Democrats attending the Democratic National Convention last week appeared euphoric as they watched Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Vice President Kamala Harris accept their party’s nominations for vice president and president, respectively.
Although no members of the Licking County Democratic Party were represented as delegates at the convention, some sat transfixed in front of their screens, experiencing important moments and being as excited about the direction of the party as the attendees.
“There was just an incredible energy,” said Susan Haas, vice president of the Licking County Democratic Club. “I know several people who were there and have been following their social media posts – we’re all really excited.”
The DNC was the culmination of weeks of simmering enthusiasm among Democrats. President Joe Biden effectively passed the torch to Harris when he dropped out of the presidential race last month, fueling excitement in the party that had already been worried about its chances of defeating former President Donald Trump in November.
Marcia Phelps, chairwoman of the Licking County Democratic Party, said the decision brought “a whole new wind of enthusiasm” to the country and the party.
“No one will ever diminish the devotion that President Biden has shown to the American people throughout his public life,” Phelps said. “I think everyone would say that the sacrifices he has made as an official are commendable.”
“But I believe that in making his decision, he put our country before himself. In his heart of hearts, he wanted to move on. I believe that (Democrats) who attended the convention and heard the news felt rejuvenated and reinvigorated. It gave them a sense not only of gratitude for his service, but of support for his decision to bring forward someone who was ready and had the background, knowledge and training to lead the country.”
What they thought of the DNC speeches
Democratic support for the Harris-Walz ticket in Licking County is growing. Voters have been calling the club more frequently to request campaign posters, Haas said. Phelps expects the Harris-Walz posters to be available by the end of August.
In her speech on Thursday, Harris spoke about her background and appealed to independent voters and Republicans, promising to be a “president for all Americans.”
Both Harris and Walz called for unity in their speeches. Walz at one point gave a football-themed address – reminiscent of similar speeches from his time as a coach – and urged supporters to “get in the trenches and block” in support of her campaign.
“That’s what locker room talk is really about,” Haas said of Walz’s speech, referring to Trump’s infamous comments about women. “I used to be an athlete and you give people motivational speeches, but you also make sure they’re ready to do the work and cross the finish line.”
Haas took notes as she watched Harris’ speech. She plans to recite those notes when she speaks to volunteers about the vice president’s message.
She was also particularly enthusiastic about Harris’ statement, “We are not going back,” words that Harris has used repeatedly to urge Americans to turn their backs on Trump.
“She has shown her desire to forge a new path, not as a party but as Americans,” Phelps said. “We must put our country before our party and ourselves.”
Fans: Harris and Walz must “stay the course”
Harris and Walz have about 70 days to convince voters and generate further support.
To build on last week’s momentum, Harris and Walz must continue to spread their message of “unity, patriotism and working for the people,” according to Phelps.
“Over the next 70-plus days, they need to stay the course, get in front of as many people as possible and continue to spread the same message they started,” Phelps said.
On her clipboard, Haas has a bumper sticker that reads “Make America Kind Again,” a message she believes could resonate with independent and undecided voters.
“I think people are really craving that,” Haas said. “People are recognizing the value of kindness, and Kamala Harris and Tim Walz both really exude compassion, caring and a willingness to listen to people across the political spectrum.”
Advocate reporter Josué Perez can be reached at [email protected].
