The Washington PostDemocracy Dies in Darkness

Three takeaways from the first night of the Democratic National Convention

Analysis by
Staff writer
August 17, 2020 at 11:20 p.m. EDT
Democrats gathered virtually on Aug. 17 to launch the national convention for presumptive nominee Joe Biden and his running mate Sen. Kamala D.Harris (D-Calif.) (Video: The Washington Post)

The 2020 Democratic National Convention began Monday — technically in Milwaukee but mostly virtually.

Live updates: Night one of the DNC

Here are some key takeaways.

1. Michelle Obama: From ‘we go high’ to ‘it is what it is’

Four years ago, then-first lady Michelle Obama offered one of the most stirring speeches of the Democratic convention. On Monday, she offered a more political indictment, not just of President Trump but also of the movement he has led.