The last time Democrats held a convention at the United Center was in 1996 when Bill Clinton accepted the nomination for his second term as president. Now, nearly three decades later, the former president, 78, is returning to the same stage on Wednesday to endorse Vice President Harris.
This will be Clinton’s 12th consecutive speech at a Democratic convention, and insiders say it will focus on optimism and hope during a turbulent time for the party following President Biden’s decision to exit the race. The speech will also take sharp, headline-grabbing digs at former President Trump, contrasting Harris’s leadership qualities with Trump’s and emphasizing her suitability for the presidency.
On Tuesday, Clinton was still fine-tuning his remarks, which are expected to appeal to swing voters—those who have supported both Biden and Trump in previous elections but remain undecided or disillusioned. According to Jamal Simmons, a longtime Clinton and Harris aide, Clinton’s ability to speak to the significance of this moment sets him apart.
While Clinton and Harris don’t have a long history, they’ve connected several times since she became the nominee, including at the funeral of former Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. Clinton's endorsement of Harris, just 19 minutes after Biden's, reflected his and Hillary Clinton's strong opposition to a contentious convention.
Harris’s team also includes several former Clinton aides, such as her former chief of staff, Tina Flournoy, and her current chief of staff, Lorraine Voles, who once worked for Hillary Clinton. Both Harris and Clinton are close to Minyon Moore, who is leading the convention, underscoring the strong ties between their political circles.
Clinton, who has stayed largely out of the public eye recently, has been working on a new book, "Citizen," and preparing for the Clinton Global Initiative in September. Before Biden dropped out, Clinton participated in a fundraiser for him with former President Obama. His 2012 convention speech, where he explained the economic reasons for Obama’s reelection, earned him the title of “explainer in chief.”
However, Clinton’s legacy has faced criticism in the #MeToo era. Commentators like S.E. Cupp have argued that Democrats should distance themselves from Clinton due to his past policies and personal controversies, suggesting that his influence no longer aligns with the party’s future direction.
Despite these concerns, sources say Clinton’s upcoming speech will stand out for its wisdom and perspective, offering insights drawn from his unique vantage point over decades of Democratic politics. Though different from Obama’s more recent address, Clinton’s voice remains valued for his long view of the party's evolution.
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