From ‘funeral’ to party: Democratic delegates arrive in Chicago feeling win within reach
By
Samantha-Jo Roth
,
Marisa Schultz
and
Barnini Chakraborty
August 19, 2024 7:00 am
.
Thousands of Democratic delegates have arrived in Chicago for what they expect to be a “joyful” four-night national convention crowning Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s nominee, in contrast with the mood weeks ago that many described as a “death march” to the November election.
Delegates from across the country told the Washington Examiner they feel much more optimistic about the trip to Chicago than they did just a few weeks ago, describing a roller coaster of emotions from President Joe Biden’s disastrous debate in late June until his decision to drop out at the end of July.
Following the swap from Biden to Harris, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said the mood went from a funeral to a party.
“Everyone’s looking forward to this event, which a month ago looked like it might be a funeral, and now is looking like it’s going to be a big party and celebration as we go forward to elect the first woman president,” Poloncarz, a New York delegate, told the Washington Examiner.
Poloncarz has been to each Democratic convention since 2004, and he said he believes the enthusiasm for this one is the most he’s seen, even beyond 2008 for Barack Obama.
more
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/presidential/3124609/from-funeral-to-party-democratic-delegates-arrive-chicago-win-within-reach/