I ran to represent our Congressional district at the Democratic National Convention as a committed delegate for Joe Biden. Instead, I ended up being a witness to history, as the Democratic Party nominated the first woman of color to ever represent a major political party in the United States as their candidate for president. It was an inspirational moment that speaks to who we are as a nation, and how far we have come.
The convention spanned four straight days, and every day reinforced for me how important this election is to our personal freedoms, democracy and the future. The Democratic ticket that is emerging from the convention exemplifies our need to “not go back” on our personal freedoms on issues such as reproductive rights, civil rights, voting rights and the right to live our lives free from gun violence. They are also focusing on economic growth, the cost of living and the preservation of democracy itself. The convention delivered this message not just to the people who were in the room where it happened, but to the entire nation.
The first night featured a tribute to and speech by Joe Biden, whom history will record as one of our nation’s most effective and productive presidents. Tuesday night featured a terrific address from former President Barack Obama, and an even better one by former first lady Michelle Obama, who spoke eloquently about what is at stake in this election. Night three featured the acceptance speech of vice presidential nominee and Governor of Minnesota Tim Walz, a guy who, as Barack Obama said, wears flannel shirts, not because some political consultant told him to, but because that is what’s in his closet, and those shirts have been through some stuff. One of my favorite moments was when Walz’s son pointed to the stage and said, “That’s my dad!” He clearly takes pride in having a father who has spent his life focusing on the needs of others, not only himself.
On the final night, the convention hit its highest notes, and Massachusetts was well-represented on the dance card. House Minority Whip Katherine Clark gave an important speech about the role that child care plays in our economy and in the lives of parents. Sen. Elizabeth Warren spoke of Kamala Harris’ leadership in protecting families from bank fraud. And Gov. (and former professional basketball player) Maura Healey spoke about the importance of staying on offense in the election.
And then, the big moment, Kamala Harris’ acceptance speech. The hall was packed, and the atmosphere was electric. The theme for that night was “For Our Future,” because this is a ticket that is focused on moving our country forward, not backward. Because, as this convention has made clear, we’re not going back.
When I watched Kamala Harris’ speech I felt such pride that this country has an opportunity again to be a country for everyone. Kamala Harris is a strong, principled candidate who, as president, will take us in a very different and more positive direction than the Project 2025 right-wing agenda put forward by the other party. As an immigration attorney, I felt the urgency in her speech of how important it is to protect our nation’s future, not just for me, my kids, my family and my community, but for the ones that need to be protected most from the bullies of the right wing.
This convention celebrated an important and historic moment in the history of our nation, in the fight to protect democracy, and in the never-ending struggle to build a fairer, more just society and a more perfect union. This convention displayed civility and the great diversity of this nation, with a message of hope that this country can unify and provide a better future for all, a sharp contrast to the other party’s message of anger, retribution and division.
This convention has put the Harris-Walz ticket on the right track, but now it’s up to all of us to get the hard work done. So put on your canvassing shoes, because it’s time to head to a swing state and knock on some doors, and to contribute to the campaign as generously as you can. As Michelle Obama said on Tuesday night, don’t wait for someone to reach out and ask you to help – we all know what must be done.
As former football coach Tim Walz said in his acceptance speech, it’s time to do the blocking and tackling, and to get this team over the goal line. Just two months to go — let’s dig in and make it happen.
Diann Slavit Baylis of Marblehead was a delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention representing the sixth Congressional district. Slavit Baylis is a mom, an immigration attorney and a member of the Marblehead Democratic Town Committee.
