Mississippi delegates to the Democratic National Convention are weighing-in on the nation’s first-ever virtual party nomination event.
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Mississippi delegates couldn’t be with other party delegates from across the country under one roof, because of the coronavirus pandemic. But they say the virtual convention has energized them. Attorney Marcus Williams is a delegate.
“It has been really, really moving. Policy round-tables have been good, the whole way it was put together was phenomenal. They stated it multiple times during the convention that this was an unconventional convention,” said Williams.
The four day event, which began Monday, was filled with taped and live messages featuring elected officials, entertainers and a cross section of Americans. They talked about issues that ranged from the coronavirus pandemic to healthcare and racial justice. Hinds County Administrator Jennifer Riley-Collins, who is a delegate, says she was moved by the messages.
“It was just really, really moving to me. Certain parts brought me to tears with certain testimonials, looking at all the topics they had touched and the inclusiveness,” said Riley-Collins.
The convention ended last night with Joe Biden accepting the presidential nomination. His running mate, Senator Kamala Harris, is the first African American and Asian American to be nominated vice president.
State Democratic Party Chair Judge Tyree Irving says the convention was about inspiring Americans to vote.
“I think people were beginning to feel like there is just no hope. I mean that we were sliding into a bad place in America. But I think after these four nights there is inspiration, there’s hope,” said irving.
The delegates say they’ll be using social media to campaign as well as some door to door outreach to help get out the vote.
