Last night was absolutely electric. Perhaps the best way to describe what happened at the United Center Arena is to list the emotions felt around you: nostalgia for 2008, relief as the truth came out, hope making its “comeback” – as former First Lady Michelle Obama put it, safety, being protected and guarded by truly compassionate people, and most of all, the feeling that the future could be fun.
Before I get into the speeches and highlights from the televised portion of the evening, I’d like to share some thoughts from my notebook on the importance of fun in politics—and how an after-party I stayed at way too late offers a taste of the political style that Generation Z will bring to the Democratic Party.
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I like to think that the word “party” has at least two meanings for a reason. A political party, yes. And a party like that – with drinks, hats, music, something to eat… you know: atmosphere.
In recent years, sections of the political left have often complained that they somehow failed to throw better parties. Sure, she articulated a more humane vision for the future; she was pro-democracy – which is a major achievement these days, congratulations(!); she was serious about life-improving measures.
But if we’re honest, were the Democrats clearly and objectively the more entertaining party? Not necessarily (or perhaps not at all). There might be elements of gatekeeping, hair-splitting, bias, perfectionism and purity that got in the way of the good vibes. There was the constant warning of a treacherous future, which is true but, as I said, not very entertaining.
And then there was last night.
