Commentary: Trip to Democratic convention was an eye-opener
On Feb. 26, I, as well as over 40 other young Democrats from the Orange County and Long Beach area, arrived in San Jose for the California Democratic Party Convention to join another 500 young Dems and 4,000 Democrats in total from around the state.
This was my third convention, but was by far the more interesting, because it was my first time in San Jose, and it was in a presidential election year. San Jose is quite an interesting city. It looks like a big city, but due to my experiences in Los Angeles and San Diego, does not have the same big-city feel.
I do not mean this is a negative way. To the contrary, San Jose has everything you’d want in a big city: tall buildings, city art, museums, great ethnic food and a university — without the congestion and sprawl of its better-known counterparts.
From the very start, those who felt the “Bern” (supporters of Bernie Sanders) and those who stand with her (supporters of Hillary Clinton), made themselves known in some of the most boisterous ways possible. Signs were being displayed, and bullhorns were in use to drum up support for the candidates. To someone unfamiliar to the process, the spectacle seemed no different than a sporting event.
However, when it comes to the California Democratic Convention, and to a greater extent democracy as whole, the observers are also the agents. Convention is an exciting and enjoyable time, but what is unknown by most is how much work gets done in just a 24-hour period.
The purpose of the convention was not to hear UC Berkeley Professor Robert Reich or Vice President Joe Biden, but for caucuses to be held, memberships to be solidified, leadership to be decided, and most importantly, endorsements to be made.
Elected officials and their campaign staff go into overdrive. They throw events, wave signs, or had out buttons with the goal of attracting as much attention to their candidacy as possible, and to ultimately whip as many delegates as they possibly can in their favor.
The biggest endorsement of the night was that of state Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris’ endorsement to replace Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.). On a more local level, Orange County-Long Beach congressional candidates Linda Sanchez, Brett Murdoch, Ron Varasteh, Alan Lowenthal, Douglas Applegate, and in the district where Costa Mesa and Newport Beach lie, Sue Savary, made appearances.
Once all the infighting was done and the dust settled, the convention commenced with parties and socializing. The most amazing moments of graciousness and magnanimity occurred, because despite all the back and forth of who is best to be our Democratic stander standard-bearers, we all remember that we’re Democrats, and the only thing we want is what’s best for the party.
Costa Mesa resident JESSE BEN-RON is chairman of the Orange County Young Democrats.