August 18, 2020

The Democratic National Convention formally nominated Joe Biden as the Democratic candidate for the 2020 U.S. presidential election.


Milwaukee, United States | Democratic National Committee

Watercolor painting based depiction of The Democratic National Convention formally nominated Joe Biden as the Democratic candidate for the 2020 U.S. presidential election. (2020)

The Nomination of Joe Biden at the 2020 Democratic National Convention

On August 18, 2020, the Democratic National Convention (DNC) formally nominated Joe Biden as the Democratic candidate for the 2020 United States presidential election. This event marked a significant moment in American political history, as it set the stage for the general election against the incumbent President, Donald Trump.

Context and Background

The 2020 Democratic primary season was highly competitive, featuring a diverse field of candidates. Joe Biden, the former Vice President under Barack Obama, emerged as a frontrunner after a series of key victories in the primaries, notably the South Carolina primary, which revitalized his campaign. His appeal to a broad coalition of voters, including African Americans, moderates, and older voters, played a crucial role in his success.

The Convention

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 DNC was held virtually, a historic first for the party. The convention was originally scheduled to take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but was restructured to prioritize public health and safety. The virtual format included pre-recorded speeches and live broadcasts from various locations across the country.

Key Highlights

  • Nomination Process: On August 18, delegates from across the United States participated in a roll call vote, which was conducted remotely. This process officially confirmed Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee for President.

  • Speeches and Endorsements: The convention featured speeches from prominent Democratic figures, including former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, as well as Biden’s primary rivals, such as Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, who united to support his candidacy.

  • Kamala Harris: The convention also spotlighted Kamala Harris, who was nominated as the vice-presidential candidate. Harris made history as the first woman of African American and South Asian descent to be nominated for national office by a major party.

Aftermath and Significance

The nomination of Joe Biden at the DNC set the stage for a highly contentious and closely watched general election. The 2020 election was characterized by significant voter turnout and was conducted amid the challenges posed by the pandemic. Biden’s campaign focused on themes of unity, restoring the “soul of America,” and addressing the public health crisis.

Ultimately, Joe Biden won the presidency, defeating Donald Trump in the November 2020 election. His victory was seen as a pivotal moment in American politics, reflecting a shift in the political landscape and a response to the issues that defined the Trump administration.

The 2020 DNC and Biden’s subsequent election underscored the importance of adaptability in political campaigning and the power of coalition-building in American electoral politics.

Source: www.nytimes.com