DNC - Behind the Scenes and on the Stage
The Politics of Joy, the Joy of Democrats
By Holly Hazard, Virginia Delegation
CHICAGO — Aug. 22 — “Joooyyy!” as Oprah would say. Joy is the theme of the Convention and also the emotion that, long buried in progressive politics, has risen like a Phoenix. And like a bad toothache, I really didn’t realize how much pain I was in until it was gone.
The Virginia delegation meets for breakfast and a briefing each morning. Over coffee and croissants, some of the biggest names in politics, as well as our local sheros, provide informal, insider analyses on the political landscape. And we are downright giddy.
This morning Mamie Locke told us how, growing up in Mississippi in the 1970s, she was required to register in two different places — one for federal and one for local elections. In response, the crowd chanted “We’re not going back! We’re not going back!”
Next up, Amy Klobuchar jokingly questioned the political strategy of JD Vance taking on all the cat owners in this country. Then Paul Begala, advisor to President Clinton (and former opponent of Tucker Carlson on CNN’s “Crossfire”) said he hadn’t felt this much energy since the Obama era. The speeches are full of laughter and, yes, joy.
And it’s not just in our Virginia cocoon. The streets around United Center crawl with cat lady tees and coconut tree hats. The convention buses are filled with progressive state representatives from across the nation. In the 20 minute to two-hour bus rides to the convention center — that’s another story — I’ve talked with a state senator from Georgia, another from Tennessee (one of only six Democrats in that “crazy” legislature) along with activists from Alaska, Iowa, Ohio, and countless other states. Imagine being in a community where you can literally turn to any stranger, ask where they’re from, talk politics and have a laugh. I can only hope this is my eventual “Good Place.”
Yesterday, I was able to finesse a floor pass for Wednesday night only. I roamed the convention floor, taking a pic of Amy Klobuchar’s seat, and a selfie with that Georgia Senator I ran into again. I posed with several Influencers in front of their booth, and brushed by NBC’s Katy Tur as she pushed through the crowd toward her next catch. Sitting with the Virginia delegation I experienced a whole new level of community--chanting, singing, and crying a bit, as the program unfolded. From the couple who spoke of their hostage son, to Amanda Gorman’s masterpiece, from Stevie Wonder to 17-year-old Gus Walz, weeping as his father spoke and calling “That’s my Dad!” the evening may have been life-changing.
I’ve never been one to focus on spirituality, but I may have to rethink that. The power in the Center is something almost alive in its intensity, bigger than the people in the room. It’s more than palpable. I got a text from an extremely introverted, apolitical, friend who said, “I’ve never canvassed before and I’d like some help. After Michelle Obama’s speech, I feel like I need to do more.”
Of course, many of us have felt the energy to act, at least since 2016, but this is different. My activism came from a place of fear. Now, like the speakers, and the conventioneers, the cat-ladies, the waiters, vendors and Uber drivers, it’s coming from a place of joy.
Watch the Connector’s DNC video, “Walking on Sunshine.”
Almost like being there.
Joy!! Pure joy watching the convention. Holly's article is delightful as it spells out the secret sauce of how we combat the virus called MAGA. Joy, and do something. I am totally stoked to see my friends at this event. It was like I was there too ... and we made it in the room! Never before have I watched 4 days of ANYTHING especially a Convention. But this was different- it was like a Dem spiritual revival. Great article 👏.