DNC Day 4: The Crescendo

Philadelphia—Hours before Hillary Rodham Clinton took the stage to accept the Democratic nomination at the city’s Wells Fargo Arena Thursday night, delegates, members of the media, and credentialed fans were lining up and streaming in for the big moment, which ended in a shower of red, white and blue balloons and a declaration that America’s citizens ​“begin a new chapter tonight.”

Joining media, donors and other ticketed guests in the nosebleed seats, droves of people came up the arena’s elevators, finding their places on the second level before the sections filled up and volunteer security staffers blocked their return.

Meanwhile on the floor, delegates were congregating, documenting the experience for Facebook, Periscope, Twitter and other modes of social media — as reporters, in turn, documented them.

Many had creative sartorial choices, inspired by a major state export or a beloved ex-candidate …

…or wore patriotic colors and shapes as they listened to the long list of political and cultural speakers and performers, including House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, retired General John Allen, former NBA star Kareem Abdul-Jabaar and singer Katy Perry.

Connecticut’s delegates filtered into the arena slowly, filling their seats by the time Pelosi had taken the stage. Their assigned section was tucked non-geographically and non-alphabetically between Ohio and West Virginia.

Sitting among the state’s delegation was U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, who hopped down the steps to the main floor on crutches to dole out hugs and a few cheek kisses to fellow politicians, friends and constituents.

By the time Clinton took the stage, the stadium was packed full of waving, screaming, cheering people, with lines of the less fortunate stretching out into the hallways. For each cheer that followed a statement or a promise to the live and TV audiences alike, Connecticut’s Democrats had one too.

“Tonight — and all week — our country has moved another step closer to smashing the highest, hardest glass ceiling in America,” Gov. Dannel Malloy said after the speech. ​“Hillary made history and we witnessed it. This was indeed an extraordinary moment for our country — and one to celebrate. Hillary Clinton has brought about positive change for everyday families her entire career. As President Obama said, she is the most qualified candidate in history. I couldn’t agree more. She will move this country forward and build on progress.”

“I am proud not just because we have nominated a woman, but because we have nominated this woman,” added Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman. ​“Hillary Clinton may be the most qualified person ever to seek the presidency. She will not only build on the successes of President Obama and grow the middle class, but also make our country stronger and safer. I am ready to work hard to make sure Hillary Clinton is elected this November. I hope my fellow Democrats will join me.”