Hello everyone! Let’s dive into the fascinating events that transpired during CNN’s coverage of the Republican National Convention (RNC) on Thursday. There was quite a bit of excitement, highlighted by the comments of Van Jones, CNN’s Senior Political Commentator and a former adviser to President Barack Obama.
Now, if you know Van Jones, you know he doesn’t mince words. He made a striking comparison, saying he hadn’t felt this kind of energy at a convention since the 2008 Democratic National Convention for Barack Obama. This was a powerful statement, considering how monumental that 2008 convention was, leading to Obama’s historic election as the first African American president.
Jones’s comments came after a lively segment featuring Scott Jennings, another CNN commentator and former Bush official. Jennings was in high spirits, even making a few Hulk Hogan references. Van Jones, in his candid style, remarked, “I want to say something, this spirit that this guy has, you guys think it’s because he’s drunk. He’s not. This whole thing is like this. … Hey, guys, the last time I was in a convention that felt like this was Obama 2008. There’s just — there’s something happening here.”
CNN host Kasie Hunt couldn’t help but jump in, noting that Jones had just “written a headline” with his remarks. Jones, known for his insightful and often provocative commentary, certainly stirred the pot with his comparison, highlighting the palpable energy and excitement at the RNC.
Let’s take a step back to 2008. The Democratic convention in Denver was electric, with Obama and his running mate, Joe Biden, getting the nod to take on Republican nominees John McCain and Sarah Palin. Obama’s victory was a landslide, with a 365-173 margin in the Electoral College and nearly 10 million more popular votes. It was a pivotal moment in American politics, setting the stage for Obama’s two terms in office.
Jones, who served as an adviser in the Obama administration, has remained a Democrat. However, he’s not been shy about acknowledging Trump’s political prowess, even as he critiques his own party’s current leadership. Just recently, Jones made a dramatic comparison between Trump’s survival of an assassination attempt and Biden’s COVID-19 diagnosis, saying, “A bullet couldn’t stop Trump. A virus just stopped Biden.”
Trump’s ability to inspire fervent support was fully displayed at the convention. A YouGov poll showed that 72 percent of Trump supporters were enthusiastic about voting in the upcoming election, compared to 52 percent of Biden supporters. This enthusiasm was echoed throughout the convention, especially with the dramatic entrance of former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan. Hogan called Trump “a real American hero,” and in classic wrestling style, ripped his shirt off, rallying the crowd with calls for “Trumpamania” to sweep the nation.
“What happened last week, when they took a shot at my hero, and they tried to kill the next president of the United States, enough was enough,” Hogan said. “I say let Trumpamania run wild, brother. Let Trumpamania rule again. Let Trumpamania make America great again.”
Van Jones: These People Aren’t Drunk, They’re Excited; I Haven’t Seen “Spirit” Like This Since Obama In 2008https://t.co/oJhPXimbqj
“The last time I was in a convention that felt like this was Obama 2008, there is something happening here.” pic.twitter.com/TkN0vZRpGF
— RCP Video (@rcpvideo) July 19, 2024
In a twist over the weekend, President Biden has resigned from his position, making Vice President Kamala Harris the presumptive Democratic nominee. This development has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, leaving the Democratic Party in a state of uncertainty. With an unpredictable election season ahead, all eyes are now on how the Democrats will navigate this unexpected challenge and rally their base as November approaches. Stay tuned for what promises to be an intense and defining moment in American politics.
JOE BIDEN IS OUT. My immediate reaction. pic.twitter.com/ga2uoxfAyu
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) July 21, 2024
The Democratic National Convention is set to take place in Chicago from August 19 to August 22.