Kamala Harris introduced herself to the nation she aspires to lead during the climactic moment of the Democratic National Convention on Thursday night. Despite the buzz about potential surprise guests, Beyoncé’s only presence was on the loudspeakers.
In a quintessential convention scene broadcast to the nation, Harris, her running mate, and their families were enveloped in cheers from supporters and a cascade of balloons descending from the rafters. The night unfolded with an anticipatory air not only for Harris but also for the rumored appearances of mega-stars Taylor Swift or Beyoncé. Harris had embraced Beyoncé’s song “Freedom” as a campaign anthem, adding to the speculation.
NBC’s Savannah Guthrie voiced the expectation: “If she’s not, they better come up with something.” An NBC reporter roamed the convention floor, gauging delegates’ reactions to a potential Beyoncé cameo. Stationed by the stage, NBC’s Kelly O’Donnell noted a curtain had newly obstructed her once-clear backstage view, fueling the rumors further.
Speculation swirled online, reaching a fever pitch when Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee, quipped on X: “Contrary to false news posts, I am not the surprise guest at the DNC tonight. My guess is that it will be Beyoncé or Taylor Swift. So disappointing, I know!” Even Emmy Ruiz, the White House director of political strategy and outreach, got in on the fun, posting a bee emoji on her X account, which she later attributed to her 6-year-old using her phone.
The buildup carried potential risks. Would viewers be disenchanted without the superstar appearance? Moreover, could such an appearance overshadow Harris’s big night? Ultimately, the Hollywood Reporter defused expectations, publishing a piece half an hour before Harris’s appearance. With “Freedom” playing over the sound system, a representative for Beyoncé clarified, “Beyoncé was never scheduled to be there. The report of a performance is untrue.”
The convention blended entertainment and politics, featuring appearances by Stevie Wonder, Pink, John Legend, the Chicks, Lil Jon, and Jason Isbell. Unlike the Democrats’ headline speakers earlier in the week, who appeared after prime time for East Coast viewers, Harris took the stage just after 10:30 p.m., delivering her speech for 37 minutes. This stood in silent contrast to her opponent, Donald Trump, whose 92-minute GOP nomination acceptance speech last month extended past midnight Eastern time.
Pundits highlighted the forceful nature of Harris’s address, notably on foreign policy issues. CNN’s Audie Cornish observed, “People have been talking about her as a joyful warrior. We heard more warrior.” Fox News’ Brit Hume remarked that President Biden might have delivered a similar speech, yet not with Harris’s vigor. “It was very strong,” Hume concluded. ABC News analyst Donna Brazile praised Harris, stating, “Tonight you heard a woman inspired by her mother to dream big and by her father to be fearless.”
Robert Costa of CBS News agreed, describing Harris’s words as opening a new chapter in the American story. “But we’re looking ahead to something that could be tumultuous for the country, as it deals with two parties truly pulling at the definition of what it means to be an American,” Costa noted.
Trump, meanwhile, provided a running commentary on his Truth Social account during Harris’s speech. “A lot of talk about childhood, we’ve got to get to the Border, Inflation and Crime!” he posted.
