Unity was on the mind of Texas Democratic delegates as they made the trek back home from the Democratic National Convention on Friday.
The three-day event in Charlotte, N.C., was held to rally support and set the party platform as well as nominate President Barack Obama for November’s election.
“Some of us come from a very blue state, some of us do not. But all of us are there together, looking to achieve the same goals and having the same values,” said Denton County Democratic delegate George Nasser.
Along with Nasser was a second Denton County delegate, Brandon Cooper.
Cooper said the convention was not just about getting the troops rallied for the national scene for him, but meeting some of the people he has seen and grown to respect over the years.
“You look to your right, you look to your left and there is someone you have seen on stage,” Cooper said. “You have known them through one path or another, and they are sitting next to you.”
Cooper said he wanted to stay away from cliches, but he could not help but note the unity of the convention, the excitement and lack of party infighting.
Of the speeches given, Cooper said the first night’s keynote address from San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro was a highlight for Texas.
“For me, personally, that guy has what it takes to bring the party back to prominence at the state level,” Cooper said.
Nasser noted the Castro speech as well.
“Seeing a Latino up there speaking and representing us on a national stage was encouraging for us as Texas Democrats and speaks to where this state is going,” he said. “The booming Hispanic demographic will end up making a difference in the state over the years.”
Nasser said the Castro speech was the party recognizing Hispanics’ part in America and the party, and what difference they can make over the years.
Nasser said he did not see much of a protesting presence and that law enforcement and fire department personnel did a good job of crowd control without getting people upset.
“[Protesters] were out there and you could hear them in places. Compared to what I saw on TV and the Republican National Convention, it seemed pretty low-key here,” Nasser said.
Nasser said there wasn’t an outright response to the invisible Obama bit from the Republican convention, though he had heard the party attempting to get comedic actress Betty White to fill the Clint Eastwood role in some capacity.
“Obviously, it wouldn’t fit in with the theme and there was no point to doing it just to make fun,” Nasser said. “There was some desire for shenanigans, but when it comes down to it, we have work to do.”
BJ LEWIS can be reached at 940-566-6875. His e-mail address is blewis@dentonrc.com.
