State Champ Radio Democratic Party
The elected leadership of the Democratic Party isn’t fiery enough to oppose the threat of President Trump’s administration, according to several candidates running nationwide in key races, as well as a large swath of the party’s voters. The key targets for their ire have been House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senator Chuck Schumer, particularly as Trump has mocked them since his return.
Currently, the list of challengers are younger, like progressive influencer Kat Abughazaleh who is running to succeed retiring Illinois representative Jan Schakowsky. “You need to show the people that you’re angry — and not just that you’re angry, that you’re going to do something about it,” she said to Axios.
That was echoed by attorney Patrick Roath, who is challenging Massachusetts Representative Stephen Lynch. “People are angry, they are frustrated, they are deeply dismayed by what they are seeing, of course by the Trump administration, but honestly a lot is a profound disappointment with the Democrats,” he said.
Love News? Get more! Join the Hip-Hop Wired Newsletter
We care about your data. See our privacy policy.
The pressure of the current government shutdown, now in its third week, is also applying pressure on the established Democratic leadership. Jeffries has gained staunch support among Democrats in the House of Representatives for not being willing to move away from their demands for healthcare to be preserved from cuts by Republicans and Donald Trump. Schumer reportedly floated a stopgap bill to reopen the government, drawing criticism and prompting him to reverse course.
That kind of conciliatory move with a Republican administration that has demonstrated their unwillingness to care is not one these candidates look to employ. “I am not a ‘when they go low, we go high’ [person]. I’m not that kind of girl,” said Texas state representative Jolanda Jones, one of the Texas Democrats who took a stand against GOP gerrymandering in the state earlier this year. “If they go low, I’m going to the gutter.”
Despite the support in the House, Jeffries has faced reports that some might not back his bid to be Speaker should Democrats regain control of that body of Congress. Schumer, who isn’t up for re-election until 2028, has less room to maneuver as several members of the Senate are up for re-election next year, including some vulnerable seats.
—
Photo: Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Chip Somodevilla / Getty
Roll call votes at political conventions are often seen as routine, even dull, but on Tuesday (Aug. 20), the Democratic Party turned tradition on its head, delivering an electrifying dance party during their convention.
DJ Cassidy, dressed sharply in a royal blue satin double-breasted suit, set the stage by spinning a carefully curated playlist that captured the essence of each state and territory as they pledged their delegates to Vice President Kamala Harris. What unfolded was a musical journey across America, featuring everything from Detroit native Eminem’s iconic “Lose Yourself” for Michigan, to Dropkick Murphys’ “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” for Massachusetts, and Tupac Shakur’s “California Love” for California.
Georgia’s delegation took the celebration to the next level, with Atlanta’s own Lil Jon making a live appearance at Chicago’s United Center, energizing the crowd to the beats of his hit “Turn Down for What,” a collaboration with DJ Snake.
The Democrats’ approach was clear: they aimed to infuse their convention with joy and optimism, a vibrant counterbalance to the serious messages about the importance of defeating Republican nominee Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
This year’s roll call echoed the innovative video roll call of the 2020 convention, held during the pandemic, which famously featured Rhode Island’s calamari presentation. That moment set a high bar, compelling the Democrats to up the ante in 2024. (Ironically, the chef behind that tray of calamari was later revealed to be a Trump supporter.)
Emerging political leaders like Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear were front and center during this year’s roll call. The star-studded event also featured movie director Spike Lee representing New York and actor Sean Astin, known for his role in the football film “Rudy,” joining the Indiana delegation.
While the musical choices brought a festive atmosphere, they also carried a degree of risk. The 1996 Democratic convention in Chicago is still remembered for the awkward spectacle of delegates attempting the Macarena to Los del Río’s “Macarena (Bayside Boys Remix).” That moment continues to circulate as a lighthearted political memory decades later.
Florida made a pointed statement by choosing Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” as their roll call anthem, subtly jabbing at Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. Petty, a Gainesville native, had his song co-opted by DeSantis for his unsuccessful presidential primary campaign, making Florida’s choice all the more symbolic. “Florida is worth fighting for,” declared state Democratic chairwoman Nikki Fried, emphasizing the importance of national Democrats investing in a state that has shifted sharply to the right.
Other musical highlights included Alabama’s inevitable choice of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama,” Alaska’s nod to Wasilla’s own Portugal. The Man with “Feel It Still,” and Minnesota’s tribute to Prince with “1999.” Indiana, with Astin at the helm, played Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough,” Nevada went with Las Vegas-born The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside,” Kansas opted for the rock classic “Carry On My Wayward Son” by Kansas, and New Jersey paid homage to Bruce Springsteen with “Born in the USA.”
Despite the celebratory tone, the roll call wasn’t without its poignant moments. Texas delegate Kate Cox shared a personal and emotional story, recounting how she was forced to seek an abortion out of state after being denied the procedure by the Texas Supreme Court. Amid this backdrop, Cox joyfully announced that she is expecting again, with her baby due in January.
Under the Democratic Party’s rules, Vice President Kamala Harris was the only candidate to receive enough nominations to be formally entered into contention. Votes cast for other candidates or as uncommitted were recorded as “present” during the earlier virtual roll call. Tuesday’s lively and symbolic roll call was a reflection of the results of that earlier vote.
The Democrats’ roll call vote, transformed into a joyous celebration, showcased their commitment to energizing their base while delivering a powerful message of unity and purpose.
The full list:
-
Pages
