions that affect your life, and the lives of the people you love. That’s how the economy will keep getting skewed to the wealthy and well-connected, how our health systems will let more people fall through the cracks. That’s how a democracy withers, until it’s no democracy at all.
We can’t let that happen. Do not let them take away your power. Don’t let them take away your democracy. Make a plan right now for how you’re going to get involved and vote. Do it as early as you can and tell your family and friends how they can vote too. Do what Americans have done for over two centuries when faced with even tougher times than this – all those quiet heroes who found the courage to keep marching, keep pushing in the face of hardship and injustice.
Last month, we lost a giant of American democracy in John Lewis. Some years ago, I sat down with John and the few remaining leaders of the early Civil Rights Movement. One of them told me he never imagined he’d walk into the White House and see a president who looked like his grandson. Then he told me that he’d looked it up, and it turned out that on the very day that I was born, he was marching into a jail cell, trying to end Jim Crow segregation in the South.
What we do echoes through the generations.
Whatever our backgrounds, we’re all the children of Americans who fought the good fight. Great grandparents working in firetraps and sweatshops without rights or representation. Farmers losing their dreams to dust. Irish and Italians and Asians and Latinos told to go back where they came from. Jews and Catholics, Muslims and Sikhs, made to feel suspect for the way they worshipped. Black Americans chained and whipped and hanged. Spit on for trying to sit at lunch counters. Beaten for trying to vote.
If anyone had a right to believe that this democracy did not work, and could not work, it was those Americans. Our ancestors. They were on the receiving end of a democracy that had fallen short all their lives. They knew how far the daily reality of America strayed from the myth. And yet, instead of giving up, they joined together and said somehow, some way, we are going to make this work. We are going to bring those words, in our founding documents, to life.
I’ve seen that same spirit rising these past few years. Folks of every age and background who packed city centers and airports and rural roads so that families wouldn’t be separated. So that another classroom wouldn’t get shot up. So that our kids won’t grow up on an uninhabitable planet. Americans of all races joining together to declare, in the face of injustice and brutality at the hands of the state, that Black Lives Matter, no more, but no less, so that no child in this country feels the continuing sting of racism.
To the young people who led us this summer, telling us we need to be better – in so many ways, you are this country’s dreams fulfilled. Earlier generations had to be persuaded that everyone has equal worth. For you, it’s a given – a conviction. And what I want you to know is that for all its messiness and frustrations, your system of self-government can be harnessed to help you realize those convictions.
You can give our democracy new meaning. You can take it to a better place. You’re the missing ingredient – the ones who will decide whether or not America becomes the country that fully lives up to its creed.
That work will continue long after this election. But any chance of success depends entirely on the outcome of this election. This administration has shown it will tear our democracy down if that’s what it takes to win. So we have to get busy building it up – by pouring all our effort into these 76 days, and by voting like never before – for Joe and Kamala, and candidates up and down the ticket, so that we leave no doubt about what this country we love stands for – today and for all our days to come.
Stay safe. God bless.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-20--Obama warns America’s democracy on the line in Trump rebuke

WASHINGTON — Former President Barack Obama painted a unsparing portrait of American democracy on the brink if President Donald Trump wins in November , warning in a scathing , and at times emotional , address Wednesday that his successor is both unfit for office and apathetic about the nation ’ s founding principles .
“ This administration has shown it will tear our democracy down if that ’ s what it takes to win , ” Obama said in strikingly blunt remarks on the third night of the Democratic convention .
He spoke from Philadelphia , where the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s address amounted to one of the most sweeping condemnations ever of a sitting president by one of his predecessors .
It was aimed squarely at jolting Democrats , as well as Republicans who are skeptical of Trump , ahead of the November election , casting the contest not simply as a choice between two politicians or two parties , but as a test of the endurance of American principles .
Through much of Trump ’ s presidency , Obama has been restrained in his public comments , hewing to the tradition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the current commander in chief .
Yet he has become more pointed in his criticism in recent months , and his remarks Wednesday revealed the full extent of both his personal disregard for the current president and his belief that Trump presents an existential threat to democracy in the United States .
Obama said he had initially held out hope that Trump would grow into the job of president — but he has now concluded that Trump not only hasn ’ t , he simply can ’ t .
Instead , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidency to benefit his friends and family and turned the nation ’ s most powerful office into “ one more reality show that he can use to get the attention he craves.
” The former president ’ s address also amounted to a call to action to a weary and anxious nation , particularly younger Americans frustrated with a government that may often appear out of touch with their interests .
Democrats see Obama as a bridge to those voters in the 2020 race , someone who can speak both to Biden ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progressives pushing for more sweeping change to the nation ’ s economic and domestic policies .
“ I am also asking you to believe in your own ability — to embrace your own responsibility as citizens — to make sure that the basic tenets of our democracy endure , ” Obama said .
Yet there ’ s an inherent tension in Obama ’ s role as one of the most powerful and important surrogates for Biden .
Obama ’ s own political rise was fueled by the power of barrier-breaking , generational change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new blood ” in politics .
More recently , Obama drew attention during the 2020 Democratic primary when he said many of the world ’ s problems have been due to “ old people , usually old men , not getting out of the way.
” With the general election now in full swing , Obama confidants say that while the former president ’ s support for Biden is unequivocal , he does worry about enthusiasm among younger voters , particularly younger voters of color .
He ’ s well aware that one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oval Office is that those voters did not show up in the same large numbers in 2016 for Hillary Clinton as they did when he was on the ballot .
Speaking at a news conference Wednesday , Trump shrugged off Obama ’ s criticism , saying that if the former administration had done a good job , “ I wouldn ’ t be here.
” Trump added , “ And probably if they did a good job , I wouldn ’ t have even run.
” Obama spoke two nights after his wife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headlined the opening night of the convention .
The fact that the Obamas are headliners on two of the four nights of the Democratic celebration speaks to the crucial role they have in helping Biden try to reassemble the coalition that propelled them into the White House — and the challenge the Democratic Party has in building a new bench of other leaders who can do the same .
“ When you think about folks who have the capacity to really unify us , there are only a few people , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for America , a progressive political action committee .
“ Certainly Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are among them.
” Indeed , the former president has enviable popularity , both among Democrats and all Americans .
A Fox News poll conducted in May found 93 % of Democrats had a favorable opinion of Obama , as did 63 % of all registered voters .
Despite that strong support , there has been some rethinking of Obama ’ s legacy among some of his party ’ s most liberal activists , who argue he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overhauling the nation ’ s health care system and gave too much away to Republicans in fiscal negotiations .
Obama himself has acknowledged there was more he wanted to do but argued he was hamstrung by the realities of a Republican-controlled House , and eventually Senate , for much of his tenure .
But some of Obama ’ s more recent comments have energized liberals , who see signs of him embracing some of the tactics of his party ’ s activist wing .
Progressives cheered in particular when Obama called for eliminating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on major pieces of legislation , calling it a “ Jim Crow relic ” that is holding up rewriting voting rights laws .
His surprise comments came during his eulogy at the funeral of the late civil rights leader and Georgia Rep. John Lewis .
“ That ’ s the guy we remember from the election of 2008 , ” Simpson said of Obama ’ s remarks at Lewis ’ funeral .
“ It encouraged me that he might be the guy that pulls Joe Biden along a little bit .
”

WASHINGTON — Former President Barack Obama painted a unsparing portrait of American democracy on the brink if President Donald Trump wins in November, warning in a scathing, and at times emotional, address Wednesday that his successor is both unfit for office and apathetic about the nation’s founding principles.
“This administration has shown it will tear our democracy down if that’s what it takes to win,” Obama said in strikingly blunt remarks on the third night of the Democratic convention. He spoke from Philadelphia, where the United States Constitution was drafted and signed.
Obama’s address amounted to one of the most sweeping condemnations ever of a sitting president by one of his predecessors.
It was aimed squarely at jolting Democrats, as well as Republicans who are skeptical of Trump, ahead of the November election, casting the contest not simply as a choice between two politicians or two parties, but as a test of the endurance of American principles.
Through much of Trump’s presidency, Obama has been restrained in his public comments, hewing to the tradition of former Oval Office occupants giving space to the current commander in chief. Yet he has become more pointed in his criticism in recent months, and his remarks Wednesday revealed the full extent of both his personal disregard for the current president and his belief that Trump presents an existential threat to democracy in the United States.
Obama said he had initially held out hope that Trump would grow into the job of president — but he has now concluded that Trump not only hasn’t, he simply can’t.
Instead, he said Trump has focused on using the presidency to benefit his friends and family and turned the nation’s most powerful office into “one more reality show that he can use to get the attention he craves.”
The former president’s address also amounted to a call to action to a weary and anxious nation, particularly younger Americans frustrated with a government that may often appear out of touch with their interests. Democrats see Obama as a bridge to those voters in the 2020 race, someone who can speak both to Biden’s character and to the urgency of progressives pushing for more sweeping change to the nation’s economic and domestic policies.
“I am also asking you to believe in your own ability — to embrace your own responsibility as citizens — to make sure that the basic tenets of our democracy endure,” Obama said.
Yet there’s an inherent tension in Obama’s role as one of the most powerful and important surrogates for Biden.
Obama’s own political rise was fueled by the power of barrier-breaking, generational change, and he’s encouraged “new blood” in politics.
More recently, Obama drew attention during the 2020 Democratic primary when he said many of the world’s problems have been due to “old people, usually old men, not getting out of the way.”
With the general election now in full swing, Obama confidants say that while the former president’s support for Biden is unequivocal, he does worry about enthusiasm among younger voters, particularly younger voters of color.
He’s well aware that one of the reasons Trump currently occupies the Oval Office is that those voters did not show up in the same large numbers in 2016 for Hillary Clinton as they did when he was on the ballot.
Speaking at a news conference Wednesday, Trump shrugged off Obama’s criticism, saying that if the former administration had done a good job, “I wouldn’t be here.”
Trump added, “And probably if they did a good job, I wouldn’t have even run.”
Obama spoke two nights after his wife, former first lady Michelle Obama, headlined the opening night of the convention.
The fact that the Obamas are headliners on two of the four nights of the Democratic celebration speaks to the crucial role they have in helping Biden try to reassemble the coalition that propelled them into the White House — and the challenge the Democratic Party has in building a new bench of other leaders who can do the same.
“When you think about folks who have the capacity to really unify us, there are only a few people,” said Yvette Simpson, chief executive of Democracy for America, a progressive political action committee. “Certainly Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are among them.”
Indeed, the former president has enviable popularity, both among Democrats and all Americans. A Fox News poll conducted in May found 93% of Democrats had a favorable opinion of Obama, as did 63% of all registered voters.
Despite that strong support, there has been some rethinking of Obama’s legacy among some of his party’s most liberal activists, who argue he didn’t go far enough in overhauling the nation’s health care system and gave too much away to Republicans in fiscal negotiations.
Obama himself has acknowledged there was more he wanted to do but argued he was hamstrung by the realities of a Republican-controlled House, and eventually Senate, for much of his tenure.
But some of Obama’s more recent comments have energized liberals, who see signs of him embracing some of the tactics of his party’s activist wing.
Progressives cheered in particular when Obama called for eliminating the Senate filibuster rules requiring 60 votes on major pieces of legislation, calling it a “Jim Crow relic” that is holding up rewriting voting rights laws.
His surprise comments came during his eulogy at the funeral of the late civil rights leader and Georgia Rep. John Lewis.
“That’s the guy we remember from the election of 2008,” Simpson said of Obama’s remarks at Lewis’ funeral. “It encouraged me that he might be the guy that pulls Joe Biden along a little bit.”


chicagosun-times--2020-08-20--Kamala Harris’ 2020 Democratic Convention speech

Nominee for Vice President of the United States It is truly an honor to be speaking with you .
That I am here tonight is a testament to the dedication of generations before me .
Women and men who believed so fiercely in the promise of equality , liberty , and justice for all .
This week marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment .
And we celebrate the women who fought for that right .
Yet so many of the Black women who helped secure that victory were still prohibited from voting , long after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Without fanfare or recognition , they organized , testified , rallied , marched , and fought—not just for their vote , but for a seat at the table .
These women and the generations that followed worked to make democracy and opportunity real in the lives of all of us who followed .
They paved the way for the trailblazing leadership of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton .
And these women inspired us to pick up the torch , and fight on .
Women like Mary Church Terrell and Mary McCleod Bethune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Constance Baker Motley and Shirley Chisholm .
We ’ re not often taught their stories .
But as Americans , we all stand on their shoulders .
There ’ s another woman , whose name isn ’ t known , whose story isn ’ t shared .
Another woman whose shoulders I stand on .
And that ’ s my mother—Shyamala Gopalan Harris .
She came here from India at age 19 to pursue her dream of curing cancer .
At the University of California Berkeley , she met my father , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study economics .
They fell in love in that most American way—while marching together for justice in the civil rights movement of the 1960s .
In the streets of Oakland and Berkeley , I got a stroller ’ s-eye view of people getting into what the great John Lewis called “ good trouble.
” When I was 5 , my parents split and my mother raised us mostly on her own .
Like so many mothers , she worked around the clock to make it work—packing lunches before we woke up— and paying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Helping us with homework at the kitchen table—and shuttling us to church for choir practice .
She made it look easy , though I know it never was .
My mother instilled in my sister , Maya , and me the values that would chart the course of our lives .
She raised us to be proud , strong Black women .
And she raised us to know and be proud of our Indian heritage .
She taught us to put family first—the family you ’ re born into and the family you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Doug , who I met on a blind date set up by my best friend .
Family is our beautiful children , Cole and Ella , who as you just heard , call me Momala .
Family is my sister .
Family is my best friend , my nieces and my godchildren .
Family is my uncles , my aunts — my chitthis .
Family is Mrs. Shelton — my second mother who lived two doors down and helped raise me .
Family is my beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha ... our Divine 9…and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the friends I turned to when my mother — the most important person in my life — passed away from cancer .
And even as she taught us to keep our family at the center of our world , she also pushed us to see a world beyond ourselves .
She taught us to be conscious and compassionate about the struggles of all people .
To believe public service is a noble cause and the fight for justice is a shared responsibility .
That led me to become a lawyer , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a United States senator .
And at every step of the way , I ’ ve been guided by the words I spoke from the first time I stood in a courtroom : Kamala Harris , For the People .
I ’ ve fought for children , and survivors of sexual assault .
I ’ ve fought against transnational gangs .
I took on the biggest banks , and helped take down one of the biggest for-profit colleges .
I know a predator when I see one .
My mother taught me that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meaning .
And oh , how I wish she were here tonight but I know she ’ s looking down on me from above .
I keep thinking about that 25-year-old Indian woman — all of 5 feet tall — who gave birth to me at Kaiser Hospital in Oakland , California .
On that day , she probably could have never imagined that I would be standing before you now speaking these words : I accept your nomination for Vice President of the United States of America .
I do so , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To the Word that teaches me to walk by faith , and not by sight .
And to a vision passed on through generations of Americans—one that Joe Biden shares .
A vision of our nation as a Beloved Community—where all are welcome , no matter what we look like , where we come from , or who we love .
A country where we may not agree on every detail , but we are united by the fundamental belief that every human being is of infinite worth , deserving of compassion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where we look out for one another , where we rise and fall as one , where we face our challenges , and celebrate our triumphs—together .
Donald Trump ’ s failure of leadership has cost lives and livelihoods .
If you ’ re a parent struggling with your child ’ s remote learning , or you ’ re a teacher struggling on the other side of that screen , you know that what we ’ re doing right now isn ’ t working .
And we are a nation that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the loss of jobs , the loss of opportunities , the loss of normalcy .
And yes , the loss of certainty .
And while this virus touches us all , let ’ s be honest , it is not an equal opportunity offender .
Black , Latino and Indigenous people are suffering and dying disproportionately .
This is not a coincidence .
It is the effect of structural racism .
Of inequities in education and technology , health care and housing , job security and transportation .
The injustice in reproductive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excessive use of force by police .
And in our broader criminal justice system .
This virus has no eyes , and yet it knows exactly how we see each other — and how we treat each other .
And let ’ s be clear — there is no vaccine for racism .
We ’ ve got ta do the work .
For George Floyd .
For Breonna Taylor .
For the lives of too many others to name .
For our children .
For all of us .
We ’ ve got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promise of equal justice under law .
Because , none of us are free ... until all of us are free ...
The constant chaos leaves us adrift .
The incompetence makes us feel afraid .
The callousness makes us feel alone .
And here ’ s the thing : We can do better and deserve so much more .
We must elect a president who will bring something different , something better , and do the important work .
A president who will bring all of us together—Black , White , Latino @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we collectively want .
I knew Joe as vice president .
I knew Joe on the campaign trail .
But I first got to know Joe as the father of my friend .
Joe ’ s son , Beau , and I served as Attorneys General of our states , Delaware and California .
During the Great Recession , we spoke on the phone nearly every day , working together to win back billions of dollars for homeowners from the big banks that foreclosed on people ’ s homes .
And Beau and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How , as a single father , Joe would spend 4 hours every day riding the train back and forth from Wilmington to Washington .
Beau and Hunter got to have breakfast every morning with their dad .
They went to sleep every night with the sound of his voice reading bedtime stories .
And while they endured an unspeakable loss , these two little boys Always knew that they were deeply , unconditionally loved .
And what also moved me about Joe is the work he did , as he went back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who wrote the Violence Against Women Act—and enacted the Assault Weapons Ban .
Who , as Vice President , implemented The Recovery Act , which brought our country back from The Great Recession .
He championed The Affordable Care Act , protecting millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions .
Who spent decades promoting American values and interests around the world , standing up with our allies and standing up to our adversaries .
Right now , we have a president who turns our tragedies into political weapons .
Joe will be a president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe will bring us together to build an economy that doesn ’ t leave anyone behind .
Where a good-paying job is the floor , not the ceiling .
Joe will bring us together to end this pandemic and make sure that we are prepared for the next one .
Joe will bring us together to squarely face and dismantle racial injustice , furthering the work of generations .
Joe and I believe that we can build that Beloved Community , one that is strong and decent , just and kind .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That ’ s the vision that our parents and grandparents fought for .
The vision that made my own life possible .
The vision that makes the American promise—for all its complexities and imperfections—a promise worth fighting for .
Make no mistake , the road ahead will not be not easy .
We will stumble .
We may fall short .
But I pledge to you that we will act boldly and deal with our challenges honestly .
We will speak truths .
And we will act with the same faith in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in us .
We believe that our country — all of us , will stand together for a better future .
We already are .
We see it in the doctors , the nurses , the home health care workers and the frontline workers who are risking their lives to save people they ’ ve never met .
We see it in the teachers and truck drivers , the factory workers and farmers , the postal workers and the Poll workers , all putting their own safety on the line to help us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see it in so many of you who are working , not just to get us through our current crises , but to somewhere better .
There ’ s something happening , all across the country .
It ’ s not about Joe or me .
It ’ s about us .
People of all ages and colors and creeds who are , yes , taking to the streets , and also persuading our family members , rallying our friends , organizing our neighbors , and getting out the vote .
And we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote , we expand access to health care , expand access to the ballot box , and ensure that more working families can make a decent living .
I ’ m inspired by a new generation of leadership .
You are pushing us to realize the ideals of our nation , pushing us to live the values we share : decency and fairness , justice and love .
You are the patriots who remind us that to love our country is to fight for the ideals of our country .
In this election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the course of history .
We ’ re all in this fight .
You , me , and Joe — together .
What an awesome responsibility .
What an awesome privilege .
So , let ’ s fight with conviction .
Let ’ s fight with hope .
Let ’ s fight with confidence in ourselves , and a commitment to each other .
To the America we know is possible .
The America , we love .
Years from now , this moment will have passed .
And our children and our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ask us : Where were you when the stakes were so high ?
They will ask us , what was it like ?
And we will tell them .
We will tell them , not just how we felt .
We will tell them what we did .
Thank you .
God bless you .
And God bless the United States of America .

Sen. Kamala Harris
Nominee for Vice President of the United States
Democratic National Convention
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
Remarks as Prepared for Delivery
Greetings America.
It is truly an honor to be speaking with you.
That I am here tonight is a testament to the dedication of generations before me. Women and men who believed so fiercely in the promise of equality, liberty, and justice for all.
This week marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment. And we celebrate the women who fought for that right.
Yet so many of the Black women who helped secure that victory were still prohibited from voting, long after its ratification.
But they were undeterred.
Without fanfare or recognition, they organized, testified, rallied, marched, and fought—not just for their vote, but for a seat at the table. These women and the generations that followed worked to make democracy and opportunity real in the lives of all of us who followed.
They paved the way for the trailblazing leadership of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
And these women inspired us to pick up the torch, and fight on.
Women like Mary Church Terrell and Mary McCleod Bethune. Fannie Lou Hamer and Diane Nash. Constance Baker Motley and Shirley Chisholm.
We’re not often taught their stories. But as Americans, we all stand on their shoulders.
There’s another woman, whose name isn’t known, whose story isn’t shared. Another woman whose shoulders I stand on. And that’s my mother—Shyamala Gopalan Harris.
She came here from India at age 19 to pursue her dream of curing cancer. At the University of California Berkeley, she met my father, Donald Harris—who had come from Jamaica to study economics.
They fell in love in that most American way—while marching together for justice in the civil rights movement of the 1960s.
In the streets of Oakland and Berkeley, I got a stroller’s-eye view of people getting into what the great John Lewis called “good trouble.”
When I was 5, my parents split and my mother raised us mostly on her own. Like so many mothers, she worked around the clock to make it work—packing lunches before we woke up— and paying bills after we went to bed. Helping us with homework at the kitchen table—and shuttling us to church for choir practice.
She made it look easy, though I know it never was.
My mother instilled in my sister, Maya, and me the values that would chart the course of our lives.
She raised us to be proud, strong Black women. And she raised us to know and be proud of our Indian heritage.
She taught us to put family first—the family you’re born into and the family you choose.
Family, is my husband Doug, who I met on a blind date set up by my best friend. Family is our beautiful children, Cole and Ella, who as you just heard, call me Momala. Family is my sister. Family is my best friend, my nieces and my godchildren. Family is my uncles, my aunts — my chitthis. Family is Mrs. Shelton — my second mother who lived two doors down and helped raise me. Family is my beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha...our Divine 9…and my HBCU brothers and sisters. Family is the friends I turned to when my mother — the most important person in my life — passed away from cancer.
And even as she taught us to keep our family at the center of our world, she also pushed us to see a world beyond ourselves.
She taught us to be conscious and compassionate about the struggles of all people. To believe public service is a noble cause and the fight for justice is a shared responsibility.
That led me to become a lawyer, a district attorney, attorney general, and a United States senator.
And at every step of the way, I’ve been guided by the words I spoke from the first time I stood in a courtroom: Kamala Harris, For the People.
I’ve fought for children, and survivors of sexual assault. I’ve fought against transnational gangs. I took on the biggest banks, and helped take down one of the biggest for-profit colleges.
I know a predator when I see one.
My mother taught me that service to others gives life purpose and meaning. And oh, how I wish she were here tonight but I know she’s looking down on me from above. I keep thinking about that 25-year-old Indian woman — all of 5 feet tall — who gave birth to me at Kaiser Hospital in Oakland, California.
On that day, she probably could have never imagined that I would be standing before you now speaking these words: I accept your nomination for Vice President of the United States of America.
I do so, committed to the values she taught me. To the Word that teaches me to walk by faith, and not by sight. And to a vision passed on through generations of Americans—one that Joe Biden shares. A vision of our nation as a Beloved Community—where all are welcome, no matter what we look like, where we come from, or who we love.
A country where we may not agree on every detail, but we are united by the fundamental belief that every human being is of infinite worth, deserving of compassion, dignity and respect.
A country where we look out for one another, where we rise and fall as one, where we face our challenges, and celebrate our triumphs—together.
Today... that country feels distant.
Donald Trump’s failure of leadership has cost lives and livelihoods.
If you’re a parent struggling with your child’s remote learning, or you’re a teacher struggling on the other side of that screen, you know that what we’re doing right now isn’t working.
And we are a nation that’s grieving. Grieving the loss of life, the loss of jobs, the loss of opportunities, the loss of normalcy. And yes, the loss of certainty.
And while this virus touches us all, let’s be honest, it is not an equal opportunity offender. Black, Latino and Indigenous people are suffering and dying disproportionately.
This is not a coincidence. It is the effect of structural racism.
Of inequities in education and technology, health care and housing, job security and transportation.
The injustice in reproductive and maternal health care. In the excessive use of force by police. And in our broader criminal justice system.
This virus has no eyes, and yet it knows exactly how we see each other — and how we treat each other.
And let’s be clear — there is no vaccine for racism. We’ve gotta do the work.
For George Floyd. For Breonna Taylor. For the lives of too many others to name. For our children. For all of us.
We’ve gotta do the work to fulfill that promise of equal justice under law. Because, none of us are free...until all of us are free...
We’re at an inflection point.
The constant chaos leaves us adrift. The incompetence makes us feel afraid. The callousness makes us feel alone.
It’s a lot.
And here’s the thing: We can do better and deserve so much more.
We must elect a president who will bring something different, something better, and do the important work. A president who will bring all of us together—Black, White, Latino, Asian, Indigenous—to achieve the future we collectively want.
We must elect Joe Biden.
I knew Joe as vice president. I knew Joe on the campaign trail. But I first got to know Joe as the father of my friend.
Joe’s son, Beau, and I served as Attorneys General of our states, Delaware and California. During the Great Recession, we spoke on the phone nearly every day, working together to win back billions of dollars for homeowners from the big banks that foreclosed on people’s homes.
And Beau and I would talk about his family.
How, as a single father, Joe would spend 4 hours every day riding the train back and forth from Wilmington to Washington. Beau and Hunter got to have breakfast every morning with their dad. They went to sleep every night with the sound of his voice reading bedtime stories. And while they endured an unspeakable loss, these two little boys Always knew that they were deeply, unconditionally loved.
And what also moved me about Joe is the work he did, as he went back and forth. This is the leader who wrote the Violence Against Women Act—and enacted the Assault Weapons Ban. Who, as Vice President, implemented The Recovery Act, which brought our country back from The Great Recession. He championed The Affordable Care Act, protecting millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions. Who spent decades promoting American values and interests around the world, standing up with our allies and standing up to our adversaries.
Right now, we have a president who turns our tragedies into political weapons.
Joe will be a president who turns our challenges into purpose.
Joe will bring us together to build an economy that doesn’t leave anyone behind. Where a good-paying job is the floor, not the ceiling.
Joe will bring us together to end this pandemic and make sure that we are prepared for the next one.
Joe will bring us together to squarely face and dismantle racial injustice, furthering the work of generations.
Joe and I believe that we can build that Beloved Community, one that is strong and decent, just and kind. One in which we all can see ourselves.
That’s the vision that our parents and grandparents fought for. The vision that made my own life possible. The vision that makes the American promise—for all its complexities and imperfections—a promise worth fighting for.
Make no mistake, the road ahead will not be not easy. We will stumble. We may fall short. But I pledge to you that we will act boldly and deal with our challenges honestly. We will speak truths. And we will act with the same faith in you that we ask you to place in us.
We believe that our country — all of us, will stand together for a better future. We already are.
We see it in the doctors, the nurses, the home health care workers and the frontline workers who are risking their lives to save people they’ve never met.
We see it in the teachers and truck drivers, the factory workers and farmers, the postal workers and the Poll workers, all putting their own safety on the line to help us get through this pandemic.
And we see it in so many of you who are working, not just to get us through our current crises, but to somewhere better.
There’s something happening, all across the country.
It’s not about Joe or me.
It’s about you.
It’s about us. People of all ages and colors and creeds who are, yes, taking to the streets, and also persuading our family members, rallying our friends, organizing our neighbors, and getting out the vote.
And we’ve shown that, when we vote, we expand access to health care, expand access to the ballot box, and ensure that more working families can make a decent living.
I’m inspired by a new generation of leadership. You are pushing us to realize the ideals of our nation, pushing us to live the values we share: decency and fairness, justice and love.
You are the patriots who remind us that to love our country is to fight for the ideals of our country.
In this election, we have a chance to change the course of history. We’re all in this fight.
You, me, and Joe — together.
What an awesome responsibility. What an awesome privilege.
So, let’s fight with conviction. Let’s fight with hope. Let’s fight with confidence in ourselves, and a commitment to each other. To the America we know is possible. The America, we love.
Years from now, this moment will have passed. And our children and our grandchildren will look in our eyes and ask us: Where were you when the stakes were so high?
They will ask us, what was it like?
And we will tell them. We will tell them, not just how we felt.
We will tell them what we did.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-20--DNC Night 3 takeaways: Kamala makes history; Obama, Pelosi, Clinton pound Trump

There has been one persistent theme in the Democratic National Convention so far : to portray President Donald Trump in highly personal ways as one unsuited for the White House both in skills and temperament .
And no one , not even former President Barack Obama , has been holding back .
We ’ re streaming all four nights of events here , from Monday , Aug. 17 through Thursday , Aug. 20 .
Here are some key takeaways from the third night of the convention : Former President Barack Obama came to power on the airy notions of “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a largely calm and cerebral air , and continued that in his post-White House years .
On Wednesday , Obama dispensed with decorum and delivered a direct hit on Trump , a striking condemnation and a call to Americans , particularly young ones , to not let democracy be taken from them .
“ Donald Trump hasn ’ t grown into the job because he can ’ t , ” Obama said .
“ And the consequences of that failure are severe .
170,000 Americans dead .
Millions of jobs gone .
Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the world badly diminished , and our democratic institutions threatened like never before.
” The former president spoke from the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia , a calculated venue for his warning that his successor is a threat to democracy in the United States .
He talked about how flawed the country ’ s founding documents were , but how its residents have never given up trying to make them live up to their ideals .
And Obama urged the country to keep doing so this election .
“ Do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
“ Do not let them take away your democracy.
” Obama has long been known as an oratorical virtuoso .
This speech , a somber address , was as powerful as any of them , and stands as a grim bookend to his hopeful paean to American unity that launched him during the 2004 convention .
Kamala Harris made history under historic circumstances .
She became the first Black woman to be nominated as vice president on a major-party ticket .
But she had to make her acceptance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to a largely empty ballroom due to the pandemic .
Her speech had a lower-key tenor than Obama ’ s .
She used the moment to talk more about the issues that will play out in the campaign while also making surgical appeals to constituencies that she and Joe Biden will need to win in November .
She tied her story to the nation ’ s long history of racial injustice and civil rights progress .
And she , a 55-year-old Black woman who is also of south Asian descent , pitched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white man , as the next step .
“ Joe and I believe that we can build that beloved community … one that is strong and decent , just and kind .
One in which we can all see ourselves , ” she said .
“ We ’ re all in this fight .
You , me , Joe together.
” She contrasted that with Trump and “ failed leadership ” that she said has “ cost lives and livelihoods ” amid the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout .
Harris immediately embraced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her late mother , an Indian immigrant and cancer researcher .
She offered homage to Black and female civil rights leaders from earlier eras .
“ We all stand on their shoulders , ” she said .
But she also issued a challenge about the nation ’ s ongoing reckoning with racial injustices .
“ Let ’ s be clear : There is no vaccine for racism .
We have got to do the work , ” she said .
Now the challenge will be for her to further excite women of color @ @ @ @ @ @ @ metro areas , as Biden hopes .
Harris ’ formal introduction should serve notice that should be viewed as more than Biden ’ s backup , and that she ’ s comfortable in a big role .
It wasn ’ t the year of the woman for Democrats — during the party ’ s hard-fought primary , Biden and his main rival , Sen. Bernie Sanders , easily bested several female aspirants for the party ’ s presidential nomination .
But it ’ s been the convention of the woman .
On Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ female Speaker of the House , its vice presidential nominee and its prior presidential nominee — the first woman to have that role for a major party .
Speaker Nancy Pelosi celebrated that women make up nearly a quarter of the House , but she quickly shifted to hitting Trump over missing the moment .
“ I ’ ve seen firsthand Donald Trump ’ s disrespect for facts , for working families and for women in particular , ” she said .
Democrats are increasingly dependent on female voters , as a gender @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often helps the party , because there are more women voting than men .
And the combination of Trump and the # MeToo movement has turned that gap into a chasm , even with a 77-year-old white man as nominee .
Former Arizona congresswoman Gabby Giffords , shot in the head in a mass shooting in 2011 , provided an emotional high point .
Giffords had serious brain damage after the attack , struggled to walk and speak and founded a gun control group in her name .
On Wednesday , a video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an instrument she played as a child and has been working to relearn — and laboring to put together sentences .
Then she looked directly at the camera and spoke about the importance of grit and not giving up .
“ Words once came easily , today I struggle to speak , but I have not lost my voice , ” she said , in remarks her office said took hours to prepare because of her disability .
“ America needs all of us to speak out , even when you have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden , Giffords said in her slow , careful new voice : “ He was there for me .
He ’ ll be there for you , too.
” Her husband , former astronaut Mark Kelly , is the Democratic Senate candidate in Arizona .
Wednesday ’ s speech was the longest Giffords has given since she was shot , according to the organization she founded .
For a historic candidate who won the presidential popular vote by more than 3 million ballots but lost in the Electoral College , Hillary Clinton seemed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was there Wednesday to offer a clear reminder that every vote matters , and that staying home or choosing a third-party candidate could hand Trump a second term .
Clinton was only allotted five minutes to speak , a reminder that , while she remains popular with a segment of the party , she ’ s also seen as a flawed politician who blew a winnable race to Trump .
Her speech was laden with regret .
“ For four years , people have said to me , ‘ I didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ I wish I could go back and do it all over.
’ Or worse , ‘ I should have voted , ’ ” Clinton said .
“ Well , this can ’ t be another woulda coulda shoulda election.
” She ruefully alluded to how she won the popular vote , yet lost the election .
“ Joe and Kamala can win by 3 million votes and still lose .
Take it from me .
So we need numbers so overwhelming Trump can ’ t sneak or steal his way to victory.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump : “ I wish Donald Trump knew how to be a president , because America needs a president right now .
”

There has been one persistent theme in the Democratic National Convention so far: to portray President Donald Trump in highly personal ways as one unsuited for the White House both in skills and temperament. And no one, not even former President Barack Obama, has been holding back.
We’re streaming all four nights of events here, from Monday, Aug. 17 through Thursday, Aug. 20.
Here are some key takeaways from the third night of the convention:
Obama, gloves off
Former President Barack Obama came to power on the airy notions of “hope and change.” He governed with a largely calm and cerebral air, and continued that in his post-White House years.
On Wednesday, Obama dispensed with decorum and delivered a direct hit on Trump, a striking condemnation and a call to Americans, particularly young ones, to not let democracy be taken from them.
“Donald Trump hasn’t grown into the job because he can’t,” Obama said. “And the consequences of that failure are severe. 170,000 Americans dead. Millions of jobs gone. Our worst impulses unleashed, our proud reputation around the world badly diminished, and our democratic institutions threatened like never before.”
The former president spoke from the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, a calculated venue for his warning that his successor is a threat to democracy in the United States. He talked about how flawed the country’s founding documents were, but how its residents have never given up trying to make them live up to their ideals.
And Obama urged the country to keep doing so this election. “Do not let them take away your power,” he said. “Do not let them take away your democracy.”
Obama has long been known as an oratorical virtuoso. This speech, a somber address, was as powerful as any of them, and stands as a grim bookend to his hopeful paean to American unity that launched him during the 2004 convention.
Harris absorbs history, tells her story
Kamala Harris made history under historic circumstances. She became the first Black woman to be nominated as vice president on a major-party ticket. But she had to make her acceptance speech, an American classic big-room affair, to a largely empty ballroom due to the pandemic.
Her speech had a lower-key tenor than Obama’s. She used the moment to talk more about the issues that will play out in the campaign while also making surgical appeals to constituencies that she and Joe Biden will need to win in November.
She tied her story to the nation’s long history of racial injustice and civil rights progress. And she, a 55-year-old Black woman who is also of south Asian descent, pitched her partnership with Biden, a 77-year-old white man, as the next step.
“Joe and I believe that we can build that beloved community … one that is strong and decent, just and kind. One in which we can all see ourselves,” she said. “We’re all in this fight. You, me, Joe together.”
She contrasted that with Trump and “failed leadership” that she said has “cost lives and livelihoods” amid the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout.
Harris immediately embraced the weight of her nomination, invoking her late mother, an Indian immigrant and cancer researcher. She offered homage to Black and female civil rights leaders from earlier eras. “We all stand on their shoulders,” she said.
But she also issued a challenge about the nation’s ongoing reckoning with racial injustices. “Let’s be clear: There is no vaccine for racism. We have got to do the work,” she said.
Now the challenge will be for her to further excite women of color and draw anti-Trump, college-educated whites in metro areas, as Biden hopes. Harris’ formal introduction should serve notice that should be viewed as more than Biden’s backup, and that she’s comfortable in a big role.
Convention of the woman
It wasn’t the year of the woman for Democrats — during the party’s hard-fought primary, Biden and his main rival, Sen. Bernie Sanders, easily bested several female aspirants for the party’s presidential nomination. But it’s been the convention of the woman.
On Wednesday, the party showed off the first female Speaker of the House, its vice presidential nominee and its prior presidential nominee — the first woman to have that role for a major party.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi celebrated that women make up nearly a quarter of the House, but she quickly shifted to hitting Trump over missing the moment. “I’ve seen firsthand Donald Trump’s disrespect for facts, for working families and for women in particular,” she said.
Democrats are increasingly dependent on female voters, as a gender gap grows in U.S. politics. That often helps the party, because there are more women voting than men. And the combination of Trump and the #MeToo movement has turned that gap into a chasm, even with a 77-year-old white man as nominee.
Former Rep. Giffords: Speak out
Former Arizona congresswoman Gabby Giffords, shot in the head in a mass shooting in 2011, provided an emotional high point. Giffords had serious brain damage after the attack, struggled to walk and speak and founded a gun control group in her name.
On Wednesday, a video showed her playing the French horn — an instrument she played as a child and has been working to relearn — and laboring to put together sentences. Then she looked directly at the camera and spoke about the importance of grit and not giving up. “Words once came easily, today I struggle to speak, but I have not lost my voice,” she said, in remarks her office said took hours to prepare because of her disability. “America needs all of us to speak out, even when you have to fight to find the words.”
Of Biden, Giffords said in her slow, careful new voice: “He was there for me. He’ll be there for you, too.”
Her husband, former astronaut Mark Kelly, is the Democratic Senate candidate in Arizona.
Wednesday’s speech was the longest Giffords has given since she was shot, according to the organization she founded.
Clinton, this time a footnote
For a historic candidate who won the presidential popular vote by more than 3 million ballots but lost in the Electoral College, Hillary Clinton seemed more like a convention footnote.
But she was there Wednesday to offer a clear reminder that every vote matters, and that staying home or choosing a third-party candidate could hand Trump a second term.
Clinton was only allotted five minutes to speak, a reminder that, while she remains popular with a segment of the party, she’s also seen as a flawed politician who blew a winnable race to Trump.
Her speech was laden with regret.
“For four years, people have said to me, ‘I didn’t realize how dangerous he was.’ ‘I wish I could go back and do it all over.’ Or worse, ‘I should have voted,’” Clinton said. “Well, this can’t be another woulda coulda shoulda election.”
She ruefully alluded to how she won the popular vote, yet lost the election. “Joe and Kamala can win by 3 million votes and still lose. Take it from me. So we need numbers so overwhelming Trump can’t sneak or steal his way to victory.”
She did take a swing at Trump: “I wish Donald Trump knew how to be a president, because America needs a president right now.”


chicagosun-times--2020-08-20--Programming announced for virtual Chicago Jazz, World Music festivals

Programming for the 2020 “ Millennium Park at Home : Chicago Jazz ” series and the “ Virtual World Music Festival Chicago ” was announced Thursday by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events .
“ Millennium Park at Home : Chicago Jazz ” will be serving up four days of free online performances — newly recorded , produced and programmed in conjunction with the Jazz Institute of Chicago — from 4 to 8 p.m. Sept. 3-6 .
The series will also feature archival footage from previous festivals , including sets by Orbert Davis , Dee Dee Bridgewater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sun Ra Arkestra and the Ari Brown Quintet , among others .
“ What is this Thing Called Jazz ?
, ” the annual Jazz Festival lead-in showcase will be presented online from noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 3 at facebook.com/jazzinchicago .
This year ’ s panel of musicians and educators will feature drummer Paul Wertico , saxophonist Sharel Cassity , trumpeter and multi-instrumentalist Victor Garcia , pianist Alexis Lombré , and bassist Junius Paul .
The “ Virtual World Music Festival Chicago ” includes a series of free concerts featuring artists from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday in September as part of World Music Month 2020 .
“ Music has long been our universal language and the common thread that ties people together across culture , time , and now , more than ever , physical distance , ” said Mayor Lori Lightfoot .
“ These creative renditions of this year ’ s Jazz and World Music events will provide ways for people to enjoy the spirit of a Chicago festival season while prioritizing health and safety .
As the birthplace of gospel and house music , electric blues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sounds and melodies reflect the diversity and dynamism of the people and communities we all call home.
” Streaming for both festivals will be available via YouTube.com/ChicagoDCASE .
Thursday , September 3 : Live the Spirit Residency presents : The Young Masters directed by Ernest Dawkins ; Birdhouse presents : Mai Sugimoto Trio at Fred Anderson Park Friday , September 4 : AACM presents Tribute to Black Lives Matter ; The South Side Jazz Coalition presents The Denise Thimes Quartet ; Public Media Institute presents Preservation of Fire Saturday , September 5 : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday on the Terrace presents Isaiah Collier and The Chosen Few ; Constellation presents Mike Reed ’ s People , Places & Things ; Reggie Thomas and Trio Nexus Sunday , September 6 : The Hungry Brain presents the Josh Berman Quartet ; 51st Street Business Association presents Bronzeville Jazz ; The Jazz Showcase presents Dee Alexander — Ragamala : A Celebration of Indian Classical Music : the annual celebration of Indian classical music programmed this year with People of Rhythm , recorded at the Chicago Cultural Center ; includes a centennial tribute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Folklore : programmed with and recorded at Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center ; Chicago-based music groups celebrate the Afro-Latin folkloric musical traditions of some of the city ’ s Latin American communities .
— Anam Mór : programmed with and recorded at Martyrs ’ ; The Chicago-based traditional Irish supergroup led by master percussionist Jackie Moran features Laurence Nugent , Brendan Bulger and Jesse Langen .
— Chicago Immigrant Orchestra : recorded at Epiphany Center for the Arts ; Fareed Haque and Wanees Zarour co-conduct a global lineup of Chicago-based artists .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DCASE and our partners are committed to showcasing and lifting up the incredible musicians , organizations , and venues that comprise our diverse and legendary music scene , ” said Mark Kelly , Commissioner of DCASE .
“ While celebrating Chicago ’ s rich music legacy , we will also welcome artists from across the globe virtually , because music has the power to unite us.
” The complete lineup for the jazz series is available at MillenniumPark.org ; the lineup for World Music Fest enthusiasts is available at WorldMusicFestivalChicago.org

Programming for the 2020 “Millennium Park at Home: Chicago Jazz” series and the “Virtual World Music Festival Chicago” was announced Thursday by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
“Millennium Park at Home: Chicago Jazz” will be serving up four days of free online performances — newly recorded, produced and programmed in conjunction with the Jazz Institute of Chicago — from 4 to 8 p.m. Sept. 3-6. The series will also feature archival footage from previous festivals, including sets by Orbert Davis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Von Freeman and Clifford Jordan, Sun Ra Arkestra and the Ari Brown Quintet, among others.
“What is this Thing Called Jazz?,” the annual Jazz Festival lead-in showcase will be presented online from noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 3 at facebook.com/jazzinchicago. This year’s panel of musicians and educators will feature drummer Paul Wertico, saxophonist Sharel Cassity, trumpeter and multi-instrumentalist Victor Garcia, pianist Alexis Lombré, and bassist Junius Paul.
The “Virtual World Music Festival Chicago” includes a series of free concerts featuring artists from around the globe from 1-3 p.m. every Sunday in September as part of World Music Month 2020.
“Music has long been our universal language and the common thread that ties people together across culture, time, and now, more than ever, physical distance,” said Mayor Lori Lightfoot. “These creative renditions of this year’s Jazz and World Music events will provide ways for people to enjoy the spirit of a Chicago festival season while prioritizing health and safety. As the birthplace of gospel and house music, electric blues and modern jazz, Chicago’s sounds and melodies reflect the diversity and dynamism of the people and communities we all call home.”
Streaming for both festivals will be available via YouTube.com/ChicagoDCASE.
Jazz Series highlights include:
Thursday, September 3: Live the Spirit Residency presents: The Young Masters directed by Ernest Dawkins; Birdhouse presents: Mai Sugimoto Trio at Fred Anderson Park
Friday, September 4: AACM presents Tribute to Black Lives Matter; The South Side Jazz Coalition presents The Denise Thimes Quartet; Public Media Institute presents Preservation of Fire
Saturday, September 5: Kalapriya Foundation presents Anjali Ray; MCA Tuesday on the Terrace presents Isaiah Collier and The Chosen Few; Constellation presents Mike Reed’s People, Places & Things; Reggie Thomas and Trio Nexus
Sunday, September 6: The Hungry Brain presents the Josh Berman Quartet; 51st Street Business Association presents Bronzeville Jazz; The Jazz Showcase presents Dee Alexander
World Music Festival highlights include:
Sunday, September 6:
— Ragamala: A Celebration of Indian Classical Music: the annual celebration of Indian classical music programmed this year with People of Rhythm, recorded at the Chicago Cultural Center; includes a centennial tribute to Ravi Shankar)
Sunday, September 13:
— Afro-Diáspora y Folklore: programmed with and recorded at Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center; Chicago-based music groups celebrate the Afro-Latin folkloric musical traditions of some of the city’s Latin American communities.
Sunday, September 20:
— Anam Mór: programmed with and recorded at Martyrs’; The Chicago-based traditional Irish supergroup led by master percussionist Jackie Moran features Laurence Nugent, Brendan Bulger and Jesse Langen.
Sunday, September 27:
— Chicago Immigrant Orchestra: recorded at Epiphany Center for the Arts; Fareed Haque and Wanees Zarour co-conduct a global lineup of Chicago-based artists.
“During these Years of Chicago Music, DCASE and our partners are committed to showcasing and lifting up the incredible musicians, organizations, and venues that comprise our diverse and legendary music scene,” said Mark Kelly, Commissioner of DCASE. “While celebrating Chicago’s rich music legacy, we will also welcome artists from across the globe virtually, because music has the power to unite us.”
The complete lineup for the jazz series is available at MillenniumPark.org; the lineup for World Music Fest enthusiasts is available at WorldMusicFestivalChicago.org


chicagosun-times--2020-08-20--Catholic school teachers ‘terrified,’ call on archdiocese to move school fully online

A group representing hundreds of teachers and parents with the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools Thursday called for all fall classes at the parochial school system to be held online .
“ Now is the wrong time to gather hundreds of human beings into enclosed spaces , ” James Cahill , a history and religion teacher at Wilmette ’ s St. Francis Xavier School , said at a news conference outside the archdiocese ’ s downtown offices , at 835 N. Rush St. “ The decision to do so boggles the mind , defies science and potentially endangers the lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and all of our families and communities.
” In an email to families earlier this month , Catholic Schools Supt .
Jim Rigg said the archdiocese is starting the school year with full-time in-person learning , saying it ’ s “ in the best interests of children and our mission.
” Some archdiocese schools have already started classes while others have yet to open .
Cahill was joined by another teacher , a parent and members of Arise Chicago , an interfaith workers ’ rights organization , in demanding that Catholic schools have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teachers are consulted before a new reopening plan is crafted .
The “ Arch Teachers for a Safe Return ” group , which represents hundreds of teachers , is giving the archdiocese until Tuesday to respond .
Concerned teachers who have reached out to Arise Chicago said they can ’ t imagine teaching in-person when they ’ re fearful of being near students , said the Rev .
C.J .
Hawking , Arise Chicago ’ s executive director .
One teacher described the thought of returning to a physical school building as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Teachers are terrified and hurting and angry , ” she said .
The archdiocese ’ s reopening plan , updated July 30 , requires everyone older than 2 to wear a mask indoors and mandates temperature checks before students enter school buildings .
For Catholic school students whose parents are unwilling to send them to in-person classes , the archdiocese is also offering remote and online learning .
But many of the archdiocese ’ s teachers and parents would rather have everyone stay inside their homes instead of that being an option @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about my school and any schools is the ability to truly follow the strongest scientific guidelines for the entire school day , ” said Lauren Welsh , a sixth grade language arts teacher at Immaculate Conception—St .
Joseph School on the Near North Side .
“ At the end of the day , how can any in-person learning be safe until you have a baseline of testing ?
” “ Outbreaks are inevitable , ” Cahill said , pointing to Notre Dame University , where there have been hundreds of positive cases since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Cahill , 31 , said his greatest fear is that he would contract COVID-19 , be asymptomatic and unknowingly spread the virus to his family , students , coworkers and others .
Catholic school teachers aren ’ t unionized and can not strike , but Cahill said the group is prepared to create a contingency plan if the archdiocese doesn ’ t meet its demands , which are outlined in a petition circulated by Arise Chicago .
“ I love my job .
I love teaching , ” Cahill said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we care more about our students being alive than about them being present in the classroom with us.
” The archdiocese serves about 70,000 students in about 200 schools in Cook and Lake counties .

A group representing hundreds of teachers and parents with the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools Thursday called for all fall classes at the parochial school system to be held online.
“Now is the wrong time to gather hundreds of human beings into enclosed spaces,” James Cahill, a history and religion teacher at Wilmette’s St. Francis Xavier School, said at a news conference outside the archdiocese’s downtown offices, at 835 N. Rush St.
“The decision to do so boggles the mind, defies science and potentially endangers the lives of students, teachers, staff, and all of our families and communities.”
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
In an email to families earlier this month, Catholic Schools Supt. Jim Rigg said the archdiocese is starting the school year with full-time in-person learning, saying it’s “in the best interests of children and our mission.”
Some archdiocese schools have already started classes while others have yet to open.
Cahill was joined by another teacher, a parent and members of Arise Chicago, an interfaith workers’ rights organization, in demanding that Catholic schools have no in-person classes this fall and that teachers are consulted before a new reopening plan is crafted.
The “Arch Teachers for a Safe Return” group, which represents hundreds of teachers, is giving the archdiocese until Tuesday to respond.
The Rev. C.J. Hawking with Arise Chicago said the interfaith workers’ rights organization has heard from hundreds of teachers terrified to return to school in-person. Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Concerned teachers who have reached out to Arise Chicago said they can’t imagine teaching in-person when they’re fearful of being near students, said the Rev. C.J. Hawking, Arise Chicago’s executive director. One teacher described the thought of returning to a physical school building as “mental trauma,” Hawking said. “Teachers are terrified and hurting and angry,” she said.
The archdiocese’s reopening plan, updated July 30, requires everyone older than 2 to wear a mask indoors and mandates temperature checks before students enter school buildings. For Catholic school students whose parents are unwilling to send them to in-person classes, the archdiocese is also offering remote and online learning.
But many of the archdiocese’s teachers and parents would rather have everyone stay inside their homes instead of that being an option for a few.
“My concern about my school and any schools is the ability to truly follow the strongest scientific guidelines for the entire school day,” said Lauren Welsh, a sixth grade language arts teacher at Immaculate Conception—St. Joseph School on the Near North Side.
“At the end of the day, how can any in-person learning be safe until you have a baseline of testing?”
Lauren Welsh, a teacher at Immaculate Conception—St. Joseph School on the Near North Side, said she doesn’t want her school to become the next COVID-19 hotspot. Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
“Outbreaks are inevitable,” Cahill said, pointing to Notre Dame University, where there have been hundreds of positive cases since students returned to campus in early August.
Cahill, 31, said his greatest fear is that he would contract COVID-19, be asymptomatic and unknowingly spread the virus to his family, students, coworkers and others.
Catholic school teachers aren’t unionized and cannot strike, but Cahill said the group is prepared to create a contingency plan if the archdiocese doesn’t meet its demands, which are outlined in a petition circulated by Arise Chicago.
“I love my job. I love teaching,” Cahill said. “But at the end of the day, we care more about our students being alive than about them being present in the classroom with us.”
The archdiocese serves about 70,000 students in about 200 schools in Cook and Lake counties.


chicagosun-times--2020-08-20--Karen Yarbrough brings energy to virtual convention, juggles party and official posts: ‘I walk the l

Karen Yarbrough brings energy to virtual convention, juggles party and official posts: ‘I walk the line’

Political conventions are famous for the hats .
Her official job is Cook County clerk , overseeing elections and safeguarding birth and death certificates and other public records in Illinois ’ most populous county .
On the political side , she ’ s a committeeperson representing west suburban Proviso Township for the Cook County Democratic Party , where she ’ s also the treasurer .
She ’ s also a member of the party ’ s state central committee and serves as vice chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois .
She ’ s also been a state representative and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – an office that will soon merge with hers .
Yarbrough is also an enthusiastic cheerleader for the party , making robocalls to get out the vote before elections and rallying delegates during this week ’ s Illinois events .
But she insists she doesn ’ t blur the lines .
“ I walk the line , ” Yarbrough said .
“ I know what my job is , I do my job , and I don ’ t mix the politics with my job.
” And that ’ s no easy task @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of some of the areas her office oversees .
“ I ’ m tired of hearing the narrative about all of these different things that are coming out of the White House , and what I was going to do is focus on November , focus my attention on my job , making sure that people are safe at the voting booths and they can exercise their right to vote and engage young people , ” she said .
“ So , I ’ m excited.
” With the pandemic scuttling the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in full force in Milwaukee this week , Yarbrough said she was initially concerned about the convention going virtual because “ part of a convention has to do with seeing people that you ’ re used to working with from across the country … and we usually only see them at meetings maybe a couple times a year , or at the convention , and so it ’ s very social.
” “ I think people get energy from other people , ” Yarbrough said .
And during the often awkward online delegation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yarbrough ’ s fellow Democrats were tapping into her energy .
While others seemed perplexed over how close to lean into their laptop screens or whether their voices were muted , Yarbrough always appeared fully engaged , offering enthusiastic two-hand waves and cheers for her fellow Democrats .
“ You rock , too ” she yelled to guest speaker Delaware Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester on Tuesday and “ we love , you , senator ” when Sen. Dick Durbin appeared briefly behind his wife Loretta Durbin .
“ I think we all want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mayor Lori Lightfoot joked at one point .
Yarbrough said helping people is what she finds most exciting about being elected and helping the party .
“ It ’ s an honor to serve , ” Yarbrough said during Tuesday ’ s live streamed meeting .
But it hasn ’ t all been fun and games .
Government watchdog Michael Shakman has accused Yarbrough of operating “ an illegal patronage employment system , ” leading to a federal monitor being ordered for the clerk ’ s office .
Yarbrough has previously said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” “ I don ’ t have the time or the inclination to deal with that kind of thing , ” she said last November .
This November , Yarbrough says she knows “ exactly what we have to do ” to help presidential nominee Joe Biden and a certain sorority sister .
Yarbrough is thrilled that California Sen. Kamala Harris was picked for the vice-presidential slot .
Like Harris , Yarbrough is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority .
And Yarbrough plans to keep her hats straight .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ground , and that ’ s where I will be , as the committeeman for Proviso Township , ” she said .
“ And we are planning our work and we ’ re going to work our plan to make sure that every person that we know goes and votes .
”

Political conventions are famous for the hats.
And Karen Yarbrough wears many.
Her official job is Cook County clerk, overseeing elections and safeguarding birth and death certificates and other public records in Illinois’ most populous county.
On the political side, she’s a committeeperson representing west suburban Proviso Township for the Cook County Democratic Party, where she’s also the treasurer. She’s also a member of the party’s state central committee and serves as vice chair of the Democratic Party of Illinois.
She’s also been a state representative and the county’s recorder of deeds – an office that will soon merge with hers.
Yarbrough is also an enthusiastic cheerleader for the party, making robocalls to get out the vote before elections and rallying delegates during this week’s Illinois events.
But she insists she doesn’t blur the lines.
“I walk the line,” Yarbrough said. “I know what my job is, I do my job, and I don’t mix the politics with my job.”
Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough, a leader in both the county and state Democratic parties, speaks at a delegation meeting on Thursday, BlueRoomStream
And that’s no easy task, since politics is so much a part of some of the areas her office oversees.
“I’m tired of hearing the narrative about all of these different things that are coming out of the White House, and what I was going to do is focus on November, focus my attention on my job, making sure that people are safe at the voting booths and they can exercise their right to vote and engage young people,” she said. “So, I’m excited.”
With the pandemic scuttling the party’s initial plans to gather in full force in Milwaukee this week, Yarbrough said she was initially concerned about the convention going virtual because “part of a convention has to do with seeing people that you’re used to working with from across the country … and we usually only see them at meetings maybe a couple times a year, or at the convention, and so it’s very social.”
“I think people get energy from other people,” Yarbrough said.
And during the often awkward online delegation meetings this week, it was clear Yarbrough’s fellow Democrats were tapping into her energy.
While others seemed perplexed over how close to lean into their laptop screens or whether their voices were muted, Yarbrough always appeared fully engaged, offering enthusiastic two-hand waves and cheers for her fellow Democrats.
“You rock, too” she yelled to guest speaker Delaware Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester on Tuesday and “we love, you, senator” when Sen. Dick Durbin appeared briefly behind his wife Loretta Durbin.
“I think we all want what Karen’s having,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot joked at one point.
Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough, vice chair off the Illinois Democratic Party, top left corner, keeps the mood light during a delegation meeting on Tuesday. BlueRoomStream.
Yarbrough said helping people is what she finds most exciting about being elected and helping the party.
“It’s an honor to serve,” Yarbrough said during Tuesday’s live streamed meeting.
But it hasn’t all been fun and games.
Government watchdog Michael Shakman has accused Yarbrough of operating “an illegal patronage employment system,” leading to a federal monitor being ordered for the clerk’s office.
Yarbrough has previously said the allegations against her are “purely personal.”
“I don’t have the time or the inclination to deal with that kind of thing,” she said last November.
Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough, middle row far right, leads the delegations “Call to Action” Thursday evening. BlueRoomStream
This November, Yarbrough says she knows “exactly what we have to do” to help presidential nominee Joe Biden and a certain sorority sister.
Yarbrough is thrilled that California Sen. Kamala Harris was picked for the vice-presidential slot. Like Harris, Yarbrough is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.
And Yarbrough plans to keep her hats straight.
“We know what we need to do on the ground, and that’s where I will be, as the committeeman for Proviso Township,” she said. “And we are planning our work and we’re going to work our plan to make sure that every person that we know goes and votes.”