Michelle Obama's speech was a barn-burner. But the most groundbreaking goes to...

The MoJo Daily newsletter, Monday through Friday. [View in browser]( [Support our nonprofit journalism]( [Mother Jones Daily Newsletter](     August 21, 2024 For those of us who struggle to commit to anything past 9 pm, catching up on all things DNC has been something of a small joy this week. And [Michelle Obama's speech](, which I watched over some coffee and leftover tacos this morning, did not disappoint. Buoyed by an absolute thunderous reception, the former first lady tore into Donald Trump with a series of [bruising but LOL-worthy zingers](—"Who is going to tell him the job he is currently seeking might just be one of those Black jobs?"—while she built a powerful case for Kamala Harris' historic candidacy. Together, in my opinion, the lines and her delivery made it the best speech of the DNC so far. But as Clara Jeffery writes, it was [Doug Emhoff's speech]( that was the night's most groundbreaking. That's because of his direct and celebratory embrace of his blended family. Here's Clara: Any kind of family takes work. And demands grace. Blended families can be extra work, and sometimes demand extra grace. Whatever the reasons your relationship ended, it ain’t easy to set them aside to co-parent your kids. It ain’t easy to welcome your ex’s new partner into your life, and it ain’t easy to figure out the role of a stepparent. Children navigate (and sometimes exploit) any rifts among the adults. Surely Kamala, Doug, Kerstin, Cole, and Ella have had their differences and fights. What family doesn’t? But unlike the famously lazy Trump, they’ve put in the work. And unlike the unbearably sanctimonious Vance, they show each other grace. All of which make this moment—the return of optimism, hope, and energy—a rare opportunity for Dems to feel good. But as I cautioned in my note yesterday, all this joy should not give way to another era of cringe naivety, or worse, willful ignorance of the work that remains; [the hell that continues daily](; and the threat of believing that MAGA could be a thing of the past. I'll see you tomorrow over another round of coffee and weird leftovers. —Inae Oh Advertisement [Heifer International]( [Top Story] [Top Story]( [“Do Something!” Michelle Obama’s Big-Hearted, Urgent, Barn-Burner of a Convention Speech]( The former first lady riled with bruising punches and hilarious zingers. BY JAMILAH KING SPONSORED CONTENT FROM HEIFER INTERNATIONAL   The Answer is Right Above Our Heads How do we ensure a healthy planet for generations to come? The answer is right above our heads. You can provide farming families solar kits through Heifer International, helping them light their homes, irrigate their crops and care for their livestock. [Lead the charge to a sustainable future today.]( [Trending] [The doctors who want to tell the DNC about the hell they saw in Gaza]( BY NOAH LANARD   [Michelle Obama’s speech was the best. Doug Emhoff’s was the most groundbreaking.]( BY CLARA JEFFERY   [She was denied care for a miscarriage. Now she's campaigning with Kamala Harris.]( BY PEMA LEVY   [The vibe has shifted downballot too]( BY TIM MURPHY Advertisement [Heifer International]( [Special Feature] [Special Feature]( [Tax credits from Biden’s signature climate law go mainly to families earning $100,000-plus]( An analysis of Inflation Reduction Act benefits suggests working-class Americans are missing out. BY DHARNA NOOR MOTHER JONES MEMBERSHIP UPDATE   A QUICK FAVOR We need to raise $163,000 in [online donations]( before the month ends and the election gets even louder after Labor Day. You know what’s at stake. And you know that Mother Jones is up for the hard, consequential work ahead. [Please help with a donation of any amount if you can right now](. And know that we’re grateful. [Donate]( Did you enjoy this newsletter? Share it on [Facebook]( and [Twitter](. [Mother Jones]( [Donate]( [Donate Monthly]( [Subscribe]( This message was sent to {EMAIL}. To change the messages you receive from us, you can [edit your email preferences]( or [unsubscribe from all mailings.]( For advertising opportunities see our online [media kit.]( Were you forwarded this email? [Sign up for Mother Jones' newsletters today.]( [www.MotherJones.com]( PO Box 8539, Big Sandy, TX 75755