Well, things got off to a fast start for my participation as a Hillary Delegate from Washington State and writing about this week for the Queen Anne & Magnolia News.
My flight out of SeaTac yesterday morning was like a Convention event in itself with large numbers of delegates, elected officials, volunteers, guests, sponsors, campaign consultants, and family members onboard. It was a very social time with a lot of chatting in the aisles. Among those on the flight were U. S. Representative Suzan Delbene, Governor Jay Inslee and Trudi Inslee, King County Executive Dow Constantine and his family, and State Rep. Noel Frame of the 36th District.
We were on Alaska Airlines Flight 32 non-stop – I was very pleased so many were flying our home airline, especially as it is a Major Sponsor of the Washington State Democrats Delegation (and that I was the one to arrange that!).
While arriving in Philadelphia, we heard about the WikiLeaks on Democratic National Committee email, supposedly a result of Russia’s hacking of email, and DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schulz’s resignation. There was of course a lot of buzz about this and talk among some of the Bernie Delegates about protesting, which did take place last night. However, as I understand at this point in time that nothing will change and that there will be no challenge or even minority report on the convention floor tonight and tomorrow night on the Convention floor on the votes on the Rules, Credentials and Platform Committees. I’ll be very interested in hearing U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders’ speech tonight.
After arriving at our delegation hotel, Sheraton Society Hill, which we’re sharing with the Massachusetts’ delegation, I walked a few blocks to the Spirit of Philadelphia ship docked along the Delaware River for our joint delegation Welcome Reception. Fun time, very high energy, upbeat, and without any animosity that I could detect between Hillary and Bernie supporters. State Democrats Chair Jaxon Ravens and his Massachusetts counterpart Thomas McGee welcomed us, followed by rousing remarks made by our Governor Jay Inslee and Massachusetts U.S. Senator Ed Markey. Food, drinks, dancing, excitement – a good way to start things off even with the tension about the DNC email situation
The big event afterwards was the Philadelphia 2016 Welcome Party at the Philadelphia Museum of Art which is located in several buildings on a hill with a gorgeous view of downtown. Huge throngs all around with huge traffic. Mood definitely one of excitement and celebration.
After a late night, got up at 6 a.m. to get ready for 7 a.m. breakfast and getting credential for today as well as bag of lots of things, including a plastic rain packet as umbrellas are not allowed at the Wells Fargo Arena Convention site and as there were thunder and lightning storms this morning.
Speaking at our breakfast were Ravens, Delbene, Gov. Inslee, and Alaska Airlines Government Affairs Director, Ginny Carruthers. Noteworthy, at least as I perceived, no rancor or even tension between Bernie and Hillary supporters.
Taking off now for lots of events, but have to be through security at the Wells Fargo Arena by 3 p.m. as we’re having our delegation photos taken at 3:30 p.m. Big night coming up with speeches by U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, and First Lady Michelle Obama.
More later…
Follow along all week for King County Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles's dispatches from the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.