One of the comments I heard repeatedly about last week’s Democratic National Convention pertained to variety of faces so evident on the TV screen. Whether the camera focused on a speaker, families or the state delegations, the kaleidoscope of ages, genders, races and ethnic backgrounds was inescapable.
The convention truly represented a cross-section of our ever-diversifying country, which should be a cause for celebration among all of us – not just Democrats. As a state party, we imposed targets on ourselves to send the most diverse delegation possible to Chicago, which was a challenge given there were more Idahoans wanting to attend than slots available. Interestingly, Idaho Democrats selected their national delegates in June, weeks BEFORE President Biden left the race!
Enthusiasm among Idaho Democrats leading up to the national convention was reminiscent of 2008 when President Obama was our nominee. Contributions to our party has exceeded budget targets all year, and the monthly list of newly registered Democrats is growing longer and longer. The switch to Vice-President Kamala Harris as our party’s nominee has only strengthened the outpouring of enthusiasm and financial support here in Idaho as the election nears.
Across the country, independents and moderate Republicans are endorsing Vice-President Harris for President over Donald Trump, and the convention speakers offered us a bit of insight as to why. For some, like former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham, the January 6 insurrection was the last straw, and she was the first senior staffer to disassociate with Trump. She recalled his mocking his supporters behind closed doors, calling them “basement dwellers”. “Kamala Harris tells the truth, she respects the American people, and she has my vote,” Grisham concluded at the end of her convention speech.
Others, like former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., expressed outrage at Trump’s dishonesty and lack of integrity, saying his support of Harris for President is necessary “to defend truth, defend democracy and decency.” Consistent with other disaffected Republicans, he said, “Whatever policies we disagree on pale in comparison with those fundamentals matters of principle, of decency, and of fidelity to this nation.”
The joy and optimism of Democrats across the nation are growing more tangible, but we know parity with Republicans is still an uphill climb here in Idaho and especially in Bonneville County. Those voting Democratic in this county average 30-35% of all those casting ballots, but independent voters and moderate Republicans could affect future election outcomes depending on our quality of candidates.
In my judgment, the convention gave us a winning formula for how Idaho Democrats can joyfully become the “big tent” party to which we all should aspire:
- Embrace all Idahoans, regardless of race, heritage, sexual orientation, or economic status.
- Welcome everyone along the political spectrum, whether “conservative”, “moderate” or “progressive” in beliefs and activities.
- Respect our opponents and treat with kindness all who disagree with our positions; they may one day decide to come under our big tent – preferring unity and hope over MAGA negativity.
Jan Brown is a retired nonprofit executive who is State Committeewoman for the Bonneville County Democrats and Region 7 Representative on the Idaho Democratic Party Executive Committee.