As the fourth day of the convention unfolds, anticipation builds for the moment everyone has been waiting for: the presidential nominee’s acceptance speech. Traditionally, this night culminates in celebration, with confetti, balloons, and a sense of joy filling the air.

However, the 2024 Democratic Convention has turned conventions upside down. We’ve seen norms enhanced—like the Roll Call—and witnessed Barack Obama questioning why crowd size is so crucial. I will never recover from Lil Jon busting his way down to the floor, rocking the whole house with his sick beats.

We’ve also heard heart-wrenching testimonials based on people’s lives demonstrating why we must fight to preserve our democracy.

Here’s what to watch in the acceptance speech tonight from a process and political standpoint:

Tonight’s speech supports our democracy, regardless of party.

The democracy-driven purpose is to

• Present the candidate’s vision for the country.
• Articulate the party’s core values and principles.
• Rally the electorate around a shared purpose.

This speech is an opportunity for the candidate to speak directly to the American people, affirming their commitment to upholding democratic values and addressing the nation’s most pressing issues. It serves as a moment to unify the party, inspire confidence in leadership, and outline a path forward that reflects the will of the people.

Tonight’s speech has a political purpose.

Politically, the acceptance speech is designed to set the tone for the general election campaign. It aims to solidify the candidate’s platform, differentiate them from their opponent, and energize the party’s base.

The speech is also a strategic tool to appeal to undecided voters by addressing their concerns and aspirations. It should frame the campaign’s narrative, define the election’s stakes, and position the candidate as the most capable leader for the country.

What an Acceptance Speech Should Do

Unify the Party. The speech should unite different factions within the party and heal any rifts that may have emerged during the primaries.

Present a Clear Vision. It should clearly outline the candidate’s vision for the future, including policy priorities and the direction they intend to take the country.

Differentiate from Opponent. The speech should highlight the contrasts between the candidate and their opponent, emphasizing the strengths of the candidate’s platform.

Inspire and Motivate. The speech should inspire supporters’ hope, confidence, and enthusiasm and motivate them to participate actively in the campaign.

Fantastic examples of inspiring acceptance speeches that worked.

Barack Obama (2008) vs. John McCain

In his acceptance speech, Obama delivered a message of hope and change. His campaign slogans—”Yes We Can,” “Change We Can Believe In,” and “Hope”—became rallying cries for his supporters. He declared, “Tonight, I say to the American people, to Democrats and Republicans and Independents across this great land—enough!”

This speech set a hopeful tone for his campaign, focusing on unity and the potential for a brighter future, which resonated deeply with voters and carried through the remainder of his campaign.

President Obama served eight years and passed the following noteworthy legislation.

• The Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010, also known as Obamacare, is a comprehensive healthcare reform that expanded insurance coverage, implemented insurance exchanges, and introduced measures to curb healthcare costs.
• The same year, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act was enacted, bringing major financial reforms to reduce risks in the economic system, including creating the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
• In 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was passed, a stimulus package designed to combat the Great Recession. The act invested in infrastructure, education, health, and renewable energy while providing tax relief and preserving and creating jobs.
• Additionally, in 2010, the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act was signed into law, ending the policy that prevented openly gay individuals from serving in the U.S. military.

Bill Clinton (1992) vs. George H. W. Bush

Clinton’s acceptance speech was a defining moment in his campaign. It focused on economic renewal and a “New Covenant” with America. He passionately stated, “I refuse to let America fail. I believe in a place called Hope.” Clinton’s speech established him as the candidate of change, drawing on his humble beginnings in Hope, Arkansas, and positioning him as a leader who understood the struggles of everyday Americans.

His emphasis on economic reform and the need for a government that works for the people became the cornerstone of his campaign, resonating with voters disillusioned with the economic recession under George H. W. Bush’s administration.

President Clinton served eight years and passed the following noteworthy legislation.

• In 1993, the Family and Medical Leave Act allowed employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for family and medical reasons, such as childbirth, adoption, or serious health conditions.
• The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) of 1994 created a trilateral trade bloc between the United States, Canada, and Mexico, reducing trade barriers and fostering economic cooperation.
• The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 increased funding for law enforcement, expanded the death penalty and introduced the “three strikes” law for repeat offenders.
• The Welfare Reform Act of 1996, officially known as the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, reformed the welfare system by imposing work requirements and time limits on benefits.
• Finally, the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 helped achieve a balanced federal budget, leading to budget surpluses in the late 1990s through spending cuts and tax increases.

Ronald Reagan (1984) vs. Walter Mondale

Reagan’s speech introduced his “Morning in America” theme, which became central to his campaign. He spoke of restoring American greatness, saying, “We are too great a nation to limit ourselves to small dreams.” This optimistic message framed the entire campaign and contributed to his landslide victory.

His slogans, “It’s Morning Again in America” and “Are You Better Off Than You Were Four Years Ago?” encapsulated the sense of renewal and progress Reagan sought to project, reassuring voters that the country was on the right path under his leadership.

President Reagan served eight years and passed the following noteworthy legislation.

• In 1981, the Economic Recovery Tax Act significantly reduced federal income tax rates and introduced measures to spur economic growth, including incentives for businesses and investments.
• The Tax Reform Act of 1986 simplified the tax code by reducing tax rates for individuals and businesses while eliminating many deductions and credits.
• That same year, the Immigration Reform and Control Act provided amnesty to millions of undocumented immigrants while implementing new measures to prevent illegal immigration.
• The Social Security Amendments of 1983, a bipartisan effort, strengthened Social Security by increasing payroll taxes and gradually raising the retirement age.
• Additionally, the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 reformed the federal criminal justice system, introducing measures to combat drug abuse, enforcing tougher sentencing guidelines, and establishing the U.S. Sentencing Commission.

John F. Kennedy (1960) vs. Richard Nixon

John F. Kennedy introduced the “New Frontier” concept, calling for a new generation of leadership to address the challenges of the 1960s. He emphasized the need for courage, innovation, and a collective national effort to overcome domestic and international challenges. Kennedy articulated the importance of civil rights, economic justice, and the advancement of science and education, urging Americans to reject complacency and embrace the responsibilities of the new decade.

He famously said, “We stand today on the edge of a New Frontier—the frontier of unknown opportunities and perils—a frontier of unfulfilled hopes and threats.” This visionary approach and his youthful energy set the tone for a campaign to inspire a new era in American politics.

President Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1962, after serving only 22 months. He passed the following noteworthy legislation.

• The Equal Pay Act of 1963 aimed to eliminate wage disparity based on gender, ensuring that men and women receive equal pay for equal work in the same establishment.
• The Trade Expansion Act of 1962 authorized the president to negotiate tariff reductions of up to 50% with other countries, significantly expanding U.S. trade with Europe and other regions.
• The Area Redevelopment Act of 1961 provided federal assistance to economically distressed regions, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in underdeveloped areas of the country.
• The Manpower Development and Training Act of 1962 established programs to retrain unemployed workers and prepare them for jobs in new and growing industries, helping to address unemployment caused by automation and other economic shifts.
• The Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act of 1963 provides funding for building community mental health centers and facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, marking a significant step forward in mental health care reform.

Sometimes, acceptance speeches don’t go well at all.

Barry Goldwater (1964) vs. Lyndon B. Johnson

Goldwater’s acceptance speech at the 1964 Republican National Convention included the controversial line, “Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. Moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.”

This statement alarmed many moderates within his party and the general electorate, contributing to concerns that he was too extreme, ultimately leading to his significant loss in the general election.

George McGovern (1972) vs. Richard Nixon

McGovern’s acceptance speech at the 1972 Democratic National Convention was marred by its lateness. It was delivered at 2:48 a.m., long after most viewers had gone to bed.

He said, “Come home, America,” in an appeal to end the Vietnam War. Still, his speech’s timing and lack of coherence led to concerns about his organizational skills and effectiveness as a candidate, which haunted his campaign.

Tune in, turn on, but don’t drop out! “Do something!”

Tonight’s speech by Kamala Harris marks a pivotal moment in the 2024 election cycle. It’s an opportunity to set the tone for the final sprint to Election Day, unify the party, present a compelling vision, and motivate the electorate. As we watch this historic event unfold, let’s be excited about the possibilities ahead and ready to engage in the hard work that will follow.