The Democratic National Convention has been going on for ages, and it, like its party has changed a lot over the decades. It's hard to believe that it would later have entertainers like Billie Eilish and John Legend gracing the stage. So I thought I'd list some of the most memorable moments in DNC history.
The kiss: Al Gore at the 2000 DNC
On the final night of the 2000 DNC, Democratic nominee Al Gore joined his then wife, Tipper, onstage and gave her a kiss that lasted an “exceptionally long time.” Commentators speculated that the smooch was an effort “to change his robotic image,” according to the New York Times.
The third term: Franklin D. Roosevelt at the 1940 DNC
The DNC nominated President Franklin D. Roosevelt for an unprecedented third term in 1940 after a “voice from the sewer,” Thomas Garry, suddenly emerged to rally delegates and stampede the convention into choosing Roosevelt.
The snub: Ted Kennedy at the 1980 DNC
President Jimmy Carter’s reelection bid took an embarrassing blow when Democratic challenger Ted Kennedy snubbed him at the 1980 DNC, avoiding a unity pose with the president and offering only a formal handshake before leaving the stage.
The never-ending speech: Bill Clinton at the 1988 DNC
While introducing 1988 Democratic nominee Michael Dukakis, then-Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton received boos and jeers from restless delegates during a speech that ran nearly 20 minutes over the 15 minutes he had been allotted.
“He droned on and on, and droned on,” Tom Brokaw recalled. “When he finally said, ‘In conclusion,’ people began to cheer.”
I know the RNC has some pretty memorable moments as well. See - Clint Eastwood's chair speech.