Not Joe Biden’s DNC: 6 takeaways so far. Plus, new COVID-19 vaccines on the way

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NPR's senior political editor/correspondent Domenico Montanaro joins the newsletter today to break down the DNC so far:

Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, Kamala Harris' vice-presidential pick, stepped into the spotlight on night three of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago — and he gave the crowd a pep talk, as Democrats tried to make a broad appeal. Here are six takeaways from the DNC so far:

1. "Coach Walz's" pep talk: Using his optimistic and folksy Midwestern style he's become known for, he said it was the fourth quarter and Democrats had to do the blocking and tackling.
2. Democrats tried to appeal to independents and undecided voters: They tried to show that their values are mainstream. Oprah Winfrey told the crowd she's a registered independent and that Harris-Walz represented the "common sense" ticket.
3. Night three was also one to showcase rising stars: Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore are three names the country will likely hear more about in future presidential elections.
4. This is not Joe Biden's convention: From a raucous roll call to lauding "joy" in politics, the enthusiasm is back in the Democratic Party, and it's because Biden stepped aside.
5. Michelle Obama gave the speech she could never give as first lady: The Obamas had to carefully walk a line to not offend those who might not vote for Barack Obama because he is Black. But being out of electoral politics gave Michelle Obama a certain degree of liberation, as she went after Trump in a speech that