My mother just participated in the Democratic National Convention as a delegate for Hillary Clinton, and I traveled up to Philadelphia to visit her and experience the last two days. I am still processing the fact that we witnessed history, that this compassionate, tough, smart, persistent, amazing woman just smashed the glass ceiling, throwing down the gauntlet and proving to the world that a there is nothing a woman can’t do. Here’s what I experienced over the latter half of this week as history was made.
Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, who has served his country in the armed forces, as a civil rights-focused staffer, as a Democratic congressman, OMB director and White House chief of staff, then as CIA director, made a compelling case that Donald Trump is an unhinged loose cannon who doesn’t belong anywhere near a position of power, condemning his deranged and borderline-treasonous call for the Russians to hack Hillary Clinton for his own political ends. Panetta also praised Clinton’s experience and foreign policy leadership, including her role in the elimination of Osama Bin Laden. At some point, a small, rude group of attendees attempted to heckle Panetta, only to be drowned out by the roar of supporters chanting “USA.” It was remarkable to be at the center of such a chant. The USA chant crescendo-ed as Secretary Panetta praised the US as a place where an immigrant or child of immigrants can rise to the highest offices in the land, evoking a sense of patriotism based in our country’s strength through diversity.
Vice President Joe Biden spoke from the heart about empathy, eviscerating Trump and deploring the sadistic pleasure the GOP nominee takes in saying “you’re fired.” Biden dismissed Trump’s professed concern for the downtrodden as “a bunch of malarkey,” drawing earsplitting cheers from the fired-up crowd. The Vice President denounced in no uncertain terms Trump’s false narrative of national decline and his cynical exploitation of Americans’ fears and anxieties.
Michael Bloomberg made the case that independents, business people, moderates, public-spirited Republicans, and anyone interested in competent and sane government must support Hillary Clinton in the face of the threat from Trump. He needled Trump on his failed business record, total unfitness for office, and snake-oil campaign promises, declaring “I’m a New Yorker, and I know a con when I see one.” Though Bloomberg acknowledged his outsider status and breaks with Democratic stances on certain issues, he was well-received.
Our next vice president, Tim Kaine, was introduced through a heartwarming video detailing his upbringing and commitment to social justice. Though a bit lower-key than the speeches that came before, Kaine’s decency, competency, and record of achievement resonated, as did his entertaining Trump imitation.
President Obama entered the hall to a minutes-long standing ovation. He could have struck a blow to Trump simply by standing on the stage, simply by being what a president should be in view of the whole country. Obama brought his all, delivering an uplifting, poised speech that celebrated our country’s progress while acknowledging the work still to be done, slamming Trump as out of touch with reality and unfit to serve, praising Bernie Sanders’ great contribution to the Democratic Party, and embracing Hillary Clinton as an astoundingly worthy successor, “more qualified than me, more qualified than Bill.” At the end, Hillary Clinton made a surprise appearance, literally embracing the president to the loudest cheers I have ever heard.
Thursday, I did not have access to the hall, but watched the speeches with my dad in our hotel lobby lounge. We watched as the scrupulously non-partisan General John Allen denounced torture, slammed Trump as a dangerous disaster, and inspired watchers with his credibility, earnest patriotism, and military record. The shockingly moving testimony of Khizr Khan was among the highlights of the whole week, sharing the now well-known story of his heroic son and driving home the truth that America is for people of all faiths, races, genders, and sexual orientations.
The brilliant Chelsea Clinton introduced her mother, and Hillary delivered with an incredible speech. I teared up a bit, not just as a supporter, but as an American proud of my country for propelling this woman through the glass ceiling and within reach of the presidency. I so wish that my grandmother, who passed away last year, had lived to see it.
Democratic unity was on display at the convention. Bernie Sanders was an incredible class act, committing himself completely to the party, its progressive platform, and its victory over Trump. Clinton supporters and other officials praised his vital contributions. Numerous delegates for both candidates were wearing each other’s buttons in a show of common cause and togetherness. A small core of irrelevant dead-enders attempted rude interruptions, but they failed completely in their efforts to derail an inspiring and unified convention. Beyond the party, the convention showcased another kind of unity: the unity of those who believe in the values of our country—liberals, moderates, and conservatives, Democrats, independents, and Republicans—in the face of Trump’s hate. Our party has embraced its progressive values while opening its arms to people across the spectrum who want to vote for competence and against bigotry, instability, and destruction. We have chosen patriotism—the true patriotism of loving one’s country and celebrating all the good, while recognizing its faults and committing oneself to the ongoing fight to bend the arc of history ever closer to justice. We have chosen to embrace strength through diversity, and dignity for all people, and I am prouder than ever to be a Democrat.