The Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Wednesday night featured a video compilation that put Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in the spotlight.
The montage, shared by Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign, showcased Harris questioning Kavanaugh during his 2018 confirmation hearing, eliciting cheers and laughter from the audience.
As reported by Newsweek, the video was set to the beat of Megan Thee Stallion's song "Savage" and included clips of Harris pressing other high-profile figures such as former Attorney General William Barr.
The video presentation followed a speech by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who praised Harris and called for an end to "the scam of Donald Trump once and for all" by electing Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to the White House. The compilation highlighted Harris' prosecutorial skills and her ability to challenge powerful figures on ethical and conduct-related issues.
The video montage prominently featured moments from Kavanaugh's contentious confirmation hearing in 2018. One clip showed Harris asking Kavanaugh if he had ever discussed Special Counsel Robert Mueller or his investigation with anyone. The video then zoomed in on Kavanaugh's face, editing his response to show a seemingly confused expression and choppy answers.
Another significant moment from the hearing included in the montage was Harris questioning Kavanaugh about laws governing male bodies. This exchange was particularly notable given the subsequent overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, which has made abortion and reproductive health major topics in the 2024 presidential campaign.
The video captured a long pause after Harris asked, "Can you think of any laws that give the government power to make decisions about the male body?" This moment drew laughter and applause from the DNC audience.
The compilation also showcased Harris' interactions with other high-ranking officials. It included a clip of her questioning former Attorney General William Barr, asking him whether the president or anyone at the White House had ever asked or suggested that he open an investigation into anyone.
The video also briefly featured Harris pressing Gina Haspel, then-CIA director nominee, and former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. These clips further emphasized Harris' reputation for tough questioning and her ability to challenge powerful figures in government.
The video presentation at the DNC was met with an enthusiastic response from the audience. The compilation ended with the words "Let's all move on" flashing across the screen, eliciting cheers and applause from the attendees.
The video montage was part of a larger effort at the DNC to highlight Harris' strengths and appeal to voters. By showcasing her questioning of Kavanaugh and other officials, the Democrats aimed to emphasize her experience, tenacity, and ability to hold powerful figures accountable.
The focus on Kavanaugh and reproductive rights also aligns with the Democrats' strategy of making abortion a central issue in the 2024 campaign. The overturning of Roe v. Wade has energized many Democratic voters, and the party appears to be leveraging this issue to mobilize support.
In conclusion, the DNC's presentation of the Kavanaugh video montage served multiple purposes. It showcased Harris' prosecutorial skills, reminded voters of her role in challenging Kavanaugh during his confirmation, and emphasized the Democratic Party's focus on reproductive rights. The enthusiastic reception at the convention and the subsequent sharing on social media suggest that the Democrats view this as an effective strategy to energize their base and attract undecided voters as the 2024 campaign intensifies.
