With the spectre of a second Trump presidency looming LI Vice Presidents Henrik Bach Mortensen and Cellou Diallo were in Chicago last week at the Democratic National Convention, where they applauded the election of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz as the Democratic Party’s candidates for president and vice president of the United States when America goes to the polls in November.

At the invitation of the National Democratic Institute (NDI – LI cooperating organisation), the LI delegates reported an atmosphere in Chicago that was charged with a sense of renewal and determination. With the announcement that President Biden was passing the torch to Vice President Harris, Vice President Mortensen said the message from the thousands in attendance was clear: “We are not going back.” This defiant chant echoed through the convention hall whenever former President Trump was mentioned, embodying the party’s resolve to push forward.

Key figures, including President Biden, former Presidents Clinton and Obama, and a host of governors and congressional leaders, took the stage, with Michelle Obama emerging as a particularly powerful voice. The convention’s tone was unmistakably one of optimism and resilience, with the Democratic Party and candidate Harris set to campaign on a platform rooted in democratic values, reproductive rights, and a forward-looking agenda. This stands in stark contrast to the Republican narrative, which they have characterized as misogynistic, defeatist, isolationist, and tainted with racism under former President Trump.

Reflecting on the convention, LI Vice President Henrik Bach Mortensen noted that a Harris presidency would likely continue the Biden administration’s strong commitment to liberal values built around American engagement globally, the rule of law, and unwavering support for Ukraine. He added, “this upcoming election on 5 November 2024 presents a critical juncture not just for the United States but for the global liberal community as we watch the battle between progress and regression unfold on the world stage.”

Liberal International remains steadfast in its support for democratic values and the principles that unite people across borders it is evident that the outcomes of this election will shape the future direction of liberalism in the United States and beyond.