Kamala Harris  – Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez took center stage at the Democratic National Convention a little after 9:30 p.m. on Monday, right in the heart of primetime. In a striking contrast, President Joe Biden’s speaking slot was nearly two hours later, relegated to a less favorable time.

This scheduling contrast highlights the broader ideological shift within the Democratic Party. With Vice President Kamala Harris now the Democratic presidential nominee, there’s a concerted effort to reposition her as a candidate that appeals to moderates. Following Biden’s endorsement, The New York Times published an article framing Harris as a “California Moderate,” a far cry from the progressive platform she championed in 2019.

Harris’ communications team has been working to distance her from the more radical stances she once advocated. Similarly, her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, is presented as a pragmatic Midwesterner, with his more left-leaning record downplayed.

Despite these efforts to appear moderate, the events of Monday night revealed the party’s true nature. Ocasio-Cortez, known for her progressive policies and fiery speeches, was celebrated with a hero’s welcome. Her address, which included critiques of corporate greed and praise for Harris’ work towards a “cease-fire” in Gaza, was widely acclaimed.

Media reactions were effusive. HuffPost’s Daniel Marans noted the DNC hall’s enthusiasm for Ocasio-Cortez. Jeet Heer of The Nation described her as a key figure in the future of the Democratic Party. Activist Armand Domalewski even compared her speech to Obama-level rhetoric, while Jon Favreau, an Obama alum, marveled at her oratory skills.

This praise and prominence for Ocasio-Cortez come as little surprise. Just five years ago, Harris campaigned with a platform similar to Ocasio-Cortez’s, endorsing Medicare-for-All and the Green New Deal, and expressing support for radical movements like Defund the Police. Harris even praised Ocasio-Cortez for challenging the status quo with her ambitious proposals.

Despite her initial progressive stance, Harris has attempted to rebrand herself as a centrist. Her campaign has avoided detailed policy discussions, and her website lacks specifics on her presidential agenda. This strategy seems designed to obscure her past positions and avoid alienating moderate voters.

Ocasio-Cortez’s prominent role at the convention, juxtaposed with Biden’s diminished presence, underscores the Democratic Party’s shift to the left. Biden, once the party’s moderate choice, now seems to be sidelined, as the progressive wing gains more influence.

The current Democratic leadership’s embrace of radical policies is evident in their choice to highlight Ocasio-Cortez over Biden. The party’s attempt to reframe Harris as a moderate while celebrating Ocasio-Cortez’s progressive vision reveals a deeper ideological realignment.

As the Democrats prepare for the upcoming election, it remains to be seen whether American voters will recognize the shift towards a more radical agenda or if they will be swayed by the party’s attempts to present a more moderate face. The outcome will likely hinge on how well the party manages to balance its progressive ambitions with the need to appeal to a broader electorate.

Isaac Schorr is a staff writer at Mediaite.