In 1996, former President Lyndon B. Johnson would have made quite a scene if he had walked into the United Center, decades after his first nomination. Now, over 30 years after Bill Clinton’s first run for president, he’s back at the same Chicago venue, speaking in support of Kamala Harris.
Clinton was only 46 when he became one of the youngest U.S. presidents, behind Teddy Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy, his childhood hero. Fast forward to today, and at 78, he’s no longer the energetic leader he once was but remains a significant figure in American politics.
Throughout his life, Clinton has often been written off, only to come back stronger. Health scares, including heart issues and quadruple-bypass surgery, haven’t kept him down. Once known for indulging in McDonald’s cheeseburgers, he’s now a vegan and noticeably slimmer. However, time has taken a toll—he appears frail, and his once-strong Southern drawl is now a softer whisper. Yet, familiar gestures like his lip bite and finger-pointing style, inspired by Kennedy, are still there.
Clinton’s role in the political scene has also shifted as culture evolves. Back in 1992, when he was first nominated, Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop” was the anthem of hope for tomorrow. But at this year’s convention, it’s all about youth, social media, and a modern energy that Clinton’s generation once led. His message of “opportunity and responsibility” has given way to Harris’s focus on “freedom.”
Despite the controversies of his past, including the sexual misconduct that led to his impeachment, Clinton remains an iconic figure in the Democratic Party. The #MeToo movement has put a harsher spotlight on his actions, but Harris and her team decided to give him a prominent spot, reflecting his still-significant influence.
Clinton’s career can be traced through political conventions. In 1980, as a young governor, he delivered a eulogy for Harry Truman. His latest speech marks his 12th convention appearance, filled with ups and downs.
One of Clinton’s lowest points was in 1988, when his keynote speech was poorly received in Atlanta. The audience barely paid attention, and someone had to prompt him to finish. The loudest applause came when he finally said, “In conclusion.” Some thought his presidential dreams were over. But just four years later, he was on his way to the White House.
Ironically, one of Clinton’s best speeches wasn’t at his own conventions in 1992 or 1996, but in 2012 at Barack Obama’s re-election convention. There was tension between the two after Obama defeated Hillary in 2008. Yet, Obama needed help to explain his policy successes to the public, something he struggled with. Clinton stepped in and used his folksy style to connect with voters in a way Obama couldn’t, making a strong case for his re-election.
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Clinton shares a similar love for politics as Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. His passion is undeniable—back in 1996, he stayed late at his last campaign stop, shaking hands until even the janitor had left. You can bet he’ll want to do something similar tonight.
