DNC’s 8 Most Tear-Jerking Moments

The 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) has been filled with emotional highs, powerful speeches, and tear-jerking moments that have resonated deeply with both attendees and viewers.

From the heartfelt ovations received by Hillary Clinton and President Joe Biden to moving performances by Stevie Wonder and Patti LaBelle, the event has not only highlighted the political views of its speakers but also delivered deeply touching and emotional experiences.

As the DNC prepares for its fourth and final night in Chicago, where Vice President Kamala Harris will accept the party’s nomination for president, let’s look back at some of the most heartwarming and tear-jerking moments so far.

Day 1

Jesse Jackson’s Recognition

The Democratic convention opened by recognizing Rev. Jesse Jackson, the civil rights activist and Democratic presidential candidate in 1984 and 1988.

Jackson, 82, who is battling Parkinson’s disease, entered the stage in a wheelchair, raising both thumbs in triumph to a cheering crowd. Although he did not speak, several speakers gave shoutouts to Jackson, who was also featured in a video broadcast at the event’s hall.

There were also several references to Fannie Lou Hamer, the late civil rights activist who delivered a landmark speech at the 1964 Democratic convention.

Hillary Clinton’s Ovation

The first night of the DNC was marked by an emotional return of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to the stage. Clinton, who was expected by many to become the first female president in 2016, received a prolonged standing ovation as she stepped onto the platform eight years after she formally received the party’s backing.

“Something is happening in America. You can feel it. Something that we’ve hoped and dreamed of for a long time,” Clinton began in her remarks before a packed house at Chicago’s United Center.

Massachusetts delegate Nicole LaChapelle expressed her emotional reaction, stating, “Seeing Secretary of State Clinton walk on that stage and just crush it—every single word—and lift up that whole convention center, just brought me back to 2016”.

Joe Biden’s Ovation

Amid chants of “thank you, Joe,” President Joe Biden received a warm and emotional response from the DNC audience. His speech, which reflected on his presidency and the challenges the nation has faced, was met with both tears and applause.

“America, I gave my best to you,” Biden said during his keynote address. “I’ve made many mistakes in my career, but I gave my best to you. For 50 years, like many of you, I’ve given my heart and soul to our nation, and I’ve been blessed countless times in return with the support of the American people.”

As he finished speaking, those words left many in the audience visibly moved.

Day 2

The Obamas’ Hug on Stage

Day two of the convention featured a heartfelt moment between former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. After Michelle finished her speech, she introduced her husband, and as they embraced on stage, the audience erupted in applause.

Their speeches, the most anticipated of the night, took a surprising turn with direct attacks on former President Donald Trump. This shift marked a notable departure from Michelle’s now-famous line, “When they go low, we go high.” Eight years later, she set aside her call for the high road, directly criticizing the Republican nominee and accusing him of “going small.”

Following her lead, former President Obama delivered a speech that highlighted his renowned oratory skills while also weaving in humor and specific jabs at Trump. Instead of depicting him as a democracy-threatening figure, Obama framed Trump as a whiny narcissist.

Doug Emhoff’s Voicemail Story

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff has secured his “wife guy” status on social media after sharing a personal story about a voicemail he had left for his now wife Vice President Kamala Harris when they started dating.

“In 2013, I walked into a tense client meeting, and by the end, the now-happy client offered to set me up on a blind date,” Emhoff said Tuesday. “That’s how I ended up with Kamala Harris’ phone number.”

Emhoff joked, “People have always debated when to call someone you’re being set up with, but no one ever suggests 8:30 a.m. Yet that’s when I called.”

“I got Kamala’s voicemail and started rambling, ‘Hey, it’s Doug. I’m on my way to an early meeting. Again, it’s Doug,'” he said. “I remember wishing I could take the words back.”

“By the way, Kamala saved that voicemail, and she makes me listen to it on every anniversary,” Emhoff added, as the crowd laughed.

Day 3

Stevie Wonder’s Performance

Music legend Stevie Wonder took the stage on the third night, delivering a soul-stirring performance that left the audience in awe.

Speaking to the thousands gathered at the United Center in Chicago, Wonder declared: “I love you. Every song that I’ve sung, every song that I’ve written, is because of my love for you right here.”

After a heartfelt speech in which he urged the crowd to win against “the angry spirits,” he performed his iconic 1973 track “Higher Ground.”

“Are y’all ready to reach a higher ground?” he asked before launching into the song, backed by dancers dressed in white.

Tim Walz’s Football Team

Former players from the Mankato West High School football team, once coached by Minnesota Governor and now Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz, took the stage to share stories of perseverance, teamwork, and the strong bonds they built under his leadership.

Wearing Mankato West jerseys, the former players joined Walz on stage, where another former student of his had submitted his name for nomination.

Walz, 60, began coaching as the defensive coordinator at Mankato West when the team was in the midst of an 0-27 losing streak. Three years later, in 1999, the team won its first-ever Minnesota high school football state championship.

Tim Walz’s Son Breaks into Tears

Gus Walz sat in the front row during the biggest moment of his father’s life, his pride overflowing.

“That’s my dad!” the 17-year-old exclaimed, standing with tears streaming down his face as he pointed to his father, Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, who was accepting the Democratic nomination for vice president in front of thousands in a packed arena and millions more watching at home.

The teen’s exuberance captured hearts and quickly went viral, becoming the defining image of his father’s speech and further humanizing a running mate chosen by Vice President Kamala Harris, in large part for his everyman appeal.

Gus wept throughout much of his father’s speech, and when it was over, he climbed on stage with his family, wrapping his dad in a tight bear hug and burying his face in his shoulder.

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