From the DNC Convention Floor—It's the Kindness

Holly Hazard felt the vibe as the crowd roared "Lock Him Up!"

Aug 21, 2024

By Holly Hazard

DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION — August 19, 2024 — On the first night of the Democratic National Convention, when the crowd roared “Lock him up!” during Hillary Clinton’s speech, I smiled at its spontaneous, ironic kindness. As Democrats, we’d come together to nominate our candidate for president. But tonight wasn’t about that. Tonight was about honoring what we stand for, and who we are. And of all the things Democrats stand for, it is our kindness that draws me to this party and our policies.

As an alternate delegate from Virginia, my seat was away from and above the state parties.

Holly Hazard in the nosebleed seats at the convention…the life of an alternate

From way up here, I could look down and witness the ripples of excitement as the speakers called out one delegation or another. I could feel, despite all the applause and laughter, the entire United Center tremble as Jamie Raskin reminded us all, but particularly JD Vance, that Trump had tried “to kill your predecessor.” I could sense the empathy of 20,000 Dems for the girl who bravely recounted being raped by her father, then shared her fear for tomorrow’s daughters left without the option of abortion in Trump’s America. And of course, I felt the wave of admiration for AOC (the girl I most want to have at my next pajama party) when she called out Trump as a “two-bit union buster,” turning his strategy of bullying on its head.

My moment of the night, however, was when the congregation burst into an unscripted chant of “Lock — HIM — Up!” It was an inside joke that all of America could understand. But it wasn’t about HIM; it was about her.

Across the hall, our collective arms reached out to Hillary Clinton, whose head had touched that glass ceiling, who America had failed with our bias and hubris. And as one, we gave her the hug she deserved. With that chant we sent her the message, “We saw what you did and we are grateful.” And together, Hillary and her people, in front of the listening world, laughed at HIM, and laughed with her. It felt good. And it was the most unkind, kind thing I’ve ever experienced.

Can’t wait for tonight!