The Democratic National Convention begins today in Chicago, meaning the highest-ranking elected official remaining in Rhode Island over the next few days will likely be the mayor of North Providence. Charlie Lombardi (he’s not governor this week, that’s not how it works).
president Joe Biden should pass the torch to the Vice President Kamala Harris during a prime-time speech tonight, but no Rhode Island resident is expected to play a central role at the party’s convention this week.
Things were different 60 years ago.
In 1964, when the nation was still reeling from the assassination of the President, John F. Kennedy, president Lyndon Johnson turned to the first Italian-American elected to the U.S. Senate to unite Democrats behind his campaign: Rhode Island John Pastor.
In fact, thanks to the University of Virginia’s Secret White House Tapes project, you can listen to a recording of Johnson asking Pastore to deliver the convention keynote address. Click here to listen.
Pastore did not disappoint.
In his speech, he celebrated the passage of the Civil Rights Act and warned that the Republican Party had been taken over by an “element of extremism,” namely the presidential candidate of US Senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona.
“Our party faces a clear challenge — and we are ready to meet it,” Pastore said. “Together, we will preserve the hard-won progress of a great people. And we are here this week to renew our promise that our great society will move forward.” You can read Pastore’s full speech here (h/t Providence College Archives).
This story first appeared in Rhode Map, our free newsletter about Rhode Island, which also includes information about local events, links to interesting stories and more. To receive it by email Monday through Friday, You can register here.
Dan McGowan can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @danmcgowan.
