By Harry Colbert, Jr.
Managing Editor
Philadelphia – A range of emotions were felt during last week’s Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
There was anger from the “Bernie or Bust” crowd – supporters of the presidential bid of Sen. Bernie Sanders. There was enthusiasm with the passionate speech of Michelle Obama followed by grief with the speeches of mothers whose children were killed at the hands of law enforcement. There was contempt for the Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump; and when President Barack Obama spoke there were the mixed emotions of joy and sadness. But according to Minnesota delegate and Hillary Clinton supporter, Husniyah Dent Bradley, the biggest emotion was a feeling of optimism with the belief that the party is unified and will deliver the presidency for Clinton come November.
“People have the belief that they are being a part of history in electing the first woman president,” said Dent Bradley. “There were quite a few people upset that Sen. Sanders didn’t get the nomination – some people walked out after the rollcall vote and turned in their (convention) badges – but a lot of people are saying they will support Hillary Clinton despite their candidate not getting the nomination.”
Dent Bradley said third party candidate Jill Stein was at the convention hoping to woo disgruntled Sanders supporters and a few large demonstrations took place, but by the convention’s end, overall, most were aligned with Clinton after several of Sanders’ positions were adopted into the party’s platform.
The Minnesota delegate said the Wednesday keynote speech of outgoing president, Barack Obama, was by far the most moving moment of the convention. Dent Bradley, who is African-American, said seeing the president give his last great speech in office brought tears to her eyes.
“I also noticed almost all the African-American delegates stood up for his whole speech,” said Dent Bradley. “It was definitely emotional. I teared up a bit just thinking about how different it has been having the Obamas in the White House. I was both happy and sad.”
With less than 100 days to go between now and the Nov. 8 presidential election the race has tightened between Clinton and Trump. Following the Republican National Convention several polls showed Trump leading Clinton – moving ahead of her in key battleground states such as Ohio and Pennsylvania. Jumps in the polls are typical following conventions, so Clinton is expected to poll higher coming out of Philadelphia and heading into the debates.
