Well, last night’s speeches at the Democratic National Convention were a mixed bag. President Biden’s valedictory speech was fine. He is better when he talks as opposed to shouts, but after 50 years of service and a very accomplished Presidency, I guess he deserves to go out in whatever way he wants. His daughter’s introduction was wonderful, and everyone saw in real-time that Biden’s decision not to run again was the right one.

The star of the evening was Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, or AOC. She connected in a way that was reminiscent of Obama’s speech at the 2004 convention. At only 34, perhaps she is the next generation. She spoke not as an ideologue or member of the “Squad,” but rather as a working class warrior with broad appeal. I think we may be seeing the first Latina President of the United States.

All in all, it was a good beginning, but it ran too long.

Meanwhile, Trump and Vance need to figure out their message. If they keep talking about Biden and their grievances, I don’t think it will end well for them.