We fight! We win!
It has been such an incredible experience attending the Democratic National Convention (DNC) 2024 in Chicago. Being in the same room amid so many changemakers has given me an insightful and remarkable peek into the future and prosperity of our country.
Day One
The four-day event kicked off with President Joe Biden receiving a hero’s welcome for being a true patriot in his service to the nation and the Democratic party by passing the torch to a new leader. Speeches by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and First Lady Jill Biden followed and generated a lot of enthusiasm.
Clinton addressed the importance of breaking barriers for women in politics, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee with the appropriate character, experience, and vision to lead us forward. Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett was also an amazing speaker who delivered a speech regarding the upcoming election and how we, as American people, have been given a choice between justice and corruption – a scary truth!
Day Two
There were a lot of big moments on day two, including former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama returning to the city where President Obama’s political career began to endorse Harris. They both energized the audience and reminded everyone of their “star power” regarding the election. Michelle stressed the essentiality of not indulging in anxieties about whether this country will elect someone like Kamala Harris and doing everything we can to get her elected instead. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, former White House press secretary for Melania Trump Stephanie Grisham, and Senator Bernie Sanders rallied Americans around laying the groundwork for the Harris campaign and an improved future for people everywhere. It was a packed powerhouse of innovators with their sights set on placing Harris in the Oval Office.
Day Three
Enjoying breakfast with California Governor Gavin Newsom and various other Clayco team members was the perfect way to start day three of the DNC. I was humbled to have had the opportunity to witness the “changing of the guard” for the Democratic Party. Former President Bill Clinton and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi offered their support and excitement for the Harris campaign, which centers heavily around the “politics of joy” and being “for the people.” Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro riled the audience and focused on fighting “for our freedoms,” from democracy to reproductive rights and other global and domestic obstacles. Even Oprah Winfrey made a surprise appearance!
My friend, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, who knows VP nominee Tim Walz very well as they are both Minnesotans, gave funny and motivational remarks in support of his acceptance of the VP nomination. The crowd went wild when Minnesota Governor Tim Walz took the stage and gave the keynote speech to accept the Democratic nomination for vice president, highlighting his goal to continue the vital work started by the Biden administration. The Second Gentleman of the United States, Doug Emhoff, spoke about his marriage to the vice president and how she finds joy in pursuing justice. The night concluded with addressing healthcare, climate action, and economic justice, underscoring the dedication of our leadership to tackle critical national issues. Excellent musical performances by John Legend, Sheila E., and Stevie Wonder were just the icing on the cake!
The Finale
It was great to see many colleagues at the DNC in support of a positive and inclusive society, such as Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, Deputy Mayor of the City of Chicago Kenya Merritt, COO of the City of Chicago John Roberson, former Mayor of Lexington Jim Gray, CEO of Hilco Redevelopment Partners Roberto Perez, and my good friend and Chairman and CEO of Parkside Realty, Inc. Bob Wislow. We all share similar missions of enhancing our communities and coming together for a new era of advancement. With Harris's acceptance of the party’s presidential nomination with vows to unite our nation around our highest aspirations, we have established a key message of unity and progress.
Together, we can create a new and improved chapter in America’s story!
