At the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, the atmosphere turned electric when the crowd erupted into chants of “lock him up” as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton addressed the audience. The chant, a twist on the “lock her up” refrain that dominated Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, resonated throughout the convention hall. The original chant had been a staple of Trump’s rallies, where he often attacked Clinton’s record as secretary of state, particularly her use of a private email server, and vowed to see her imprisoned.
Clinton’s Reaction to the Chants
Clinton, now 76, did not engage directly with the chants. As the crowd’s energy surged, she attempted to speak over the noise but quickly realized the momentum was growing. Choosing to let the moment play out, Clinton stood at the podium, smiling and nodding in acknowledgment until the audience settled down. Her silent response allowed the crowd’s enthusiasm to speak volumes without adding fuel to the already intense political rhetoric.
The chants were triggered after Clinton took aim at Trump’s ongoing legal issues, mocking him for reportedly falling asleep in a Manhattan courtroom during his hush-money trial earlier this summer. “When he woke up,” Clinton quipped, “he made his own kind of history: the first person to run for president with 34 felony convictions.” This jab at Trump’s legal entanglements sent the crowd into a frenzy, leading to the loud and sustained chant of “lock him up.”
Context of Trump’s Convictions
In May, a Manhattan jury found Trump guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. These charges were related to hush money payments made ahead of the 2016 election to a porn star who claimed she had an affair with Trump. Although Trump is scheduled for sentencing next month, legal experts suggest that a prison sentence is unlikely due to the non-violent nature of the offense and his status as a first-time offender.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who is running for re-election alongside Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, has been cautious about similar chants at her campaign rallies. Harris has reportedly attempted to downplay the “lock him up” rhetoric at her events, possibly to avoid the fiery atmosphere that characterized Trump’s rallies in 2016. NBC News has suggested that any perceived endorsement of such chants by Harris could further complicate the pending federal criminal charges Trump faces, including those related to the January 6th Capitol riot and alleged interference in the 2020 election, both of which are under investigation by special counsel Jack Smith.
Clinton’s Inspirational Message to Democrats
Despite the focus on Trump’s legal troubles, Clinton’s speech also sought to inspire the Democratic delegates in attendance. She highlighted the historic nature of Harris’s candidacy, saying, “The future is here,” which was met with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. Clinton’s remarks, which included a poignant reflection on the significance of the moment for women, drew sustained applause and standing ovations. “I wish my mother and Kamala’s mother could see us,” Clinton added, a statement that deeply resonated with the audience and underscored the historic nature of Harris’s vice presidency.
As Clinton spoke, her impact on the audience was palpable. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Harris’s running mate, was visibly moved, mouthing “wow” as Clinton took the stage. Meanwhile, his wife, Gwen Walz, was seen wiping away tears during Clinton’s remarks, highlighting the emotional weight of the occasion.
The Democratic National Convention in Chicago became a pivotal moment not just for the party’s unity but also for the ongoing narrative surrounding Donald Trump’s legal challenges. Clinton’s decision to let the crowd’s chants of “lock him up” resonate without direct comment allowed the Democratic base to express its frustration while maintaining a focus on the historic nature of Harris’s candidacy. As the 2024 election approaches, these moments are likely to become defining features of a highly charged political landscape.
Featured image credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr
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