This year’s Democratic National Convention was historic, for obvious reasons. If you didn’t get a chance to watch it, or you missed the highlights, we’ve compiled them here for you. Here are the best moments from a Democratic National Convention that made history.
1. When this young disability rights advocate stole the show
Anastasia Somoza has cerebral palsy and spastic quadriplegia. She spoke passionately about Hillary Clinton’s work advocating for people with disabilities. At 1:03 she says:
“In a country where 56 million Americans with disabilities so often feel invisible, [Hillary Clinton] sees me.”
2. When Michelle Obama reminded us of this country’s history
Michelle Obama’s entire speech was fantastic. But of particular note was when she became the first person who’s lived in the White House to publicly acknowledge that her home was built by slaves.
3. When a 102-year-old delegate cast Arizona’s votes for Hillary Clinton
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WC47irkK3JM
You read that right. This woman is 102, meaning she was born before women even had the right to vote in this country, and she got to cast Arizona’s votes for the first female presidential nominee for a major party.
4. When Bernie Sanders made the motion to nominate Hillary Clinton
Bernie Sanders ran a remarkable campaign, and his ideas have undoubtedly changed the official Democratic Party platform for the better. Watch at 1:55, as Bernie Sanders takes the mic and enthusiastically motions to nominate Hillary Clinton by voice acclimation.
5. When Hillary shattered the glass ceiling
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OooVi_BmXrA
After she was formally nominated, Hillary appeared at the convention on video, shattering a digital glass ceiling. She said to all the little girls who had stayed up late to watch:
“I may become the first woman president, but one of you is next.”
6. When the Mothers of the Black Lives Movement bravely shared their stories
The mothers of Sandra Bland, Jordan Davis, and Trayvon Martin took the stage together, along with six other black mothers who had lost their children to violence and racial prejudice. They bravely shared their stories of loss, and implored everyone to vote for Hillary in order to prevent more mothers from suffering the grief that they have suffered.
7. When Joe Biden took down Donald Trump
Joe Biden gave an emotional and eloquent speech at the convention, speaking about the pain of losing his son, and the “unbreakable spirit of America.” He also took a few jabs at Donald Trump. He said:
“He has no clue about what makes America great. Actually, he has no clue, period.”
You want some ice for that burn, Trump?
8. When the mother of an Orlando victim said love trumps hate
Christine Leinonen, the mother of one of the Pulse nightclub shooting victims, spoke about how her son started the gay-straight alliance at his high school. When she said it was in her son Christopher’s DNA that “love always trumps hate,” the whole crowd chanted “love trumps hate.”
9. When Barack Obama reminded us why we love him
Barack Obama definitely captured the spirit of “love trumps hate” during his time on stage. When someone in the crowd said “I love you!” he said, “I love you back.” And when Hillary Clinton joined him on stage at the end, we all felt the love.
10. When this woman became the first transgender person to speak at a national convention
Nominating a woman for president was not the only historic event that happened at this convention. Sarah McBride also became the first transgender person ever to address a national political convention.
11. When Hillary said “The sky’s the limit”
Probably the best quote from Hillary’s speech was:
“When there are no ceilings, the sky’s the limit.”
She reminded us that the advancement of the rights of women, or any other minority, opens new opportunities for everyone.
12. When former Pres. Bill Clinton fought back tears when his daughter Chelsea spoke…and later, when our next president spoke
.@HillaryClinton praises @timkaine: "You will soon see why the people of Va. keep promoting him" pic.twitter.com/YNG3QLY4A4 — Politics Insider (@Politicsinsider) July 29, 2016 BILL CLINTON FIGHTING TEARS IS ALL OF US #DemsInPhilly #DemConvention pic.twitter.com/Mg2fsM0fkO — Jordan Hughes (@JayHillary) July 29, 2016 Featured image: YouTube screengrab from Global News