The vibrant spectacle of the Democratic National Convention has concluded, leaving behind a wave of goodwill across the nation. Democrats are Reclaiming Freedom and the American flag. According to mainstream media headlines, there’s a growing sense of relief, a new chapter is beginning, and this sentiment extends beyond just Democrats.
Since a certain privileged real estate mogul descended his golden escalator, the country has been in a state of discontent. Encouraged to harbour animosity towards our neighbours, a significant portion of the population did just that. Prompted to believe in strange conspiracies, many of us fell into that trap. Fueled by political violence, far too many crossed that line.
It’s been nearly a decade of struggle, an emotionally taxing period in American history that led many to genuinely question whether our democracy could endure. Perhaps Ben Franklin’s famous remark about a “Republic, if you can keep it,” was more insightful than merely cynical.
The recent response from the Democratic National Committee was clear: not only will we preserve our republic, but we will also ultimately realize its true promise.
Democrats are Reclaiming Freedom and the American flag
As both Harris and Walz emphasize their dedication to all Americans, regardless of their voting choices, the presence of cowboys, country music, and football players on stage indicates that the Harris communications team understands the power of imagery.
Democrats are once again embracing a bold form of flag-waving patriotism after what seemed like a forced pause. The numerous images of Trump awkwardly handling the flag had become off-putting, turning a cherished American symbol into a mere prop. Just as it feels hypocritical for Christians to neglect the needy, waving the flag after Trump’s supporters assaulted police officers with it felt deeply wrong.
That sentiment has changed. Harris and Walz are reclaiming flags and the concept of “freedom” as expressions of patriotism, prominently displayed in large letters behind many speakers who addressed how Republicans have distorted both.
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Freedom has become a political tool for Republicans, often used in a way that contradicts its true meaning. Democrats are Reclaiming Freedom and the American flag
Take the so-called Freedom Caucus, for instance, which aims to limit personal rights like voting, same-sex marriage, and abortion. Meanwhile, the Freedom Foundation works to dismantle worker organizations and unions. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Christian nationalist who dismisses science that contradicts his views, labels his legislative agenda as “Individual Freedom.” Trump even went as far as to co-opt Kamala Harris’ authorized use of Beyoncé’s “Freedom” soundtrack, prompting a cease and desist notice to his campaign.
During last week’s Democratic convention, Tim Walz, while accepting the vice presidential nomination, explained the distinction:
“When we Democrats talk about freedom, we mean the freedom to create a better life for yourself and your loved ones. The freedom to make your own healthcare choices. And yes, the freedom for your children to attend school without the fear of being shot.
“When Republicans talk about freedom, they mean the government should have the right to intrude into your doctor’s office. Corporations should be free to pollute your air and water. And banks should be free to exploit their customers.”
He might have added that freedom for Republicans means religious zealots on the Supreme Court are free to pervert the Establishment Clause to impose Christianity on the nation even as they deny equal protection to half the country.
Trump-Vance amplifies division; Harris-Walz reach across the aisle
By choosing J.D. Vance as his running mate, Trump is reinforcing his focus on culture wars. Rather than trying to broaden the MAGA base to attract moderates, he is concentrating on a more limited segment of the electorate. He claims he doesn’t need to reach out to voters because he believes Harris will “steal” the election anyway. Trump is laying the groundwork for Stop the Steal 2024, echoing the same false election claims he has been promoting since 2020.
In contrast, Harris and Walz are taking a different approach. They aim to avoid alienating MAGA voters who might, even momentarily, consider moving away from Trump. With their more centrist message, Harris and Walz are extending an olive branch, providing a way for those disillusioned by Trump’s harmful actions to feel justified in leaving his camp.
The culture wars championed by Trump and Vance, as pushed by Republicans in Congress, serve as a smokescreen to hide the GOP’s real agenda: protecting wealth. Trump attacks immigrants and vulnerable groups with one hand to divert attention from his actions with the other: lining his own pockets. He has openly stated that he views political donations as a means to secure favours. By inciting hatred—a powerful psychological tool—he keeps his base from realizing how he is benefiting his wealthy donors at their expense.
While Harris typically criticizes the desire to put others down, Walz highlights his achievements as Minnesota’s governor, noting that he signed a law to ensure “every kid in the state gets breakfast and lunch every day. So, while other states were banning books, we were banishing hunger.”