A cult of personality that leaves others clutching their pearls
I find myself on the floor of a bustling arena in Chicago, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Kamala Harris.
It’s been almost three hours now. The atmosphere is chaotic, with thousands of us crammed together, swaying, hot, and uncomfortable under the bright lights. Everywhere I look, people are holding up tall “Kamala” signs, shouting, screaming, and cheering. Music blares in the background.
This intensity has been escalating over the past few nights, building up to a 96-hour frenzy like a psycho war dance.
To grasp the magnitude of what transpires at this year’s Democratic National Convention – the rapid transition from one candidate to another – one only needs to look around the arena. It’s as if a $200 million whirlwind has swept through, engulfing 5,000 delegates in new slogans, merchandise, buzzwords, ideas, and emotions like hope and joy overnight, erasing everything else from memory.
References to Joe Biden, Jill, Hunter, and their rebellious Secret Service-challenging dog, Commander, are all but forgotten. Even when Biden himself makes an appearance at the convention, the response is muted. The convention is ruthless yet awe-inspiring.
I approach delegates from California, Georgia, and Minnesota to gauge their confidence in Harris’ ability to succeed. This is a pivotal speech for her, marking a significant convention in 40 years. Their response is unanimous, “YAAASSS.” They describe her as brilliant, amazing, and hail her as “Mizz Kamala.”
The attire at the convention is unconventional. Everyone around me is dressed in Kamala-inspired outfits: pearls, skinny jeans, and Converse shoes, even the men. Conversations with individuals like Chuck, a retired web designer from Minnesota sporting pearls, or a male delegate from California in a choker and Kamala makeup, feel surreal.
As speakers recount stories of some childhood adversity faced by Harris or her culinary skills, they repeatedly emphasize, “That’s Kamala!” It’s as if they’ve known her forever, needing a six-year-old – Harris’s great-niece – to correct them on the pronunciation of her name (“comma” followed by “la”).
There’s a mix of genteel elderly black women and Ryan Murphy fans clad in trendy chinos and stripes as I arrive at the convention center on Monday. Everyone appears to be 45, regardless of their actual age, except for VP candidate Tim Walz, strategically chosen to represent the older demographic. A VIP lounge caters to 200 TikTok influencers, who perceive themselves as enthusiasts of “Congress” or “public policy.”
Some influencers, like one from California, describe themselves as “anti-authoritarian” and experts on Nancy Pelosi. The politicization of the event is evident through various sponsorships and promotions, including a delegate and performer debuting a Kamala-inspired song promoting “upliftment and engagement.”
Celebrities on a blue carpet outside the convention hall engage in interviews and cameo appearances. One star, BenDeLaCreme from “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” discusses his political funding group, Drag PAC, aimed at mobilizing queer voters and educating them on the political process.
Conversations at the convention range from quirky to profound. Topics like genital rights, abortion, and reproductive health dominate discussions. Attendees speak passionately about their beliefs while engaging in spirited debates.
Policy-wise, the convention prioritizes reproductive rights, with promises to uphold Roe v. Wade and expand access to abortion. Engaging in political discourse takes various forms, ranging from handing out morning-after pills to advocating for women’s empowerment.
Despite the serious undertones, the convention isn’t devoid of lighthearted moments. Speakers captivate the audience with compelling stories, anecdotes, and speeches that evoke strong emotions. Harris’ speech, although met with some disappointment, concludes the event, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement.
As the convention wraps up, there’s a sense of euphoria and anticipation lingering in the air. Fans pour out of the doors, mingling with celebrities and VIPs, creating a surreal yet electrifying atmosphere. The event may have ended, but the impact of Kamala Harris and her supporters lingers on, fueling aspirations for what lies ahead.
From The Times of London.
