« I think it’s very high energy, it’s electric and people are really energized, » said LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis.
California delegates report an electric mood inside the Democratic National Convention in Chicago where, as representatives of Kamala Harris’s home state, they get front row seats to all of the electoral excitement.
On Tuesday Aug. 20, this includes a headlining speech from former president Barack Obama as well as remarks from Governor Gavin Newsom who has the ceremonial honor of delivering the delegate votes needed to confirm Harris as the party’s presidential nominee.
After weeks of turmoil over who should lead the Democratic ticket, California delegates described a palpable surge in hope and unity from inside the United Center.
“I think that most delegates, prior to Biden stepping aside for Vice President Harris to take the role, were apprehensive and unsure how this convention was going to be,” said delegate Mark Gonzalez, immediate past chair of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party. “But there certainly does seem to be a new energy around here and many people are saying it feels like 2008. The excitement is indescribable.”
Obama became the first Black president in 2008 and, if elected, Harris would become the first female head of state.
Gonzalez said that thanks to the coalescing of support around Harris, there is fresh optimism surging through the party and an increase in interest from young diverse voters.
“You’re seeing a strong amount of young people, which is what we also saw in 2008, who want to get involved and feel motivated by this campaign to once again make history,” he said.
L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis said that out of the half a dozen or so Democratic National Conventions (DNCs) she has attended, none have felt as special as this one.
“I think it’s very high energy, it’s electric and people are really energized,” said Solis.
