The Harris-Walz campaign for the upcoming Democratic convention in Chicago is riding a wave of optimism, drawing enthusiasm from Irish-American Democrats as well. The influence of the Irish-American population in the politics of the US, although seen as a declining power from the previous century, is still perceptible. As the turbulent 2024 presidential election turns a corner towards its crucial fall phase, a host of prominent Irish-American political figures and public figures convened for a virtual mobilisation on Monday night. The aim was to encourage the Irish-American voting populace and unify their vote for what promises to be an intense contest for each voting paper come November, especially in the critical battleground states.
Rob Flaherty, a Boston Irish American, who just returned from a trip to Castlegregory, addressed the crowd after being introduced by event coordinator Alex Nason for the Kamala Harris-Tim Walz campaign. He stated that they were running an upbeat, people-driven campaign. He emphasised that this election is about connections, about neighbour communicating with neighbour, and displaying enthusiastic and vocal support for the vice-president. He saw this approach as inherently Irish, promoting connection and meaningful engagement. He acknowledged their underdog status, with the fight potentially tipping on a balance of 50,000 votes.
Brendan Boyle, a Pennsylvania congressman, humorously remarked that it was ‘the largest gathering of Irish Americans since the last Notre Dame home football game’, a quote originally from Bill Clinton. Boyle, whose father was born in Glencolmcille, Co Donegal, conveyed that their Democratic alliance, shared values, culture, and a touch of nostalgia connected the audience. He also proposed that the Good Friday Agreement from Belfast was one of the most significant foreign policy achievements in American history of the last half-century, beyond their shared Irish heritage.
The Irish roots of Joe Biden and the nostalgic memories of the Kennedy era were highlighted as speakers attempted to contextualise the unfolding tale of Irish-American influence in relation to this election. Regardless of background, ranging from New Jersey’s governor, Phil Murphy, and Wonder Woman’s 1970’s TV actress, Lynda Carter, to Michael Kelly, renowned for his role in House of Cards and the grandson of a Donegal migrant, the profound reverence they hold for their heritage stories was a common thread. Documentarian Rory Kennedy recalled a recent family visit to New Ross, tracing the path taken by her uncle, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, during his renowned Ireland tour in 1963.
According to Rory, Jackie Kennedy had always conveyed that those four days in office were the happiest for ‘Jack’. His deep emotional connection to the experience was reflected in the fact that at the time of his passing, the only item found in his pocket was a rosary. Jackie subsequently sent the rosary to New Ross, which is currently displayed in a small, quaint museum. “It’s a deeply meaningful aspect of our Irish heritage,” she noted.
Once Tim Walz’s selection as Kamala Harris’s vice-presidential running mate became known, his Irish connections to the Wexford Sullivans soon surfaced. Michigan representative Dan Kildee, who recently returned from a family trip to Ireland with dozens of relatives to mark a sad family loss, shared his belief that inherent in their Irish heritage is the capacity to find joy and purpose amidst adversity. In Kildee’s opinion, the distinction between Kamala Harris and Tim Walz and their rivals lies in their ability to foster joy, a quality he argues America is actively seeking.
Terry McAuliffe, former chair of the Democratic National Committee and Virginia’s ex-governor, is preparing to attend his 13th national party convention in the coming week.
A common sentiment is emerging that we cannot afford another term with Trump at the helm. His previous actions, such as encouraging Putin to invade NATO countries and his shocking disregard for fallen military personnel, whom he referred to as losers and suckers, have left us appalled. It’s high time we emerged victorious from the impending elections. The tight race ahead brings back memories of 2000 when Al Gore grasped the popular vote but lost out on the presidency. Notably, Democrats clinched the popular vote majority in seven out of the last eight elections, yet the crucial aim now is securing a minimum of 270 electoral votes. The key battleground is the indecisive voter segment and we believe the Irish could be our ace in the hole, their knack for enthralling conversation being a gift from God. Notwithstanding, we need to be conscious of not overstaying our welcome at each doorstep.
Launching a three-month campaign marked by door-to-door conversations, this Democratic faction is banking on the power of discussion. Michael Kelly, a Georgia native, acknowledges the state’s political diversity and urges open dialogue. He encourages connecting with people from varying political backgrounds, exploring the pressing issues they care about such as women’s rights and individual liberties. The emphasis is on dialogue as a tool for change. This is what Michael and the party believe they are fighting for. So, the directive is clear: step out, connect, and engage in meaningful discourse.