At a Democratic National Convention Watch Party Event held at the Phoenix area Arizona Democratic Maryvale Field Office, Harris/Walz supporters chanting, “We Are Not Going Back,” “Kamala,” and “USA, USA,” were mesmerized by Vice President Kamala Harris’s address accepting her party’s Presidential Nomination at the Democratic National Convention.
Honored guests at the event were former Phoenix Vice Mayor/Councilwoman and Arizona House Congressional House District Three (CD Three) Democratic Nominee Yassamin Ansari and Phoenix City Councilman Carlos Galindo-Elvira.
In his remarks before the audience, Councilman Galindo-Elvira roused the attendees with his words, saying:
“We have to fight. This is historic. But we really need to make history on Election Day…We need a steady hand in the Oval Office…because we know a crisis can happen any time…Do we want a woman who is dignified, respected, and knows their leaders…Furthermore, we do not need another Charlottesville…We need someone who knows who we are…When we go vote…It’s going to be about you…Kamala is the sunrise. Trump is the sunset…WHEN WE FIGHT, WE WIN!”
CD Three Nominee Ansari stoked the audiences attention by asking the question “Who is excited to elect Kamala Harris?”
She then relayed:
“I can tell you how Maryvale has benefited from the Biden/Harris Administration…what I want us to communicate going forward is the positive… we’re voting for an incredible woman and man for President and Vice President…These are two individuals with the vision and experience to get it right...Organization is key…We have to knock on as many doors and make as many calls as possible…Together we will get this done and make history this November.”
Ms. Ansari graciously took the time to respond to a couple of follow up questions shortly after her presentation.
- What is at least one policy area that a Harris/Walz Administration will build on the successes of the Biden/Harris one? Please explain.
“Absolutely! Climate policy and climate action. The Biden Administration with obviously, the leadership of Kamala Harris, have passed the most ambitious climate legislation in US history with a significant amount of investments for water, for electric vehicles, for green infrastructure, I can tell you Phoenix has benefited from that. We’ve got our first electric buses. We received money for trees and parks and shade, and I trust that Vice President Harris will be phenomenal when it comes to making sure that we decarbonize our economy and make sure that we’re protecting our environment.”
- What is at least one reason it is vital for voters to turn out and support the Harris/Walz ticket and the other Democratic candidates up and down the ballot? Please explain.
“Because everything, every freedom that we have is on the line. Republicans want to get involved when a woman and a doctor need to make a personal medical decision. They want to take away our freedoms to be protected from gun violence. They are coming after every protection and freedom that we have in this country, and we need to move forward, we need to have a progressive vision for this country. And Democrats are the only ones. Having been a Phoenix City Council woman, I can tell you local elections are vital from our school board members, who are Democrats Preventing book bans and protecting our kids to city council members, who are making sure that we move Phoenix forward, it’s important to elect Democrats across the board.”
- Is there anything you would like to add?
“Get involved. I think everyone needs to really organize this year and be part of the civic engagement process. So, this is an exciting campaign and there are so many ways for people to follow here and help out. I would encourage people to get in touch with the coordinated campaigns. Please go to our website yassaminforcongress.com We’re going to be 100% all in to make sure we win this November.”
After attending the event, the CD Three Nominee posted on social media:
Several attendees responded to similar questions before the Harris Address.
On why she was supporting the Harris/Walz ticket, Phoenix Resident and campaign volunteer for many Arizona Campaigns (Harris, Hobbs, Kelly, and Fontes) Maggie Greenberg responded that “I am a big Democrat, and I am ready to support her like Biden. I believe in Democracy and that’s what we’re fighting for.”
Another Phoenix Resident, Samantha Garcia replied, “Freedom, Choice, Democracy!”
Avondale Resident Dora Brafford offered, “Why would I not to want support them? They are for everything I believe for this country at this time.”
On why it was vital to turn out and vote for the Harris/Walz Ticket and all Democratic candidates, Garcia commented, “So we can continue to make progress. Because without progressive leaders, our Democracy will fail. Time is up for the crony capitalistic-plutocratic business model in this country. We need to be a fair and trustworthy society and companies need to step up.”
On what she was going to do to help the Harris/Walz ticket and other Democratic candidates win, Greenberg said:
“I make phone calls. I talk to people about Kamala Harris because she is down to Earth. She worked hard and her mother worked hard to buy a house. When she was in college, she worked at McDonalds. That tells me she is like us. She didn’t come from a rich family. Middle Class like us. She has this energy. We get all fired up with her. She is going to help people get $25,000 to buy a home. That also tells us who she is and how she thinks of us and the people. My husband, Keith, is a Republican who is supporting the Democratic ticket because Trump does not represent his Republican values.”
Reacting to Speeches before the Harris Address.
The crowd was very engaged with the speakers that presented before the Vice President.
They chanted “WE WIN” when actress Kerry Washington said, “WHEN WE FIGHT.”
There was a lot of enthusiasm and support when Arizonan public figures Gabby Giffords, Mark Kelly, and Ruben Gallego spoke.
When there was a live feed from the Convention, the people shouted “Kamala.”
They applauded when North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said “Stand up Arizona” when he called out the delegates from the battleground states.
Reaction to the Harris Address.
Many stood and all clapped when the Vice President took the stage.
There were many statements by the Vice President that garnered favorable responses by the attendees.
Among those were:
- “To Joe Biden—Mr. President. When I think about the path we have traveled together, I am filled with gratitude. Your record is extraordinary, as history will show. And your character is inspiring. Doug and I love you and Jill. And I am forever thankful to you both. And to Coach Tim Walz, you are going to be an incredible Vice President.”
- On the lessons her mother taught her: “She taught us to never complain about injustice. But…do something about it. She also taught us—Never do anything half-assed. That’s a direct quote.”
- “Every day in the courtroom, I stood proudly before a judge and said five words: “Kamala Harris, for the People.” And to be clear: My entire career, I have only had one client. The People. And so, on behalf of The People, On behalf of every American. Regardless of party. Race. Gender. Or the language your grandmother speaks. On behalf of my mother and everyone who has ever set out on their own unlikely journey. On behalf of Americans like the people I grew up with. People who work hard. Chase their dreams. And look out for one another. On behalf of everyone whose story could only be written in the greatest nation on Earth. I accept your nomination for President of the United States of America.”
- “With this election, our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past. A chance to chart a New Way Forward. Not as members of any one party or faction. But as Americans. I know there are people of various political views watching tonight. And I want you to know: I promise to be a President for all Americans. You can always trust me to put country above party and self. To hold sacred America’s fundamental principles. From the rule of law to free and fair elections to the peaceful transfer of power.”
- “I will be a President who unites us around our highest aspirations. A President who leads. And listens. Who is realistic, practical, has common sense, and always fights for the American people.”
- “…The future is always worth fighting for. And that’s the fight we are in right now. A fight for America’s future. My Fellow Americans, this election is not only the most important of our lives. It is one of the most important in the life of our nation.”
- “Just imagine Donald Trump with no guard rails. How he would use the immense powers of the presidency of the United States. Not to improve your life. Not to strengthen our national security. But to serve the only client he has ever had: Himself.”
- “But America, we are not going back. We are not going back to when Donald Trump tried to cut Social Security and Medicare. We are not going back to when he tried to get rid of the Affordable Care Act. When insurance companies could deny people with pre-existing conditions. We are not going to let him eliminate the Department of Education that funds our public schools. We are not going to let him end programs like Head Start that provide preschool and child care. America, we are not going back. We are charting a New Way Forward to a future with a strong and growing middle class.”
- “That’s why we will create what I call an opportunity economy. An opportunity economy where everyone has a chance to compete and a chance to succeed. Whether you live in a rural area, small town, or big city.”
- “We will end America’s housing shortage. And protect Social Security and Medicare.”
- “Compare that to Donald Trump… while he intends to enact what, in effect, is a national sales tax—call it, a Trump tax— that would raise prices on middle-class families by almost 4 thousand dollars a year. Well, instead of a Trump tax hike, we will pass a middle class tax cut that will benefit more than 100 million Americans.”
- “They are out of their minds. And one must ask: Why exactly is it that they don’t trust women? Well we trust. women. And when Congress passes a bill to restore reproductive freedom, as President of the United States, I will proudly sign it into. law.”
- “In this election, many other fundamental freedoms are at stake. The freedom to live safe from gun violence—in our schools, communities, and places of worship. The freedom to love who you love openly and with pride. The freedom to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and live free from the pollution that fuels the climate crisis. And the freedom that unlocks all the others. The freedom to vote.”
- “I refuse to play politics with our security. Here is my pledge to you: As President, I will bring back the bipartisan border security bill that he killed and I will sign it into law.”
- “As Commander-in-Chief, I will ensure America always has the strongest, most lethal fighting force in the world. I will fulfill our sacred obligation to care for our troops and their families. And I will always honor, and never disparage, their service and their sacrifice.”
- “I will stand strong with Ukraine and our NATO allies.”
- “President Biden and I are working to end this war such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity. Security. Freedom. And self-determination.”
- I will not cozy up to tyrants and dictators like Kim-Jong-Un, who are rooting for Trump. Because they know he is easy to manipulate with flattery and favors. They know Trump won’t hold autocrats accountable—because he wants to be an autocrat.
- “As President, I will never waver in defense of America’s security and ideals. Because, in the enduring struggle between democracy and tyranny, I know where I stand—and where the United States of America belongs.” The attendees chanted USA, USA
- “My mother had another lesson she used to teach. Never let anyone tell you who you are. You show them who you are. America, let us show each other—and the world—who we are. And what we stand for. Freedom. Opportunity. Compassion. Dignity. Fairness. And endless possibilities. We are the heirs to the greatest democracy in the history of the world. And on behalf of our children and grandchildren, and all those who sacrificed so dearly for our freedom and liberty, we must be worthy of this moment. It is now our turn to do what generations before us have done. Guided by optimism and faith, to fight for this country we love. To fight for the ideals we cherish. And to uphold the awesome responsibility that comes with the greatest privilege on Earth. The privilege and pride of being an American. So, let’s get out there and let’s fight for it. Let’s get out there and let’s vote for it.And together, let us write the next great chapter in the most extraordinary story ever told.
The people at the watch party chanted “USA, USA” again after the Vice President’s closing remarks.
Following the address, Phoenix resident Lucy Ybarra, commenting on the Harris address, said it was “Powerful, heartfelt, and genuine. When she first became Vice President, that was a moment of joy because she is like the sister to me. Her heart is nonpartisan and for everyone.”
Goodyear Resident Andrea Holmes commented, “I loved it. It’s wonderful. I hope she does exactly what she says she’s going to do…I really believe that she is going to do what she is says she is going to do. I will bank on that.”
The Harris/Walz campaign posted this on social media following the event.
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