The last two weeks have been an absolute whirlwind for collegiettes following the presidential race. The Republican National Convention in Tampa, followed by the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, amounted to two weeks of speeches, slogans, and soundbites.
If you missed the conventions altogether, or just want to relive the glory of American democracy doing its thing, here–in the words of fellow collegiettes–are some of the highlights:
Republican National Convention
At the Republican National Convention, Mitt Romney formally accepted his party’s nomination for president…but not before an abundance of addresses and endorsements were made by some of the party’s most renowned and recognizable leaders.
For Bee, a junior at Princeton, the RNC’s overall emphasis on “The American Dream” resonated deeply. This was particularly true in a speech given by former Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice.
Condoleezza Rice, the first African-American woman to serve as Secretary of State, recounted her personal journey–which took her from the segregated south to one of the highest offices in the land.
Rice’s speech was a highlight for Bee, who explained:
“As an American and as a conservative, it is very important to me that I have the ability to accomplish and possess something great from my work. something that I built, something that i can be proud of, something that I can profit from. Not something that was given to me, something that I earned — that i can keep, and that my children can keep.”
Bee also saw this theme in Vice Presidential nominee Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan’s acceptance speech. Ryan is best known for his economic policies, policies that he argues would create a brighter future for young people graduating into high unemployment rates. Bee highlighted this quote from Ryan’s address:
“College graduates should not have to live out their 20s in their childhood bedrooms staring up at fading Obama posters and wondering when they can move out and get going with life.”
Lest you think that the convention was a completely serious affair, it’s worth noting one of it’s most humorous moments– a quest appearance by Clint Eastwood that had viewers from both sides of the aisle laughing.
His unique performance was certainly memorable, and included in our collegiette’s highlights:
“Clint Eastwood talking to a chair..or invisible Obama….I almost cried because it was too much!”
–Jennifer, Bowdoin College ’13
Democratic National Convention
Not to be outdone, the DNC brought a politically star-studded affair to North Carolina. The list of speakers leading up to President Barack Obama’s acceptance speech included remarks from his wife Michelle.
“Michelle Obama expressed such poise and humility in her speech at the DNC. I appreciate the fact that she is aware to the social issues and needs of this country. Even though she’s the first lady she has such a strong presence.”
–Sarah, Principia College ’13
Other collegiettes were most moved by the president himself…
“I watched Obama’s speech with the NYU College Democrats. The environment was great — tons of people who shared similar ideas all cheering at the same moments. It definitely made me more excited to hear the speech and get involved in the election!”
–Hannah, NYU ’15
One collegiette points out a line in the President’s speech that garnered huge applause and cheers from the DNC crowd:
“I have to admit that when watching the DNC, I got chills when President Obama said ‘ I’m no longer just a candidate; I am the president’. I loved how he paused for emphasis and let that fact sink in. I think the reason that was my favorite moment is because it made me realize that we truly have come a long way as a nation and we really do have a president that isn’t Caucasian. As crazy as it sounds, I never thought I would see a black president in my lifetime; it just seemed that being white was one of the requirements to run the country. Not anymore.”
–Junene, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Former president Bill Clinton also got rave reviews for his speech, but for Mia–a senior at Amherst College–it was Zach Wahl’s defense of his mothers’ marriage that resounded.
A small, but nonethless important, moment for the convention:
” It was brief, but it drew attention to the growing so-called “hot-button” issue of same-sex marriage. The coverage panned the audience during the speech and I was surprised at the obvious enthusiasm of the crowd. Perhaps it was timing, but Zach Wahls’ endorsement of Obama, coupled with footage of Mitt Romney speaking with a gay Vietnam War veteran, seemed to highlight what will be one of the seriously divisive issues in this election season.”
Want more highlights? Here some links to explore. Plan to cast a vote, and stay informed!
—Ann Romney speaking at the RNC
––FL Senator Marco Rubio speaking at the RNC
—MA Governor Deval Patrick speaking at DNC
––MA Senate Candidate Elizabeth Warren speaking at DNC
–Women’s Rights Advocate Sandra Fluke addressing DNC
Photo Sources:
Salon
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