Best, Worst and Weirdest Moments of the Democratic Convention

The party’s four-day gathering featured memorable zingers, self-effacing humor and more than a few lines that didn’t land.

Share full article

By Shawn McCreesh

Reporting from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago

Aug. 23, 2024Updated 1:28 a.m. ET

Every convention has its highlights and low points, and the hastily revised Democratic convention was no exception. More than 100 speakers took the stage at the United Center in Chicago over four nights, and their speaking abilities ranged from excellent to, well, kind of bumbling.

Here are some of the moments we will remember, and others we are hoping to forget.

Least relatable remark. Gov. JB Pritzker of Illinois, heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune, poking fun at Donald J. Trump’s business career: “Take it from an actual billionaire, Trump is rich in only one thing: stupidity.”

Toughest presidential talk. Vice President Kamala Harris, assuring that she’s no pushover: “As commander in chief, I will ensure America always has the strongest, most lethal fighting force in the world.”

Least convincing denial. President Biden: “All this talk about how I am angry at the people who said I should step down, it is not true.”

Best keeping-it-real touchstone. Ms. Harris, relating how her mother told her to “never do anything half-assed — and that is a direct quote!”

Least effective use of Latin. Gov. Kathy Hochul invoking New York’s state motto, “Excelsior,” to crickets and some head scratches in the crowd.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.