‘Did you watch some of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week?’ I asked Camp as soon as he got comfortable in his chair by the window. 

‘Muriel and I watched some of the speeches on Monday night. They were fiery and inspired, especially Hillary Clinton’s and also Kamala’s unscripted appearance on stage. The crowd went wild, like somebody popped the cork on the Democrats bottled up pressure from just over a month ago.’ ‘Yes, it sure felt like that. Suddenly there is optimism and a positive, forward-looking atmosphere, a complete counter to the GOP’s rahrah and demagoguery.’

‘There were plenty of bumper sticker messages held aloft by the capacity crowd throughout the large indoor arena, home to the Bulls and the Blackhawks. Dump Trump was a popular hat; If we fight we Win, another slogan on many T-shirts, also plenty of love for Joe and Kamala.’ 

‘It was definitely a love fest,’ I said.

‘Yes, so much different from just over a month ago, when doubt and despair infected the ranks of confused democrats. The party is definitely back in the Democratic Party.’

‘The euphoric first night inside the arena at the DNC was accompanied by large pro-Palestinian demonstrations on the streets outside. They evoked memories of anti- Vietnam war protests around the 1968 party convention in Chicago. At that time more than 25’000 Americans had been killed in Vietnam,’ Camp had to point this out, just to take the shine off.

‘But this time the police were not nearly as brutal as back then. The current Mayor Richard Brandon is no Richard Daly. Also, in 1968 just a month before the convention, Dr. King was assassinated just across the city and the city was on fire,’ I said.

David Axelrod, one of the panelists covering the convention, reminded us that democracy is an ongoing battle between cynicism and hope and the cynics want to divide us and appeal to our worst instincts while the goal of the optimists is to inspire us to hope. Michelle Obama also referred to the contagious power of hope that is clearly in the air at this gathering, which is a clear counterpoint to the relentless negative, grinding and divisive quality of Trump and his campaign. As Axelrod pointed out, Trump’s reaction to the Kamala Harris challenge has become even more grindingly negative and petty,’ I said. 

‘I agree. Both Obamas, who are probably the best political orators since Cicero, highlighted the basic value of their constituencies like decency, respect and tolerance, virtues which can only flourish and be nurtured in a free society. Both Michelle and Barack emphasised the need for our basic freedoms like the freedom of choice, for our bodies and who we believe in and even who we vote for; freedoms that can only be guaranteed by a democracy. It’s the generational values of goodness and decency and respect that we need to teach our children. Not hate and fear, prejudice and bigotry,’ Camp said.

‘We both loved Oprah’s appeal for decency and freedom; to do the right thing and vote with your heart and common sense. ‘Do you feel the joy!’ she exclaimed to a roaring response from the crowd.

‘People are newly energized. Now, they have somebody to look up to, somebody who cares about them, somebody who looks out for them. Kamala for the people is how the new candidate opened up her trials as a prosecutor. She still uses those five words when she talks about her ambition to be president.’

‘Yes, it’s a good sign,’ Camp said. ‘Her acceptance speech was as good as any I have ever heard. From her own story growing up in a multi racial, middle-class home to her stellar resume as prosecutor, senator and vice president. It was a serious speech hitting on all the key talking points like abortion, border security, a path to citizenship, even the war in Gaza and Ukraine and last but not least she emphatically underlined the fundamental dangers to democracy of another Trump presidency.’

‘America and the world need leaders that are smart and compassionate, courageous and inclusive; leaders who listen and work for the people, not just the corporations and billionaires and their own self-aggrandisement.’

‘We can agree on all of that but is there a down side to this new found optimism, joy and hope?’

‘If Kamala wins – and it’s still a big if – Trump and his maga-minions as well as judges and legislators beholden to him, will try every dirty trick in the book to deny her the presidency, including chosing alternate electors to sway the vote in Trump’s favour. As he vowed at a recent rally in Vandalia, Ohio: ‘There will be a bloodbath if I’m not elected in November.’

‘It’s blatantly obvious that Kamala Harris is that one candidate, who is qualified, experienced and has the ability, intellect and personality to be president. She will look out for the people, not just herself and her cronies.’

‘Just 73 days to go Camp. Let’s hope Americans wake up and do the right thing. The land and indeed the world cannot afford another Trump presidency,’ I said.

‘At the upcoming debate it might be advantageous for Harris to point out that the only house Trump is fit for is the Jail House not the White House,’ he said.

When I looked around for our server, Rosie was hanging out at the bar and Vicky was nowhere to be seen. ‘Looks like we’re back to self-serve,’ I said.

‘There goes her tip,’ Camp grumbled but just at that moment Rosie picked up two pints from the bartender and brought them over.

‘Looks like two are having a thirsty discussion. I hope it’s not about politics.’

‘No, it’s about the future of democracy,’ Camp said.

‘Well, there is no such thing as democracy in a restaurant or a kitchen. Those are strict dictatorships,’ she said laughing.