Final Reflections on the 2016 Democratic National Convention

REFLECTIONS ON THE 2016 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION

The 2016 Democratic National Convention was very exhilarating and a whirlwind of activities.  As I reflect on my experiences, I found my exposure to political, media and entertainment stars an unexpected thrill, but what meant the most to me was the intelligence, fraternity and conviction of the Bernie delegates, both inside and outside of the Convention – to the leader of their movement and the very important issues he and they continue to champion. I am encouraged by the activism of these passionate patriots and am grateful for the independents and young people the Bernie campaign attracted to help fight the corruption and entrenchment of a system so dependent on money where corporations have no limit on how much they can donate thanks to the Citizens' United Supreme Court decision.  Not only did I witness history in the first nomination of a woman to be President of the United States, but also witnessed the beginning of a powerful movement that hopefully will awaken more Americans to the problems of our democracy and motivate them to be part of the necessary change.

I believe the Democratic Party succeeded in making a very expensive and environmentally insensitive (the whole over the top balloon drop) commercial for Hillary Clinton which has produced the sought after important post-convention bump in the polls. 

I and I’m sure the vast TV audience heard very inspiring speeches by Michelle and Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Rev. William Barker, Khizr Khan, Tim Kaine, Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and others.  The party’s messages of love trumps hate, unity and stronger together came through via the signs, speakers and the media reports, but there were other less reported things going on during the convention that I experienced and would like to share.  Please read the following article to see what things looked like to an articulate CA Bernie delegate, much of which I observed and some of which I participated in (planning meetings, holding up No More War, No TPP and No Fracking signs and wearing a neon green t-shirt the last day of the Convention),

First night 

and to understand why Sanders Berners kept up the heat! http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/why_sanders_berners_kept_up_the_heat_20160802

Two articles further describe the convention as a whole from different perspectives which I found interesting and hope you will as well.  Professional writers and journalists do a much better job than I could!

http://commondreams.org/views/2016/08/02/dnc-achieved-unity-through-forced-conformity-and-.manufactured-consent

http://michaelsalamone.com/a-tale-of-two-conventions/  

And finally, Jim Hightower evaluates what progressives achieved and provides a glimpse of the future.

-It lifted: from the political scrap heap up to the top of our national discourse — the concerns of middle- and low-income families: creating good, middle-class jobs through a national program of infrastructure repair and development of the green economy; enacting a $15 minimum wage; removing crushing education debt from the backs of students; coping with the imminent crisis of climate change; repealing the Supreme Court's democracy-destroying Citizens United edict; implementing pay equity for women; stopping the war machine's constant adventurism; expanding Social Security; providing Medicare for all; halting the unjust mass incarceration of African Americans and Latinos; defunding the disastrous drug war; demilitarizing our police forces; replenishing our public treasury by taxing Wall Street speculators; and generally restoring economic fairness, social justice, and equal opportunity for all as central purposes of public policy.-

Read more about what was accomplished in his article below:

http://www.truth-out.org/buzzflash/commentary/jim-hightower-the-populist-insurgency-is-ratcheting-up

People want to know – I’m not going Green.  I will stay in the Democratic Party and work for progressive change within.  As I’ve done for years I will work with my county Democratic Central Committee to register voters (which in California means primarily Democrats!) and will donate to the extent I can and work for progressive Democratic Congressional candidates.  I will continue to be a Co-Chair of the San Mateo County Democracy for America Democratic club, a progressive group that strives to support progressive candidates and issues by public education, activism and lobbying local legislators.  Also, I have been encouraging CA Bernie supporters to run for local office and to continue to educate people about the issues we care about.  I will check out Brand New Congress (a group begun by former Bernie staffers) and the Bernie campaign follow-up group, Our Revolution, and will likely join those efforts to support Berniecrats.  I am hopeful that the newly invigorated grassroots will gradually take hold and grow – until the corporations no longer are able to control our government and it works “to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.”  And, though it won’t matter much in blue California, I probably will vote for Hillary while strongly hoping she will work for the end of corruption and our oligarchy and energetically seek peace and justice as well as a healthy society and planet.

No more war!

Days 2 and 3

Day 2 – July 26

Breakfast for the CA delegation at our hotel started with bang!  I ran into and chatted with Congresswoman Jackie Speier and heard some great speakers, Hon. John Lewis, AG Kamala Harris, Tom Steyer and surprise of surprises – my hero, Senator Bernie Sanders!!  I stood right by the stage, took some close up photos and listened one more time as he articulated the progressive policies he’s been championing for a lifetime.  More tears.

After a secret Bernie strategy meeting in an anteroom by the pool, and a quick sandwich at the Reading Terminal, Julie and I took the subway to the Wells Fargo Center, determined to get seats closer to the action (and the California pole!)  Unfortunately, when we arrived, they told us they weren’t letting in delegates for almost 2 hours!!  Julie found an entrance with a guard who was slacking a bit on his responsibilities and we were in!  Only all the seats in the first 6 rows were reserved for Congress and their guests.  And the next 4 rows were reserved by the DNC.  We nevertheless settled in in much better seats and awaited the roll call.  We were treated to an enchanting sound check by Alicia Keys. 

Soon it was time for the roll call.  Punctuated with Bernie and Hillary chants, they went through all the states, skipping over Vermont so that Bernie could have the opportunity to announce that all votes had been registered and counted and Hillary would be the Democratic nominee.  Such a classy guy.

Soon we were rewarded with a great evening of speakers and a terrific performance by the lovely Alicia Keys.  Of course, one of my favorite speakers was Howard Dean, who did a little reenactment of his listing of states where we’re going to win punctuated with a final “scream.”  Highlights also included John Lewis (second time in one day!) Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, the powerhouse, Sen. Barbara Boxer, the natural, sincere Meryl Streep and a performance by the lovely and very talented Alicia Keys.  Bill Clinton was his usually engaging self, which you likely saw, as he shared his personal memories and insights into Hillary’s character. After another late night we headed back to the hotel.

Day 3 - July 27, 2016

We overslept and unfortunately missed Howard Dean and a number of other speakers at the CA Breakfast.   Then I got going and went to another Bernie delegate strategy meeting and then to national DFA training for prospective candidates that  provided lots of useful information.  It was so popular that two sessions had to increase to three!  On the way back to the room, I ran into my cousin, Senator Richard Blumenthal (CT) and took a photo with him and his wife, Cynthia.  He was on his way to speak at a Planned Parenthood luncheon.

My friend, Elsa attended it and learned a lot about some polling they'd done on the favorability and unfavorability of Hillary and Bernie.  Pretty disturbing.  Julie and I missed the luncheon and took a subway to the Wells Fargo arena to be there early and once again, Julie found a way for us to get in before the arena was totally open.

Before the speeches on Day 3 Julie and I explored the lower floor area to see the view the lucky states like New York had and encountered a number of Congress members and media people such as Chris Jansing and Steve Kornacki of MSNBC, two tall and talented correspondents from the Daily Show (Hasan Minhaj and Jordan Klepper) and the incomparable Carole King.  I shared greetings from another Carole and Julie took a photo of us which she posted to Facebook.  Fun to see celebrities!  

Then we hurried back to our seats as it was always a challenge to save them.  Among others we heard Gavin Newsom and Jerry Brown.  (CA Bernie supporters were flashing their no fracking signs then!) It was the night of love  - and we also heard meaningful speeches from Charleston survivors, Mark Kelly and Gaby Giffords, and Broadway stars whose singing of "Love, Sweet Love" had everyone singing and swaying in unison.  Message getting through!  We met Tim Kaine and he seems like a great guy - not as progressive as I would like, but will help the Democrats reach people in the center they think.  That was followed by the inspirational words of the terrific, passionate Joe Biden who had the crowd on its feet.  Security was extra tight as the President was in the house and treated the convention goers to his magnificent oratory.  I'm going to miss that - big time!

All around the arena the no TPP signs could be seen despite all the Obama sticks and other signs. During the convention Bernie delegates had been trying to engage Hillary delegates to get them to sign forms indicating their opposition to the TPP.  Although many seemed to be opposed to it, very few were willing to sign the petitions.  Nevertheless, the next day one of our CA delegates reported having run into Ami Bera and when she asked if he would oppose having the TPP come up during the lame duck Congress, he seemed to say in a dejected manner that he thought the TPP was dead.  We'll see, I guess.

Back to the hotel by 1:30am and off to the CA delegate party we'd paid for through the CA Democratic Party.  Although the live music was good, it was very loud so conversation was impossible but after not having eaten all day since breakfast, their cold food tasted pretty good! Amazing that this septogenarian was going to bed at nearly 2:30 am!!

The first evening followed by the first day of the Convention

Arrived and was greeted by helpful volunteers who helped me get the shuttle to the hotel - the Marriott, a huge and bustling place where delegates from Iowa, Florida and California are staying. Lucked into a lovely room I'm sharing with my daughter, Julie, a friend, Elsa and a new friend, a Bernie supporter from San Diego.   Lots of enthusiastic Bernie people everywhere!

Marches for Bernie all over downtown Philadelphia.  Hundreds of thousands supporters from all over are here to speak for their issues and their candidate.  We hear there are about 4,500 delegates and 15,000 journalists here.  A few I've seen are Anderson Cooper, Tom Brokaw, Wolf Blitzer, Erica Hill, E J Dionne and one of my favorites, Joy Reid. We registered for event tickets and a gift bag and eventually headed off to dinner at a restaurant Julie found - amazed at the news that Debbie Wasserman Shultz was out!  Soon, we discovered the DNC Welcome Delegate party we'd just learned about that had great food, free drinks, lots of music and noise, too.  Back to the hotel where CA Bernie delegates met to plan logistics for Monday, remind everyone about schedule changes and practice our "I'm on a Journey with Bernie song.  They passed out signs saying Yea, Nay, Yes, No and Roll Call.Such fun being with all the enthusiastic Bernie folks.

Monday, July 25th

Up early for a CA delegation breakfast at our hotel with fabulous speakers - Barbara Lee, John Chaing, Ed Lee, SOS Alex Padilla and the wonderful Nancy Pelosi.

Chatted with my Congresswoman, Anna Eshoo before heading off to find a Medicare for All and No on TPP meetings – things took so long I missed the first one, but a very large and eager crowd listened to good speakers urging us to speak up to prevent a vote for the dangerous TPP legislation during the lame duck Congress.

They cleared the two ballrooms following that and did a security sweep and just allowed delegates in to hear our hero, Bernie speak to the delegates.  The overflow crowd was so excited and Bernie spoke masterfully – reminding us of all that still needs to be done to help the 99% and improve our democracy.  He touted the improvements accomplished via the platform and in the rules committee.  Superdelegates will be reduced by 60% and we’ve almost achieved open primaries, (Sorry, I was cheering so much I didn’t take good notes – but did take a video which I’ll include once I’ve edited it a bit.)  I think CNN and others covered the raucous proceedings – all the passionate supporters who even booed when Bernie asked us to vote for Clinton/Kaine.

Finally, it was time to board the shuttles for the Wells Fargo Center (basketball arena) for the main event.  I’m there now, marveling at the enormous size of this place the palpable excitement.  So far we’ve heard from Boyz to Men (Philadelphia group I’ve always enjoyed!) and many Democrats, including Barney Frank, who headed the Rules Committee and engendered a bunch of Bernie chants and boos, Hon. Elijah Cummings, Diane Russell, the woman from Maine who spearheaded the no superdelegates campaign, Ben Jealous, Raul Grijalva, Sen. Jeff Merkley

 and others.  We heard reports from the platform and rules committees and approved them with some opposition.  The Bernie crowd has held up "no TPP" Bernie and pro-Bernie, signs and cheered for Bernie every chance they’ve had.  So this unity is coming slowly.  

After charging batteries on my phone and computer, and refueling ourselves at the wonderful Next Gen California Cafe, sponsored by Tom Steyer, we heard Kristen Gillibrand  and the wonderful Al Franken who was far and away the most entertaining speaker!  Paul Simon performed a lovely "Bridge Over Troubled Waters," (Peggy!) and then we heard and an exhilarating speech by Cory Booker. 

You could feel the long sought unity beginning to happen. Then some law student started talking about an experience she had, only to surprisingly introduce her professor, Sen. Elizabeth Warren.  Although I adore her and her strong progressive stances against the big banks, she was a little disappointing as a speaker, I thought.  But not the outstanding Co-Leader of the House Progressive Caucus, Keith Ellison, who encouraged support for progressive legislation on many issues and support for Hillary.  Then, the magnificent video of Bernie Sanders, done to the fabulous Simon and Garfunkel song, “America” played and the crowd loved it, but they went absolutely wild when Bernie emerged on the stage.  Cheering all over the arena for such a long time.  Tears were welling up.  Then, as he reminded us of the need to get $ out of politics, overturn Citizens United, the importance of addressing climate change, having a living wage, providing healthcare for all and making the government represent the 99%, I found myself openly crying in disappointment that our progressive leader will not lead “the revolution” through the White House, and that we won’t have as much opportunity to feel his hopeful inspiration in the future. 

Emotionally, drained, we boarded the shuttle back to the hotel and fell into bed at nearly 1:30!  So ready for Day 2!

The first evening followed by the first day of the Convention

Arrived and was greeted by helpful volunteers who helped me get the shuttle to the hotel - the Marriott, a huge and bustling place where delegates from Iowa, Florida and California are staying. Lucked into a lovely room I'm sharing with my daughter, Julie, a friend, Elsa and a new friend, a Bernie supporter from San Diego.   Lots of enthusiastic Bernie people everywhere!

Marches for Bernie all over downtown Philadelphia.  Hundreds of thousands supporters from all over are here to speak for their issues and their candidate.  We hear there are about 4,500 delegates and 15,000 journalists here.  A few I've seen are Anderson Cooper, Tom Brokaw, Wolf Blitzer, Erica Hill, E J Dionne and one of my favorites, Joy Reid. We registered for event tickets and a gift bag and eventually headed off to dinner at a restaurant Julie found - amazed at the news that Debbie Wasserman Shultz was out!  Soon, we discovered the DNC Welcome Delegate party we'd just learned about that had great food, free drinks, lots of music and noise, too.  Back to the hotel where CA Bernie delegates met to plan logistics for Monday, remind everyone about schedule changes and practice our "I'm on a Journey with Bernie song.  They passed out signs saying Yea, Nay, Yes, No and Roll Call.Such fun being with all the enthusiastic Bernie folks.

Monday, July 25th

Up early for a CA delegation breakfast at our hotel with fabulous speakers - Barbara Lee, John Chaing, Ed Lee, SOS Alex Padilla and the wonderful Nancy Pelosi.

Chatted with my Congresswoman, Anna Eshoo before heading off to find a Medicare for All and No on TPP meetings – things took so long I missed the first one, but a very large and eager crowd listened to good speakers urging us to speak up to prevent a vote for the dangerous TPP legislation during the lame duck Congress.

They cleared the two ballrooms following that and did a security sweep and just allowed delegates in to hear our hero, Bernie speak to the delegates.  The overflow crowd was so excited and Bernie spoke masterfully – reminding us of all that still needs to be done to help the 99% and improve our democracy.  He touted the improvements accomplished via the platform and in the rules committee.  Superdelegates will be reduced by 60% and we’ve almost achieved open primaries, (Sorry, I was cheering so much I didn’t take good notes – but did take a video which I’ll include once I’ve edited it a bit.)  I think CNN and others covered the raucous proceedings – all the passionate supporters who even booed when Bernie asked us to vote for Clinton/Kaine.

Finally, it was time to board the shuttles for the Wells Fargo Center (basketball arena) for the main event.  I’m there now, marveling at the enormous size of this place the palpable excitement.  So far we’ve heard from Boyz to Men (Philadelphia group I’ve always enjoyed!) and many Democrats, including Barney Frank, who headed the Rules Committee and engendered a bunch of Bernie chants and boos, Hon. Elijah Cummings, Diane Russell, the woman from Maine who spearheaded the no superdelegates campaign, Ben Jealous, Raul Grijalva, Sen. Jeff Merkley

 and others.  We heard reports from the platform and rules committees and approved them with some opposition.  The Bernie crowd has held up "no TPP" Bernie and pro-Bernie, signs and cheered for Bernie every chance they’ve had.  So this unity is coming slowly.  

After charging batteries on my phone and computer, and refueling ourselves at the wonderful Next Gen California Cafe, sponsored by Tom Steyer, we heard Kristen Gillibrand  and the wonderful Al Franken who was far and away the most entertaining speaker!  Paul Simon performed a lovely "Bridge Over Troubled Waters," (Peggy!) - very cool.  Cory Booker was rather electrifying and then we heard the magnificent First Lady, Michelle Obama who spoke so brilliantly and with great empathy about very important issues and the qualities of Hillary.  Sort of like a warm hug - according to my daughter, Julie!  Everyone loved her, as you could probably see on TV.  She made me so proud to be a Democrat.  

Literally, on the way to Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love!

Sunday, July 24, 2016 – Aboard AMTRAC train from Connecticut to Philadelphia

Finally I have wifi and can update and send my report!  After a lovely stay in Manhattan with a dear friend and a nice visit to Marcia’s grave and opportunity to catch up with my very hospitable brother-in-law in Connecticut I am getting closer to the Convention. 

Already my head is spinning with all the events, marches, meetings, parties, trainings and strategies discussed endlessly in emails, texts, Facebook posts and Twitter. So if I miss an email occasionally, please know it’s inadvertent.

Recent big thing yesterday is whether or not Bernie delegates should go hear him speak on Monday afternoon at 2 (as his campaign strongly suggested!) and risk being late for the 4 pm gavel drop at the Wells Fargo Center, across town, given the traffic and security concerns. 

Today Bernie people are demonstrating by City Hall and from what I hear there’s a good sized crowd.  I’ll meet up with Elsa (fellow delegate who’s also a friend who lives 15 minutes from me) and my daughter Julie later today, as well as our other roommate, Josephine, from San Diego, who I only know from a special FB group for delegates.  Meeting at 4 for Northern CA delegates. Then an evening meeting with HRC delegates to find common ground on the TPP.  That is followed by something at 7 and Julie and I and our roommates have a dinner reservation, in case we need it at 7:30!  I can feel the pace quickening. It should be very exciting – and it doesn’t even officially begin until tomorrow!

New York with Bexley friends

Friday, July 22nd, 2016

I'm slowly getting used to this blog technology . . . and hope to be able to post a couple of photos this time.  We'll see!  I arrived Tuesday and was picked up at La Guardia by a Bexley High School (Columbus, Ohio) friend, Harriett, and we spent the evening in her charming home, catching up, and enjoying a lovely dinner with her kind husband, Nick Fragnoli, (aka the concierge), who is a professor and Dean at nearby Malloy College.  On Wednesday, we journied to Port Washington, Long Island, to Dody Berne's home where 7 of us had a long leisurely delicious lunch (Wendy, Barbie, Ellen, Susie, Dody, Harriett and me) Gifts and a bit of gossip ensued - and it was great to pick up where we left off!

The next day Harriett and I met Ellen for lunch and a spin around the gigantic Metropolitan Museum in Manhattan.  Among many other things we saw an intriguing display about the intricacies of adornments on haute couture.   Staying with my friend of 65 years, Ellen and her very understanding husband, Roy.  I'll see my aunt, some cousins and my brother in law before taking the train to Philadelphia on Sunday - for all the excitement of the Convention.

You came here thinking you were going to find out something about politics.  Not to worry.  As has become my custom lately, I have spent many hours daily reading emails, keeping up with delegate Facebook groups and participating in conference calls to plan delegate strategies and learn about the myriad of activities that will take place at the Convention.  I hardly have time for anything else!!  :)
It will be a very exciting time. There will be many Bernie suggestions to the Rules Committee that meets Saturday, before I arrive, unfortunately.  Things like doing away with superdelegates in the future and making it easier to vote, among others. Big, needed changes could occur.

 So many Bernie supporters, delegates and non, are heading toward Philadelphia now - in cross country caravans, by plane and train.  The one thing that becomes clear, is that everything is in a state of flux.  Gavel times change.  Plans for meetings are rescheduled So excited to see what awaits!

Above is a picture of 1) the amazing Our Delegate - Carole button that wonderful Harriett made for the classmate lunch (she is the most creative and thoughtful person I know!!)  She even gave me extras for my family and friends.

Before I go . . .

Tomorrow, July 19th, my adventure begins - with a visit to high school friends and family, on my way to Philadelphia.  I'm excited to see everyone and to take my place at the Democratic National Committee Convention next Sunday before the official start on Monday.  Today, of course, I'm tying up loose ends, trying out this blog and packing!  It's predicted to be 98 or 99 degrees, just like the way it was at our family reunion in July, 1999!  And sticky, too!  Can't wait!