Former Secretary of State Colin Powell, a Republican who has endorsed Democrats, spoke of Joe Biden’s experience and values that exemplify a commander in chief.
Photo: DNCThe second night of the Democratic National Convention served to officially nominate Joe Biden to compete against President Trump in November and also showcased a diverse new generation of Democratic up-and-comers.
The nearly 20 speakers, spearheaded by former Georgia state Rep. Stacey Abrams and emcee actress Tracee Ellis Ross, touched on Mr. Biden’s experience, highlighted the continuing need for racial equality and criticized Mr. Trump’s leadership.
DNC Guide
“America faces a triple threat: a public-health catastrophe, an economic collapse and a reckoning with racial justice and inequality,” Ms. Abrams said. “So our choice is clear: a steady, experienced public servant who can lead us out of this crisis just like he’s done before.”
Here are the four biggest takeaways from Tuesday night:
Character: Biden Versus Trump
Throughout the evening, Mr. Biden’s supporters spoke to his character, often describing him as courageous and decisive. His wife, the former second lady Jill Biden, said that character is apparent in how Mr. Biden cares for his family—which has faced many losses—and extends to his job as a public servant.
“How do you make a broken family whole?” said Ms. Biden, a longtime educator. “The same way you make a nation whole. With love and understanding—and with small acts of kindness. With bravery. With unwavering faith.”
Former acting Attorney General Sally Yates, who was fired by Mr. Trump for not defending his administration’s travel ban from majority-Muslim countries, said that, by contrast, Mr. Trump used his position to benefit himself. “He trampled the rule of law, trying to weaponize the Justice Department to attack his enemies and defend his friends,” she said. “He treats this country like it’s his family business.”
Former acting Attorney General Sally Yates spoke via video during the second night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention on Tuesday.
Photo: DNCThe White House, after Ms. Yates’s dismissal, said she had “betrayed the Department of Justice.”
Coronavirus Impact
Ms. Biden also reflected on how coronavirus has changed education, speaking while walking through empty halls of a Delaware high school where she used to work.
Speakers continued to criticize Mr. Trump’s response to the pandemic, particularly his remark that “it is what it is” when discussing the U.S. death toll from coronavirus in a recent interview. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Mr. Trump has quit on Americans, while former President Bill Clinton added: “At a time like this, the Oval Office should be a command center. Instead, it’s a storm center. There’s only chaos.”
National Security Stands Out
Multiple speakers focused on alleged foreign-policy mistakes made by Mr. Trump, calling out his relationship with Russia President Vladimir Putin. “He breaks up with our allies and writes love letters to our dictators,” said former Secretary of State John Kerry. “He doesn’t know how to defend our troops.”
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell, a Republican who has endorsed Democrats, spoke of Mr. Biden’s experience and values that exemplify a commander in chief. Cindy McCain, the wife of deceased Sen. John McCain (R, Ariz.), spoke of the friendship the two men forged over years working in politics, even though they were on opposite sides of the aisle.
In a statement Tuesday night, the Trump campaign said Mr. Biden’s agenda would include the “coddling of economic rivals like China.”
Going Local While Going Virtual
To officially nominate Mr. Biden, the Democrats went—virtually—to all 57 states and territories for the first time in a convention. Speakers and their guests, including children and firefighters, cheered as they announced their delegate tallies for Mr. Biden. Some wore masks, and others held signs in support of Mr. Biden.
Unlike past conventions where balloons fall onto the stage for the candidate and family, Mr. Biden and his wife, along with their grandchildren—who wore masks—stood in a Wilmington, Del., school where Ms. Biden later gave her address. They popped streamers and clapped as Mr. Biden reacted to screens showing people cheering from their homes.
“I’ll see you on Thursday,” he said, thanking the viewers. Then he put on his mask.
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Write to Emily Glazer at emily.glazer@wsj.com
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