Night One of the 2024 Democratic National Convention

Last night’s events at the Democratic National Convention began with an unexpected delay as protesters breached the security perimeter and delayed many delegates from reaching the United Center on time. The New Jersey delegation’s hotel is just a little over three miles away from the convention center, but it took nearly three hours until we were finally settled into our seats at around 7:30pm.

The tumult of the 1968 convention has haunted nearly every subsequent convention. As we waited on our bus, the eerie question loomed: will this year be a repeat? But that fear quickly dissipated as we made our way into the convention and started to hear the evening’s speakers.

America witnessed a united Democratic Party, one which has coalesced around Vice President Kamala Haris and Governor Tim Walz. It is a diverse party that is a broad coalition that truly reflects America. We heard from the most progressive leaders to the more centrist voices within our ranks. The message was clear from everyone: Democrats are the only party fighting for the American middle and working class.

Vice President Kamala Harris shared her own story, one that resonates with millions of Americans. She spoke of her family’s financial struggles and how, like so many young people, she worked her way through college at a McDonald’s. Her story is a testament to the values we hold dear as Democrats. That anyone, with some hard work and perseverance should have an opportunity to achieve the American dream. But today, too often hard-working Americans no longer feel they have that fair shot.

It was Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who delivered the night’s most memorable line. Addressing her critics who often attack her by suggesting she “should go back to bartending,” she proudly declared, “I’m happy to any day of the week because there is nothing wrong with working for a living.” At that moment, she spoke to every hard working American.

Later in the night, the arena fell into a deafening silence as we heard from the brave young woman, Hadley Duvall, who spoke powerfully about the importance of reproductive freedom. She shared her horrific story of being raped by her stepfather and becoming pregnant at the age of 12. As she asked, When President Trump calls total abortion bans a “’beautiful thing,’ what is so beautiful about a child having to carry her parent’s child?” Duvall quickly reminded us of what is at stake if Vice President Kamala Harris does not win in November.

The night underscored the stark contrast between our party and the Republican Party led by Donald Trump. Our leaders spoke passionately about the accomplishments of the Biden Administration and what a Harris-Walz victory would mean for the American middle class. They highlighted our party’s commitment to lowering living costs, increasing economic security and standing up for working families. This stood in sharp contrast to the vision offered at the Republican National Convention. A vision that seems more focused on dividing Americans than on unity and forward-looking progress.

When Ashley Biden introduced her father there wasn’t a dry eye in the arena. President Biden, who has spoken at every Democratic national convention since 1976, delivered what may have been his most heartfelt address to the American public. He reflected on the extraordinary accomplishments of his presidency – leading us through a pandemic, reviving the economy, investing in infrastructure, lowering prescription drug costs for seniors, expanding affordable health care, enacting common sense gun safety legislation and tackling the climate crisis.

I am proud to have been in attendance, as President Biden officially passed the torch to a new generation. It was a poignant speech for all of us who have watched him serve our country with honor and dedication over the past 50 years.

From one “girl dad” to another, thank you, President Biden. Your leadership has transformed our county, and your legacy will continue to inspire all future generations of public servants. We love you.