Democrats offer virtual vision for an inclusive America. Your turn, Republicans

It turns out the crowds, the balloons and confetti were merely froufrou, just window dressing. Stripped down, it was even easier for the themes of this week’s Democratic National Convention — and the party’s vision for the future — to break through.

The Democrats’ unity on display could be a bit ripe for parody, for sure, a little like seeing Sylvester and Tweety Bird declaring a temporary truce before the inevitable chase continues. The scenes of comity — Republicans crossing over to extol the character of Joe Biden, progressives vowing to work with moderates — would most certainly be replaced by the usual infighting and struggles for policy influence even, or especially, if Democrats win big in November. That’s the Democratic and (small “d” democratic) way.

Sometimes a “big tent” gets awfully crowded, and messy. And with Democrats, the mess can sometimes overwhelm the message or, as in 2016 when Bernie Sanders’ supporters were still complaining loudly on the convention floor, consume it.

But that oft-used expression, that diversity is America’s strength, so often mocked as cliché, still has the ability to provoke a sentimental misty eye if offered with sincerity. And when a loud segment of America obviously rejects it, captured on way too many angry viral videos — well, that’s when it becomes more important to protect the promise.

“Uniting America” has been the message of the Democratic National Convention and the party’s campaign, virtual and otherwise, moving into the fall. Democrats are betting the country is exhausted and pushed to the brink by challenges that an entertainer in chief is ill-equipped to handle.

Mary C. Curtis: Lawmakers Work On Police Reform Legislation

CHARLOTTE, NC — WCCB political contributor Mary C. Curtis talks police reform as lawmakers of both parties work on a legislation.

POLITICAL WRAP: White House Staffer Tests Positive for Coronavirus; Latest on Michael Flynn

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Trump administration’s push to reopen is rattled as new cases hit close to home. Three members of the coronavirus task force will quarantine after exposure to a staffer who tested positive.

And Vice President Mike Pence says he’d be “happy” to see Michael Flynn back in the administration. It comes as the Justice Department drops the criminal case against the President’s first national security adviser.

That decision, eliciting praise from President Trump and criticism from former President Obama.

Our political contributor Mary C. Curtis has more in the video above.

Mary C. Curtis: Battle Escalates Between Trump, Governors

CHARLOTTE, NC — President Trump is now walking back on his words that he has absolute authority to decide when its time to reopen the economy.

The president now says he will leave it to governors to determine when to reopen states.

Political contributor Mary C. Curtis weighs in on the debate.

Opinion: The Obama Effect — Pros and Cons for Republicans and Democrats

Barack Obama, the charismatic former president, can cause a scene just by walking into a coffee shop, as the rapturous crowds in usually blase New York City demonstrated at one of his cameos. So as he gently re-entered the public and policy eye this week, it’s no surprise that he could throw both Democrats and Republicans off balance — though of course for very different reasons.

 

Obama and Trump: Two Presidents, Same God

If Franklin Graham did not actually endorse Donald Trump’s bid for the presidency, he stepped right up to the line — the one separating church and state. Graham was absolutely giddy post-election, when he gave credit to a force greater than the electorate. The evangelist and president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse credited the “God factor” for Trump’s poll-defying win.

You might be seeing a lot of Graham, starting at Friday’s inauguration where he is one of the faith leaders invited to offer a prayer for America’s new president. It marks a resurgence of a familiar name when it comes to mingling politics and religion, and a continuation of a tradition in a country that doesn’t have an official faith but celebrates a National Day of Prayer and seems most comfortable with leaders who praise a higher power.

 

The Obama Legacy As the Trump Era Nears

As Barack Obama moves out of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Mike Collins and guests look at his legacy and how the hope he ushered in can stand up to the change that’s about to happen.

What Would Martin Luther King Jr. Think of Obama, Followed by Trump?

President Barack Obama and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. have both been praised for their sweeping rhetorical skills, an ability to seize the moment and provide the comfort and inspiration needed. Even their detractors — and they have plenty — would admit this. To live up to his own history, President Obama had a nearly impossible task in his farewell speech on Tuesday night from his adopted hometown of Chicago.

There was also the irony of the week to come, bookended by a celebration of the life and works of King and the inauguration of the next president, Donald Trump. After all, few would place “I have a dream” and “She should be in prison” in the same universe of lofty oratory.

 

President Obama’s Farewell Speech and His Legacy

CHARLOTTE, NC —  President Obama’s farewell message: “Yes we can. Yes we did.” The outgoing Commander in Chief also used his speech to encourage Americans to get out of their comfort zones and get more involved in politics. Our political contributor, Mary C. Curtis, joins us to weigh in on his legacy and his final message as president.

President Obama’s Legacy and the Affordable Care Act

CHARLOTTE, NC — President Obama and incoming Vice President Mike Pence will both be on Capitol Hill today talking about Obamacare. Pence is scheduled to meet with House Republicans on how to repeal and replace the health care law. Meantime, the President will meet with Democrats to figure out how to save his signature legislation. WCCB Political Contributor Mary C. Curtis weighs in.