Local Dems impressed with convention
On the second day of the Democratic National Convention, local political leaders are impressed with what they've seen so far.
“I think it's good,” said Catherine Lalonde, Butler County Democratic Party chairwoman. “I think there's a lot of energy.”
Lalonde said a lot of the excitement after former Vice President Joe Biden announced U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., as his running mate rolled into this week.
“What strikes me is it's very positive,” Lalonde said. “It's about bringing the country together and working toward positive goals.”
The Democratic National Convention began Monday with multiple meetings, speakers and events, all done through virtual platforms.
Democratic Delegate Angela Valvano of Ellwood City, 16th District, said she has been involved in politics throughout her life, but this is her first convention. She said it would have been better to have the full experience, but the virtual convention has delivered many pros to counter the cons.
“I really enjoy the fact that in this digital platform, it's easier for us to make many of the caucus meetings and constituent meetings,” Valvano said. “That's a highlight for me. That is one of my favorite parts.”
On Tuesday, Valvano was part of a Zoom meeting that saw Biden speak directly to the delegates. Valvano said the former vice president may have been all over the country, but he still sounds like a Pennsylvanian. Biden was born in Scranton.
“It was tremendous. It was exactly the kind of pep talk that we needed,” Valvano said. “He's very calming, and when you're talking to him, you really feel like you're talking to Pennsylvania.”
Another speaker Valvano was impressed by was former first lady Michelle Obama, who drew widespread attention with her remarks Monday night.
“If we want to keep the possibility of progress alive in our time, if we want to be able to look our children in the eye after this election, we have got to reassert our place in American history,” said Obama in her remarks.
Valvano said Obama's words were aimed at healing a hurting nation.
“Michelle's speech was a balm,” she said. “It was the balm that we all needed.”
Lalonde said she too watched the former first lady speak, and was impressed by the positive nature of it.
“We're going to get ahead by being the hopeful,” she said.
Valvano said the convention up to this point has been eventful and constructive, and there is more to come.
On Wednesday, speakers include U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Harris and former President Barack Obama, among others. There will also be performances by singers Billie Eilish and Jennifer Hudson.
Biden will be the last speaker on Thursday, capping another full day of speakers and two performances, one by The Chicks and another by John Legend and Common.
Most of all, Valvano was excited to see local people involved in the keynote address Tuesday night. “I got to be a homer; that's what I'm most excited about,” she said. “Basically, I think that the enthusiasm that I am seeing from our delegation and here on the ground in Butler and Lawrence counties is totally off the charts.”
