Democrats and DJ turn convention roll call into star-studded dance party

CHICAGO (AP) — Convention roll call votes can often be mundane, but the Democrats turned theirs into an exuberant dance party on Tuesday.

DJ Cassidy took the stage in a royal blue double-breasted satin suit, spinning a unique song for each state and territory as they awarded their delegates to Vice President Kamala Harris at the Democratic National Convention. The event resembled an elite karaoke night with tracks like Detroit native Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” for Michigan, Dropkick Murphys’ “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” for Massachusetts, and Tupac Shakur’s “California Love” for California.

Georgia added a special touch by bringing out Atlanta native Lil Jon, who strode through Chicago’s United Center to the beats of his song “Turn Down for What,” created with DJ Snake.

In essence, the Democrats were set on putting the “party” in political party, aiming to project joy and positive energy while also sending out firm warnings about the need to defeat Republican nominee Donald Trump.

The last convention in 2020, restricted by pandemic measures, used a video roll call that prominently featured Rhode Island’s state dish, calamari. This year, the Democrats felt the pressure to create something even bigger, especially since the chef who showcased the calamari turned out to be a Trump supporter.

This year’s roll call spotlighted emerging political stars like Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. Celebrities were also present, with movie director Spike Lee representing New York and actor Sean Astin, known for his role in the football movie “Rudy,” supporting the Indiana delegation.

The musical choices were somewhat of a gamble. The 1996 Democratic convention in Chicago is still remembered for the awkward delegate dances to “Macarena (Bayside Boys Remix)” by Los del Río. Despite the risk, the party forged ahead with selective tracks like Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” for Florida, aimed as a subtle jab at the state’s Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. State Democratic chairwoman Nikki Fried declared that Florida is worth fighting for, emphasizing the importance of continued national Democratic efforts despite the state’s rightward shift.

Alabama aptly chose “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, while Alaska backed Harris to “Feel It Still” by Portugal. The Man, a band from Wasilla, where Republican Sarah Palin was once mayor. Minnesota vibed to “1999” by Prince, a native of Paisley Park. Indiana, with Astin at the mic, went with Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough.” Nevada chose “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers, a synth-pop band from Las Vegas. Kansas selected “Carry On My Wayward Son” by Kansas, and New Jersey picked Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA.”

“Under one groove nothing can stop us now,” remarked DJ Cassidy over Springsteen’s iconic anthem.

Amidst the vibrant mood, the roll call did have poignant moments. Kate Cox from Texas shared how she had to seek an abortion in another state due to a rejection by Texas’ supreme court during a troubled pregnancy. Making the announcement on the floor, she revealed she was pregnant again, with the baby due in January.

According to Democratic Party rules, only Kamala Harris gathered enough signatures to be formally nominated. Votes cast for others or marked as uncommitted were recorded as “present” in a virtual roll call earlier this month. Tuesday night’s celebratory vote reflected that earlier tally.

Source: Reuters