Report from the Field: Day 4

Last night’s speech by Kamala Harris was many things. But the most important word I would use to describe it is: presidential.

She sounded, looked and felt like a president. Which makes sense, because when you add up her experience, few if any Americans have ever been more prepared to BE president.

And when you watch the video above—when Senator Harris answered a question at an Ohio online forum about what it takes to break barriers—it’s a good reminder: At every stage of her career, as she grew up and then accumulated all the leadership experience that now positions her to be our next president, she has been breaking barriers.

And her answer above about how to break barriers above is so instructive. It’s good advice, but it’s also a reminder about how tough she is.

We have 74 days to break this historic barrier, folks. Let’s go!

One Reminder: The Long Battle for Democracy

In the meantime, I had a chance yesterday to visit two other delegations, South Dakota and Nebraska.

I was thrilled to see my friend David Hogg, and to watch Justin Pearson (one of the “Tennessee three”) and Bernie Sanders in action in person:

As for me, I reminded folks about how a true win for democracy in 2024 and beyond involves winning at all levels, and shared the following as part of that message:

Candidates who are down the ballot are of course the potential bench for the future. And when they run, they lift turnout for everyone on the ballot.

BUT the number one reason to focus on these candidates is because these are the offices (statehouse and others) that are on the FRONT LINE of the battle of democracy and freedom.

And the far right has prioritized them because that is where they do most of their damage to democracy and freedom. (Dobbs is just one example).

So contesting these seats fiercely is the way we win the long-term battle for democracy. By stopping the attack. And by protecting democracy and freedom.

When we ignore these seats, we give the far right an unending opportunity to advance their far-right agenda w no interference or accountability.

And when we only mention the secondary benefits of these offices (bench for future, etc), we actually teach the opposite of the civics lesson Americans need to learn (that they are pivotal to democracy and freedom).

And we unintentionally leave a misleading impression that minimizes their role.

These state-level offices, in every state, are the KEY to the long-term strategy to save our democracy.

Treat these races accordingly.

Finally….

Thanks to so many for the warm welcome over the course of the four days in Chicago. From South Dakota to North Carolina, from Oklahoma to Nebraska, it was an absolute honor to meet so many of you who are on the front lines in the battle for democracy.

I’m so proud to be in the fight with you.