Hotline's Convention Coverage 2024

Change You Can Believe In

The comparisons between Obama in 2008 and Harris this week are inescapable

'A new way forward': Harris accepts Democratic presidential nomination

An upbeat vice president ends a historic convention that a month ago had been set to nominate President Biden for a second term.

Harris raised the mood without lowering the stakes

Four days later, the party now portrays Trump less as an existential threat and more as an object of derision.

Democrats make reproductive rights personal during convention

Access to abortion and fertility treatments has become a pillar of the DNC platform.

'Governors get things done': How the DNC is showcasing the nation's chief executives

Minnesota's Tim Walz isn't the only governor in the spotlight during the convention in Chicago.

Caution stemming from 2016 lurks behind Democratic excitement

Democrats wanted to recapture the spirit of 2008 at this year’s convention, but enthusiasm is tempered by memories of what happened after the last in-person confab.

With a show of force, Democrats make their case for the veterans’ vote at the DNC

Amid Republicans’ comments on military service, Dems are looking to make inroads with the elusive voting bloc.

The issues that weren't talked about much on the DNC stage this week

Fracking bans, gun control, and the border were among the topics that weren't mentioned or took a back seat during the convention.

'On offense': Tim Walz introduces himself as Kamala Harris's plainspoken running mate

The Minnesota governor, former teacher, and ex-football coach, relatively unknown to much of America, courted disaffected voters in his convention speech.

Rolling out the ‘blue carpet’ for social media content creators at the DNC

The party has made its view of the influence of the 'influencers' well known, with unfettered access.

Harris gets ready to say hello to American voters

In fewer than 40 days, Kamala Harris has gone from the relative invisibility of the vice presidency to delivering one of the most critical speeches in modern convention history.

What’s at Stake for Kamala Harris

Harris sets the tone for the future.

National Journal Radio Episode 60: Vibe Shifts at the DNC

Kirk A. Bado and guests discuss the enthusiastic Democratic convention.

National Journal Radio Episode 59: Dispatch From the Windy City

Hotline editor Kirk A. Bado, editor-in-chief Jeff Dufour, and Senate correspondent Savannah Behrmann share observations and interviews from the DNC.

Angela Alsobrooks makes the most of her DNC stay

The Maryland Democrat is embracing her party’s convention as she runs for Senate.

Walz injects rural Democrats with fresh hope

Can the six-time winner in a rural House district speak to Democrats' forgotten constituency?

Democrats patch over their biggest vulnerabilities

Learning from past victories, Democrats move forward on immigration messaging.

'It will be a fight': Obamas implore DNC faithful not to let their guard down

Former president, first lady tell the exuberant crowd it will require a relentless campaign effort to carry Kamala Harris to victory over Donald Trump.

The DNC’s rockin' roll call

Democrats began the second night of the convention with a bang as the states cast their delegate votes.

Uncommitted delegates push for their demands as the party looks to unite

The pro-Palestinian Democrats want their party to win, but they also want to be heard.

‘Beloved’: Biden’s allies praise painful decision to protect legacy

Allies of the president say he is cementing himself in history books as a ‘bigger person’ for deciding to pass the baton to Harris.

Families of Israeli-Americans held hostage in Gaza demand to be heard at the DNC

Amid larger Gaza protests, advocates are meeting with delegates to call for a cease-fire and a plan for the release of loved ones.

The short history of spousal speeches at conventions

Douglas Emhoff on Tuesday night was just the sixth spouse—and second husband—to give a formal convention address.

What polls can and can’t tell us right now

Democrats’ enthusiasm is high. We still don’t know what that means for November.

Under the Influencers

What the DNC media strategy says about the mainstream press.

This Is Her Fight (Swan) Song

Democrats see visions of what might have been.

Biden attempts to cement his legacy on first night of convention

The president proudly touted his achievements in the White House to a relieved and adoring crowd.

For one night, Biden pushes the pain away and basks in the glory

The tears and recriminations may come later, but for one hour, the president was still the star.

GOP highlights inflation to quash Democratic spirits in Chicago

Democrats want to recapture the sparkle of 2008, while Republicans seek a 2016 repeat.

Adversity will come. Can Harris's team deal with it better than Trump's?

It's unlikely that Democrats' run of good fortune will last until voting begins.

Q+A with Gov. Laura Kelly

The Kansas Democrat discusses her new role as chair of the Democratic Governors Association.

On education, Harris and Trump have two schools of thought

The nominees diverge widely on such topics as student-debt relief, what should be taught in classrooms, and whether there should even be an Education Department.

Democrats ready for convention response from Left and Right

Counter-programs from Republicans and uncommitted Democrats will be active throughout the week.

To embrace or not to embrace Joe Biden—that is the question

Kamala Harris must decide whether to defend the Biden administration’s policies at this week’s convention.

Biden returns to a supporting role, four years earlier than planned

On Monday night, he'll make the case for a second term—only it will be Vice President Harris looking to serve that term.

Biden's appearances at 12 prior conventions demonstrated his ambition

He flattered Iowans, filled airtime when called upon to do so, and talked up his achievements.

A Shot in the Arm

Stars power the DNC.

Dueling Trump, Harris economic plans take shape as Dems head to convention

Despite strong fiscal numbers recently, Trump still leads on the economy in polling.

Potential J.D. Vance vacancy spurs conversation over his successor

Barely into his first term, Vance’s exit could mean past options return to the fray.

Hotline’s Q2 House fundraising chart

Republicans gained some national ground on Democrats’ Q1 fundraising advantage.

Hotline’s Q2 Senate fundraising chart

Key-state Democrats led the competition before Biden’s debate debacle.

Biden's verbal crutches, by the numbers

As the president has embarked on a media blitz, his signature phrases like 'anyway,' 'look,' and 'by the way' have gotten more frequent.

‘The happening of the year’: How foreign correspondents cover the GOP convention

The international spotlight shines on Milwaukee as droves of journalists reporting for media abroad descend on the RNC.

Trump recounts assassination attempt, then veers off script

The former president spoke of his experience in a Pennsylvania showground as he closed out the GOP convention.

Outside the GOP convention’s steel fence, a lively intersection attracts a diverse set of voices

Quiet compared to previous conventions, activists clamber to make an impact beyond the perimeter.

Abortion barely gets a mention at the RNC

Speakers steered clear of the hot-button issue all week.

GOP leaders call their shot in Milwaukee

Campaign-committee chairs and other operatives set high expectations for November.

J.D. Vance introduces himself to Republicans and the country

Former President Trump’s new running mate announced himself with a populist address that focused heavily on his Midwest roots.

Ted Cruz preaches and podcasts to the choir

The in-cycle senator convened the faithful at the RNC.

Getting to know J.D. Vance’s priorities via his (short) legislative record

In his 18 months in the Senate, the VP nominee has shown a readiness unusual among Republicans to target big business.

The Man in the Arena

Trump’s triumphant return.

GOP approves platform with Trump-backed abortion language

Some conservatives say the platform is too weak in its opposition.

Biden's plight grows ever more dire

The assassination attempt against Trump, plus Trump's selection of J.D. Vance as his running mate, has Democrats fearing the worst.

Republicans still want Biden in the race

Delegates at the GOP convention view the president as the weakest opponent for Trump.

Future of the Senate—maybe—previewed at RNC

Republicans vying for the upper chamber made notable appearances in Milwaukee, while House candidates were largely absent.

Q+A with Sen. Rick Scott

The Florida senator discusses the RNC's tone and his own ambitions to replace Mitch McConnell.

The 2024 Republican platform, according to public opinion (Part 2)

It’s actually not that different from Part 1.

Republicans welcome Trump’s ex-rivals with open arms

Convention attendees roared with approval as former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke at the convention.

GOP confident in its effort to win women's votes

Republican women hope to capitalize on an energetic base to capture a key demographic in November.

Trump insiders who worked on controversial Project 2025 blueprint say it's not part of campaign

The former president has disavowed the ultra-conservative proposal that could turn off moderates in battleground states.

Trump picks critic-turned-acolyte Sen. J.D. Vance as his running mate

The elevation of the Ohio populist immediately elevates Vance as the heir to the post-Trump MAGA GOP in 2028.

House GOP candidates make their case at RNC

Many hopefuls were torn between campaigning in their districts and pressing the flesh with party kingmakers in Milwaukee.

What is the point of conventions?

This week’s Republican convention will give the GOP a chance to unite around former President Trump.

Trump assassination attempt puts Democratic counter-programs in limbo

Biden campaign and others have paused paid communication following the assassination attempt.

Biden calls for a 'step back' from divisive politics

The Oval Office address represented his most detailed remarks following the attempted assassination of former President Trump.

RNC approves Trump's streamlined policy platform

GOP delegates prepare for a convention like no other

Less than 48 hours after an assassination attempt, Trump touches down in Milwaukee to an anxious, energized base.

In his acceptance speech, Trump has a chance to shed the darkness of his previous addresses

"Things change when you get shot in the face," said his son Donald Jr.

Trump allies rake in book sales at the RNC

The finest MAGA literature money can buy.

Meet the governors carrying out Trump’s agenda

RNC speeches showcased the former president’s power in the states.

Biden calls his mental acuity 'pretty damn good'

In an interview with NBC's Lester Holt, the president said questions about his age are 'legitimate' but that he's not going anywhere.

Despite Biden's best efforts, the country is not moving on

“Even if Saturday he has a perfect event, then the immediate thought is, what about Sunday? What about Monday?” That's the challenge Biden faces in his Monday interview with Lester Holt.

Welcome to Milwaukee

This week’s confab comes as the nation is on the edge.

Back to Business

The Democratic détente appears to be over.