As I watched the Democratic National Committee’s convention last week and listened to many pundits describe it as flawless, I thought about how much of Motown’s success was due to its meticulous grooming of its artists and the music they presented. You have to be a certain age to appreciate the Motown era that began in 1960. You had the chance to experience it as it unfolded. You were awed as new artists debuted with hit song after hit song. Founder Berry Gordy created a school that taught Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five, and many others how to dress, move on the stage, and present themselves to the public. As Gordy said, it was “magical.”
The DNC’s convention was not a spontaneous event but a meticulously planned and executed affair. The themes of freedom, patriotism, forward-thinking, inclusion, and tolerance were not randomly chosen but strategically selected to inspire a particular vision and direction. This level of planning and orchestration is not about creating a less-than-authentic performance but about presenting your best self. It’s a lesson we can learn from the Olympics—hard work and attention to detail is rewarded. This is the kind of strategic planning and attention to detail I want to see in the leader of the free world.
The DNC’s commitment to excellence was evident in every aspect of the convention, a reflection of the Vice President’s no-nonsense leadership. Her reputation for being overly demanding of her staff is not unwarranted. This week, she shared the reason behind her high standards—her mother’s voice always tells her to never settle for second best. She emphasized the importance of never doing anything ‘half-assed.’ The Vice President’s high standards have drawn scrutiny, particularly with reports about her staff turnover. Some say she is tough to work for, but most agree that she is never condescending or dehumanizing. After all, you don’t become an influential state attorney general without being demanding, and she is just as demanding of herself. This commitment to excellence should reassure us of her capabilities.
Most people cannot imagine becoming president of the United States. If you think back, Donald Trump did not expect to be elected president, and it took him months, if not years, to become fully accustomed to the idea. Some think he never did. Although she is the Vice President, until recently, Kamala Harris probably dreamed of the day she might get the opportunity but expected to be number two for the foreseeable future. Becoming the nominee was abrupt and shocking. Many doubted her ability to do the job or convince the country she could do it. As the days passed, we witnessed her growing comfortable with the idea and even relishing the challenge.
She was my preferred candidate going into the 2020 Democratic primary. I was a believer, having seen her operate in the Senate for a short period. I was a big Hillary Clinton fan because I saw her as a straightforward, tough woman who would not countenance any nonsense from Republicans. I viewed Senator Harris as being of similar character. I was taken aback when her candidacy faltered, and she withdrew from the primary. However, I knew that she knew that she was not ready and decided not to squander any more time and resources. I have pulled the plug on promising projects because, like her, I don’t particularly appreciate failing. She spent the next two years upping her game, and it shows.
The pundits marvel at her rapid advancement as the Democrats’ standard bearer. Many continue to question if she has the substance and stamina to win the confidence of enough voters to make it into the White House. I think she does, and she will. The incredible support she receives from many constituencies is impressive and genuine. Her critics, including her number one detractor, Mr. Trump, are in a quandary, cherry-picking phrases from her speeches to drive home negative points. She provided an overall policy agenda, but they demand specifics when she’s been the presumptive nominee for a mere 32 days until last night’s certification. She will get to specifics soon enough. She still has to organize her team. Day one for Donald Trump was January 20, 2016, and he still has no specific ideas about how Republicans might better the lives of average Americans.