Having a Chance Has Changed the Democrats
In Philadelphia yesterday, there was a palpable feeling of renewed hope and excitement at Vice President Kamala Harris’s rally. Even with the long, sweaty lines, the general sentiment seemed to be overwhelmingly approving of Tim Walz, the Minnesota Governor who many were meeting for the first time as Harris’ new running mate.
“The Least Threatening Person”
Walz’s designation as running mate was met with instant approval, with many believing that his affable nature and Midwestern roots would provide reassurance to voters who might gravitate towards stereotypes. In the words of Prentice Bush, a 49-year-old caterer, Walz was a “soft glove,” and a good choice for the Democratic ticket.
A Whirlwind of Events
The Democratic party has witnessed a rapid series of changes over the past two weeks. Following President Joe Biden’s unexpected step down, Harris quickly took the reins, raising substantial amounts of money and unsettling a once confident Trump campaign. With the completion of the Democratic ticket and the commencement of the campaign, there has been a shift in the party’s mood towards ecstatic astonishment.
From Despair to Giddy Hope
Today’s rally marked a significant milestone in Democrats’ journey from despair to hope. A sense of connection and mutual understanding between the grassroots movements and party leadership was evident, driving a shift that had previously seemed impossible. Many attendees expressed their admiration for Harris and Walz, elating in newfound optimism and jubilance.
A New Wave of Energy
The entire crowd was teeming with die-hard Democrats—small-dollar donors, poll workers, campaign volunteers—and individuals like Beth Sweet, who had worked for local Democratic candidates in suburban Chester County. Once gripped by despondency, she now experienced a surprising shock of hope as she began to make celebratory plans for what was previously thought of as inconceivable.
Comparisons were even drawn to Obama’s campaign, with many feeling that this was the onset of a similar wave of enthusiasm and support. Even the most pessimistic of Democrats felt the tides turning, captured in the words of house painter Nelson Haakenson, who described the surge of energy as just the beginning of their political journey.
A Wave of Solidarity
Sentiments of determination, defiance, and resistance were felt throughout the crowd—individuals were emphatically united in their commitment to assemble, vote, and fight for their beliefs. Handmade signs proclaiming Kamala Is Future glittered through the crowd, and numerous T-shirts boldly declared support for the Democratic ticket with slogans like Keep Kamala and Carry On .
The Building Momentum: An End to the Dark Times
Individuals who had previously been overwhelmed with despair and anxiety about another potential victory for Trump now breathed sighs of relief. The gloom that shrouded the previous weeks had been dispelled, replaced with a renewed sense of hope, excitement, and anticipation. As Sheila Easley, a first-time political rally attendee put it, “A light just lit up in me. Like Armageddon isn’t going to happen. We still have a chance.”
A Thunderous Welcome
The arena was filled to near capacity, the energy in the room reaching a near-fever pitch as the warm-up speakers took the stage. The crowd erupted into uproarious cheer with every speaker, with their roars especially loud when Governor Josh Shapiro delivered his speech.
The stage was then set for Harris and Walz who were met with deafening applause and cheers as they stepped into the spotlight. Despite being behind Trump in most swing-state polls with only 90 days left until the elections, there was a clear sense of determination echoing throughout the arena. “Now, we have work to do,” stated Harris, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
