Contributed photo
Alder Brackeen with a “Biden Berry” soda included in a DNC swag bag for delegates.
On Monday morning, I rose to my feet to prepare to get ready for what would be my first Democratic National Convention representing the Third Congressional District as a delegate.
By 8 a.m., I was on my way to the convention. Well, actually, my makeshift virtual studio in my home office.
The first event of the morning was a Connecticut delegation meeting at which we were able to raise issues and concerns surrounding the election.
I personally wanted to ensure that we address the major primary election debacle which left thousands of people (including myself) without absentee ballots entirely, or receiving them the day after the official primary.
We heard many promises from party officials that it would be addressed, even though the present occupant of the White House is literally trying to dismantle the U.S. Postal Service. If you want to take action to address mail-in voting in Connecticut in preparation for the November general election, please sign my petition on Change.org.
Most of the days’ themes, however, remained centered around why Vice President Joe Biden should be the next President of the United States of America.
The day included various delegation caucus meetings and even a campaign school training session.
During the day we were greeted by many familiar Democratic faces including Gov. Ned Lamont, DNC Chairman Tom Perez, Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, and Black Lives Matter movement leaders, including George Floyd’s family members, who pleaded with the delegates and the nation that we must take Donald Trump out of the White House.
One of the “mic drop” moments of the night’s convention speeches came from Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, who made his case for electing Joe Biden.
The socialist Senator and former two-time presidential candidate stated, “Nero fiddled while Rome burned…Trump golfs.”
I’m sure if we were in a full convention room in Milwaukee, that would have been a standing ovation moment.
Another highlight of my day was being at home with my wife Chaz and my two daughters, Chelsea and Gabriella, preparing to hear from our “forever” First Lady Michelle Obama. So that they too could experience their dad take part in history and be a part of one of the most crucial elections of our lifetimes.
Michelle Obama broke down this election like no other.
She explained what is at stake in this election. She even gave us a reality check, “it is what it is” and that Donald Trump was indeed the “wrong President.”
After a very long day stationed in one location in my house, I was definitely inspired.
This was just the first day of the convention. I am excited to discover what Tuesday has in store.
Darryl Brackeen, Jr. is a Third Congressional District delegate to the DNC, a four-term alder representing New Haven’s Ward 26, a campaign surrogate for Joe Biden, a member of the CT For Joe Biden Leadership team, and the Chairman of Joe Biden’s League 46 CT Chapter.
Click here for a list of all of Connecticut’s 2020 DNC delegates.