Polis emerges as key cheerleader for Harris ticket, bashes GOP in DNC speech

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis played the role of attack dog in a speech Wednesday from the stage at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, quoting Taylor Swift and warning about GOP plans to ban abortion and contraception.

Why it matters: The big-time venue showcased how the governor — a self-described "balding gay Jew" — has emerged as a top cheerleader for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in the 2024 race.

State of play: In his 3-minute remarks just before 6:30pm in Chicago, Polis tried to link Donald Trump to the conservative proposals in Project 2025 — despite the fact the former president disavowed the plan .

• "Project 2025 would turn the entire federal government and bureaucracy into a massive machine, it would weaponize it to control our reproductive and personal choices," Polis said.
• Identifying himself as a "Swiftie," Polis quoted one of the popstar's songs, saying: "They want to take us backwards. But we aren't going back, like ever, ever, ever."

A day earlier , he made the national media rounds, appearing on MSNBC and CNN live from the convention floor and at Politico's venue as an official campaign surrogate.

• He emerged as a straight-talker but stayed on message, deflecting questions about himself to talk about Harris and vice presidential candidate Gov. Tim Walz.
• And Polis touted the Harris ticket, saying on MSNBC that "enthusiasm went from a 2 to a 10" when President Biden stepped aside .

What he's saying: "It's exciting to pump up and help support Kamala Harris and motivate all the grassroots supporters across the nation here," he told Axios Denver in an interview.

Between the lines: Polis, a former congressman, entered the national picture as a Democrat willing to openly criticize Biden and then landed on lists as a potential vice presidential candidate .

• Asked about his national prospects, Polis demurred. "I'm just really excited to highlight the work we've done in Colorado," he said.

What's next: Two Colorado congressmen, Joe Neguse and Jason Crow, are expected to speak at the DNC today.