Monday-Colorado Delegates at the DNC
A Delegate’s Perspective — Day One
Gov. Tim Walz said, “We’ll sleep when we’re dead.”
Looks like someone was up late.
Shenanigans were reported with this sighting — look towards the top.
After a rousing party, the Colorado Democrats went to breakfast and credentialing. Breakfast with guest speakers was held daily despite the late hours. Coffee became the main attraction. Breakfast consisted of eggs, bacon, potatoes, and muffins. There were no variants. It was predictable and steady, like a mom’s breakfast before a day of skiing.
Colorado Delegates were treated to swag bags stuffed with sweets and treats! The sweets would be a lifesaver later in the week. The contents were gifts from elected officials and other supporters. The clear bag was small enough to get through security without a hitch.
Plus, a lovely tote to put groceries in at home.
Tim Walz appeared at the AAPI, Black, LGBTQ, and Hispanic caucuses.
The schedule of speakers for the United Center dropped.
5:15 PM — 10:15 PMCall to Order
Minyon Moore
Chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention Committee
The Honorable Jaime R. Harrison
Chairman of the Democratic National Committee
Remarks and Video Introduction
The Honorable Brandon Johnson
Mayor of Chicago
Confirmatory and Ceremonial Vote for the Vice Presidential Nominee
Minyon Moore
Chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention Committee
Welcome Remarks
The Honorable Peggy Flanagan
Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota
Remarks
The Honorable Lauren Underwood
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Illinois
Video
Rich Logis
Former Donald Trump Voter
Remarks
The Honorable Robert Garcia
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, California
Joint Remarks
Lee Saunders, President of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
April Verrett, President of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
Brent Booker, General President of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA)
Kenneth W. Cooper, International President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
Claude Cummings Jr., President of the Communications Workers of America (CWA)
Elizabeth H. Shuler, President of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)Remarks: “Project 2025 — Chapter One: Introduction”
The Honorable Mallory McMorrow
Michigan State Senator
Remarks
The Honorable Gina M. Raimondo
United States Secretary of Commerce Remarks
The Honorable Kathy Hochul
Governor of New York
Remarks
Shawn Fain
President of the United Automobile Workers
Remarks
The Honorable Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, New York
Remarks
The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton
Former United States Secretary of State
Remarks
The Honorable James E. Clyburn
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, South Carolina
Remarks
The Honorable Jamie Raskin
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Maryland
Remarks
The Honorable Jasmine Crockett
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Texas
Remarks
The Honorable Grace Meng
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, New York
Joint Remarks
Amanda and Josh Zurawski, Texas
Kaitlyn Joshua, Louisiana
Hadley Duvall, Kentucky
Remarks
The Honorable Andy Beshear
Governor of Kentucky
Remarks
The Honorable Reverend Raphael G. Warnock
United States Senator, Georgia
Remarks
The Honorable Chris Coons
United States Senator, Delaware
Remarks
Dr. Jill Biden
First Lady of the United States
Introduction
Ashley Biden
Remarks
The Honorable Joe Biden
President of the United States
It was Cowboy/Cowgirl hat night! Delegates headed toward their buses for what was SUPPOSED to be an hour ride…
Protestors breached the security fence near the United Center. Delegates were stuck on their buses. Some for up to three hours.
When delegates hit hour number three, there was a discussion about ordering pizza for delivery to the bus, which was supported by the police officer providing an escort, but the bus finally started moving; the D lines assigned to the Westin made it to the United Center. Delegates watched the live broadcast and yelled “Aye” for the platform’s acceptance. Luckily, enough delegates made it in person to have a quorum.
Bomb-sniffing dogs and a man holding a Geiger counter scanned the bus. Finally, the Westin delegates made it to the United Center.
The Colorado Delegates slowly filtered in. Helicopters hovered overhead. Snipers lined the top of the United Center. Despite the increased tension, the delegates and guests were excited to have finally arrived. The lines moved swiftly. Delegates were met by volunteers cheering their safe arrival to the United Center.
Upon entering, the Colorado Delegates made it to their seats, which were saved for them via personalized seat covers that they got to keep after the convention.
The energy level was electrifying. Rousing speeches by AOC, Jasmine Crocket (V6!), Jamie Raskin, who didn’t mince words, and the powerful Raphael G. Warnock brought the delegates to their feet, but it was the long applause for Hilary Clinton that felt apologetic, celebratory, and honorific.
Not to mention the impact of the chants “lock him up” — she looked a bit bemused. Colorado was encouraged not to participate in the chant…well….
And yes, the Harris campaign had specific chants for the delegates to do at certain times and corresponding signs to wave — all communicated through this magical device called the landline. GenZ, grab a GenXer — they can fill you in.
In the end, it was all about Joe. Dr. Jill Biden addressed the crowd, followed by her daughter, Ashley. She introduced her father.
The delegations chanted, “We love Joe” and “Thank you, Joe” for four minutes.
At the end, VP Harris came on stage to greet him. The crowd went wild.
The baton has been passed.