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When Bill Clinton steps onto the stage this evening, it will be his 12th address at a Democratic National Convention. For many Democrats, his presence is almost a given. However, a significant number of party members question whether he should even be there.
Over thirty years after his initial election as president, Clinton's standing within his party has shifted. No longer viewed with uncritical nostalgia, the party now regards him with a degree of ambivalence, as reflected in his secondary role tonight. The party is still assessing his legacy.
Clinton was instrumental in reshaping the party's image after a prolonged period of political struggle. By 2012, President Barack Obama had dubbed him the “explainer in chief” due to his exceptional ability to simplify complex policy issues. Despite his skill in connecting with working-class voters—many of whom have since distanced themselves from the party—Clinton’s legacy is marred by both his personal conduct and some of his presidential policies, which have not aged well.
“I’m not looking forward to his speech at all,” said Will Thompson, a delegate from North Dakota, who has even offered his credential to an alternate for Clinton’s address. “The primary reason is because there are very credible rape allegations against him.”
Clinton’s “safe, legal, and rare” stance on abortion, introduced during his presidency, has become outdated and out of sync with contemporary pro-choice advocacy, leading the Democratic Party to remove “rare” from its platform as early as 2012. His 1994 crime bill, which contributed to mass incarceration, and his economic policies of deregulation and free trade also contrast sharply with the party's current positions.
“The guy was a unique political talent and had the ability to articulate policy in an accessible way,” said Alan Minsky, executive director of Progressive Democrats of America. “However, given his legacy, he’s not someone progressives believe should play a central role in the party’s future.”
Certain aspects of Clintonism persist, such as the strategic “triangulation”—a technique of positioning oneself between left and right to capture the center—evident in Kamala Harris’ campaign approach on issues like crime and immigration. Hillary Clinton remains a respected figure within the party, as evidenced by the enthusiastic reception of her speech earlier this week.
Tonight, Clinton will undoubtedly receive applause, but it is unlikely to match the fervor shown towards the Obamas. After decades of casting a significant shadow over conventions, the era of overwhelming adulation for Clinton seems to be fading. While he will always be remembered as a remarkable and influential figure, his alignment with the evolving Democratic Party appears increasingly tenuous.