DNC DAY 1

The first night of the DNC was a bizarre and fascinating mixture of hope and despair for a lot of people. Before the speeches began the pundits declared Hillary would need to figure out how to speak to young people, and that Sanders’ speech would set the tone for the convention. We were shown a few clips of protestors outside, until the feed was cut and replaced with images of Boyz II Men singing Motownphilly and the whole DNC dancing and smiling. Although extremely divided, the atmosphere at the Convention was a democratic one, unlike the RNC which was closer to a cult of personality. Yes, people had disagreements but a dozen democrat speakers made it very clear they want to mend bridges and be unified.

After a pleasant commercial brought to us by BP, the convention began with a slightly awkward and archaic “voice vote” that was hardly democratic but resolved nonetheless. You have to feel bad for for Marcia Fudge though, she never thought she would be standing on that stage. No one expected the Chair of the DNC to be forced to resign the night before the Convention. Fudge was thrown into a lions den but she made it clear that despite our strong convictions, Democrats must be civil and work together.

Elijah Cummings gave an eloquent and passionate speech. He spoke about the recent attacks on the Voting Rights Act, and about the need to establish a more peaceful world because this election is not just about the next four years, “it’s about the generations yet unborn.” As he gave his speech however he was blasted with vitriol and shouted over. I love Bernie, and I love his movement and passion, but I also hold Progressives and Democrats to a higher standard. At this convention it is imperative that Democrats work together. Yes, it is important to have your voice heard but not at the expense of speaking over another. Bernie supporters cannot and should not let their passion turn to anger.

Tina Kotek, the first lesbian speaker in the Oregon House of Representatives, also tried to posit a similar message. A same message that feels toxic to the deeply passionate Sanders supporters, but was really a desperate attempt at reconciliation:

“As the first lesbian speaker of any statehouse in our nation, I have personally witnessed the tremendous progress toward equality and justice for the LGBTQ community. We have come so far, and we cannot go back.”

I have felt the Bern, and the passion within the revolution. It is deeply frustrating, dare I say enraging, to have to accept what is unfolding but we cannot forget that the stakes in this race are enormous. The speech given by Cory Booker was perhaps one of the best at truly capturing why it is we need to contain our rage and work together. He is a skilled politician. By illustrating the simple truth, that regardless of the things we may or may not agree about, the Democratic Party is still the only major party fighting for Progressive values on a political level that could win a general election and bring those values to the White House.

In a way, Cory Booker was following the wisdom of the Dalai Lama XIV, who said: “It is under the greatest adversity that there exists the potential for doing good, both for oneself and others”. As politicians spoke and well-intentioned and compassionate people screamed back, I found myself deeply disturbed. This election has illustrated in a profound way that right now we are under enormous adversity. Many people have called Bernie Sanders a sell out, but I think that is a cynical knee jerk reaction to the sudden endorsement of a politician many of us feel is the embodiment of everything wrong in America.

As Bernie Sanders took the stage he couldn’t even begin to speak because thousands of people were screaming his name as tears streamed down their cheeks. Clearly the adversity we are under is tremendous and it is breaking people’s hearts, as he said: “In these stressful times for our country, this election must be about bringing our people together, not dividing us up.” Wise words from a wise man.

He acknowledged the political deadlock, visible throughout the DNC broadcast and between the campaigns, but he also illustrated that in this critical moment of division compromises must be made. He explained that the Clinton campaign has already adopted an extremely large portion of his platform.

“It is no secret that Hillary Clinton and I disagree on a number of issues. That’s what this campaign has been about. That’s what democracy is about. But I am happy to tell you that at the Democratic Platform Committee there was a significant coming together between the two campaigns and we produced, by far, the most progressive platform in the history of the Democratic Party.”

Cynics will say that a Party’s platform is a symbolic gesture. Regardless, Sanders has proven that despite the fierce rhetoric between the opposing campaigns and supporters, historic steps toward progress have been made. Sanders did endorse Clinton, but in many ways he also provided a list of issues he still wants to be discussed, issues that his supporters advocate for quite vocally.

After the first night of the Convention, I think it can at least be said that the Democratic Party is going to work together to try and make everyone happy. Bernie may hold the hearts of millions, but Hillary holds the keys to the nomination. There will be three more days of discussion. Regardless, the message of Bernie Sanders is not being ignored, and progressive values will be the cornerstone of what will be a historic platform. If we work together, we will be stronger together.

If we are stronger together we can and will transform this country to be the nation we all want and deserve.