Maura Healey's big DNC moment
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The stage at the United Center as Gov. Tim Walz spoke Wednesday night. Photo: Eva Marie Uzcategui/Getty Images
Gov. Maura Healey took the stage at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago last night, highlighting the differences between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.
Why it matters: Healey's speaking spot just before Harris accepted the party's nomination for president was a moment for Massachusetts' first female governor to stand in the national spotlight.
Healey spoke about working with Harris when they were both state attorneys general.
- She noted the coming election will be a choice between a former prosecutor and a convicted felon.
- "He obstructs justice. She upholds it. He swindles people. She serves them. He thinks he's above the law. She actually understands the law," Healey said.
Zoom out: The national stage is new for Healey, who served two terms as AG before becoming governor in 2023.
- Many delegates weren't too familiar with her in Chicago before her speech, according to Politico.
- She's so under the radar that she even got a talking-to from DNC staff for standing on the edge of the bleachers in the United Center — before it was pointed out that she's chief executive of the bluest state.
Earlier during the convention, Healey was on a smaller stage with other female governors and "Veep" star Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
- Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and others joined Healey to talk about their experience as female leaders.
- Healey emphasized the importance of electing women to down-ballot offices to protect women's rights and access to health care.
Off-script moments: Her stylish jacket caught Louis-Dreyfus' eye at one point. Healey said she got it from her "Gary." The governor also nailed the host's gubernatorial pop quiz by naming the official state flower as the mayflower.