The DNC Was Coachella for Nerds
The convention was a political festival for the wonky at heart.
This week, I had the surreal experience of immersing myself in the Democratic National Convention, where the energy and significance of the moment felt almost dreamlike. Watching Kamala Harris being chosen as the Democratic Party's nominee felt like stepping into Coachella or the Era’s Tour for political nerds—a vibrant mix of excitement, hope, and a touch of glitter. Whether it was Oprah speaking explicitly out about abortion rights for the very first time, or President Obama’s allusion to the size of Trump’s manhood, the speeches did not disappoint. The energy in the room was electric, with every moment steeped in history and the promise of a new era. It felt like I was watching my favorite pop star take the stage, but instead of catchy lyrics, it was the resounding beat of progress.
But let’s not gloss over the bittersweet notes. While the event was filled with moments that felt like pure political magic, there was a glaring omission that cast a shadow over the last night of the convention. The decision not to allow a Palestinian-American to speak was a disappointment that couldn’t be ignored. It was a stark reminder that even in moments of celebration, we have a long way to go in ensuring every voice is heard. If you’re interested, I interviewed some of the protestors outside the convention center:
Despite some extremely disappointing decisions on the part of the DNC, there were moments that genuinely moved me. One of the highlights was when the convention offered a refreshing vision of masculinity—one that felt like a much-needed departure from the worn and weathered version crafted by the RNC last month. While Trump came out to “it’s a man’s world” and the speakers included a diverse group of white men who have all been #MeToo’ed, the DNC couldn’t have been more different. Tim Walz being introduced by football players was certainly a nod to strength, but it was his disabled son’s tearful response, along with Walz's own emotional reaction to discussing IVF, that truly redefined what it means to be a man. In those moments, vulnerability and courage took center stage, offering a stark contrast to the outdated version of manhood that the GOP continues to champion. It felt good to see men be so passionate about women’s bodily autonomy and make it their responsibility to preserve it. Forcing girls and women into motherhood is a crime against humanity, and the men at the convention made it clear that they won’t stand by and let that happen on their watch.
But I wasn’t just impressed with the speeches—I was blown away by the quality of the conversations I heard in between them. One that stands out, and that I wanted to share with you, was a panel organized by The Meteor and Amplify Action Fund featuring Brittany Packnett, Brittney Cooper, and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. While the entire conversation was fantastic and well worth listening to, I found their insights on how to support a Black woman for president while still holding her accountable particularly enlightening. Congresswoman Pressley put it exceptionally well when she said, “Politicians aren’t our saviors, they are our partners.” She reminded us that politics isn’t about finding the perfect person to swoop in and save the day; it’s about choosing the best person to help us build the future we want—together. As I’ve written before, I’ve disagreed with every person I have ever voted for, and that doesn’t mean I’ll stop trying to make our democracy better.
What resonated deeply with me about the conversation was how the speakers delved into the immense responsibility placed on Black women to continually save America—a burden that is both unfair and overwhelming. Black women are rarely afforded the grace to stumble in the same way their white counterparts are, and this is a dynamic we must challenge, even as we continue to apply political pressure to encourage more progressive change. As Brittney Cooper eloquently put it, we can help elect a Black woman to the highest office and still push her to leave that office better than she found it.
After their panel wrapped, I also got to teach Anita Hill how to make a Tik Tok, which is a hell of a sentence.
I also had the chance to interview the men behind the "White Dudes For Kamala Harris" Zoom and learn more about how men are approaching this election differently. “Throughout American history, when white men have organized, it was often with pointy hats on,” the movement’s founder, Ross Morales Rocketto, shared. He discussed how the loneliness crisis among young men is fueling a growing gender gap in this election and emphasized the critical importance of creating a positive alternative. Sean Astin also joined our panel after participating in the ceremonial roll call, mentioning that the festive ambiance had major 1996 DNC vibes. Naturally, we couldn’t resist exiting the stage while doing the Macarena to honor the moment.
I was also fortunate to be part of an incredible group that organized and co-hosted the 'Hotties for Harris' party at the DNC, alongside Deja Foxx and the brilliant co-founders of Feministing, Ky Polanco and Aisha Becker-Burrowes. The goal of the party was to highlight how the dangerous anti-abortion agenda championed by the right has far-reaching implications for our sex lives, regardless of gender. With over two thousand RSVPs, the event was a resounding success, and the media coverage was off the charts—even the hate piece from the Daily Mail was a win.
The response was so overwhelmingly positive that we might just have to take this party on the road and bring it to a state near you! Pulling off a party in just ten days was no easy task, and it’s definitely why I’ve been a bit quieter lately. But every ounce of effort was worth it—combining activism with fun in a way that showed civic engagement doesn’t have to be dull or feel like a chore. The revolution can be a blast.
'Hotties for Harris' is a playful yet powerful extension of identity politics, turning the concept on its head by celebrating and mobilizing diverse voices in a space that mixes activism with a dash of humor. It’s a reminder that embracing who we are—while pushing for change—can be both impactful and festive.
We wanted to show that progressives know how to throw the better party, as Anand Giridharadas so perfectly put it in his beautiful glowing review of the party on his substack The Ink. We spend so much time talking about a dark future we want to avoid and it felt important to define what a positive vision for the future looks for our generation too. I also used the occasion to continue my flirt canvassing journey and convince a few hotties to make recurring donations to abortion funds instead of buying me a drink.
In the end, the DNC wasn’t just a political event; it was a powerful reminder of the work that lies ahead and the collective effort it will take to achieve the change we seek. And just like an Era’s Tour, it left me inspired, a little emotional, and more determined than ever to be part of this journey with you.
What were your takeaways from the DNC? Let me know in the comments!
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Appreciate this piece, it made me think about the need for a variation of tactics paired with a good strategy. The potential to make transformative change happens when we take the time to talk (deep canvassing) and help move folks into action that have had the privilege to inaction.