He Struggled to Balance Being an Elder Statesman and a Kingmaker: Highlights and Lowlights From Night 2 of the Convention

 Welcome to Opinion’s commentary on Night 2 of the Democratic National Convention. In this special feature, Times Opinion writers rate the evening on a scale from 0 to 10: 0 means it was a disaster for Kamala Harris; 10 means it could result in a significant polling boost. Here’s what our columnists and contributors thought of the event, which featured speeches from Bernie Sanders, Chuck Schumer, Doug Emhoff, and Michelle and Barack Obama.

Best Moments

Kristen Soltis Anderson, Contributing Opinion Writer: Doug Emhoff’s portrayal of Kamala Harris as a “joyful warrior” could be a powerful theme for the coming months.

Binyamin Appelbaum, Member of the Editorial Board: The state roll call, energized by rapper Lil Jon as Georgia’s hype man, was a standout moment.

Josh Barro, Author of the Newsletter Very Serious: Democrats presented a clear contrast between Harris’s plans to lower drug costs, build three million homes, and provide tax cuts to over 100 million Americans, versus what she described as Donald Trump’s plans to repeal Obamacare and introduce a national sales tax to benefit billionaires. Expect to see this featured in upcoming ads.

Charles M. Blow, Times Columnist: Michelle Obama’s direct swipes at Trump were powerful. She hasn’t, and may never, get over the way Trump harassed her family—a grudge worth holding.

Michelle Cottle, Political Writer for Opinion: Both Barack and Michelle Obama delivered impactful speeches. Hers had more edge, but both were equally compelling, and I refuse to choose between them.

Liam Donovan, Republican Strategist: Amid the anti-Trump rhetoric, Emhoff’s speech stood out as the first to focus on Kamala Harris, the person. It was disarming, self-deprecating, and humanizing—resonating well with viewers at home.

Michelle Goldberg, Times Columnist: Michelle Obama’s speech was therapeutic for Democrats still mourning the loss of hope under Trump and anxious about his possible return.

Matt Labash, Author of the Newsletter Slack Tide: Emhoff was a delightful surprise—warm, funny, natural, and clearly in love with his spouse. It was a refreshing and genuine moment.

Worst Moments

Anderson: The hour after California cast its delegates to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” dragged on, deflating the momentum. Anyone tuning in expecting must-watch TV likely felt disappointed.

Appelbaum: Illinois Governor JB Pritzker tried to one-up Trump, declaring, “Take it from an actual billionaire: Trump is rich in only one thing—stupidity!” The attempt fell flat.

Barro: Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers struggled to remember Harris’s name, creating an awkward moment.

Blow: The early speakers slowed the program’s pace.

Cottle: Bernie Sanders’ long list of policy demands felt out of sync with the convention’s mood. His shouty, grumpy-old-man persona didn’t fit the vibe.

Donovan: It was surreal to see Pritzker, a hotel heir, use his wealth to criticize Trump, just minutes after Sanders handed him the stage.

Goldberg: Although I’m a Pritzker fan, his “actual billionaire” remark felt off-key at a convention focused on middle-class issues.

Labash: It’s great to see Democrats having fun, but watching Chuck Schumer dance his way to the lectern was cringeworthy—a moment I wish I could erase from memory.

Other Notable Moments

Anderson: Lil Jon’s appearance during Georgia’s delegate count likely sparked discussions in many “elder millennial” group chats. It was a much more effective use of celebrity than preachy speeches.

Appelbaum: Sanders reminded everyone that politics is ultimately about policy, even as he brought a serious tone to the evening.

Barro: The high-energy, D.J.-led roll call may not have been electorally significant, but it was fun to watch, especially when Lil Jon appeared.

Blow: Barack Obama carefully balanced his role as an elder statesman with his efforts to solidify Harris as Joe Biden’s successor and the natural heir to his legacy.

Cottle: The Emhoff segment was adorable, from the video intro narrated by his son to his hilarious recounting of how he met Harris. His shout-out to his “motha” was the cherry on top.

Donovan: The roll call demonstrated the party’s enthusiasm for the ticket and the palpable relief felt by those in the convention hall. Surprisingly enjoyable to watch, even just for the walk-up music.

Goldberg: Despite Republican attempts to accuse Democrats of antisemitism, Tuesday night showcased a party that truly welcomes Jewish voices, with speakers like Schumer, Sanders, Pritzker, and Emhoff taking the stage.

Labash: If Trump is re-elected and tries to repeal the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two terms, Barack Obama might want to consider running again. Love him or hate him, he still packs a punch.