I was proud and honored to be a part of the Iowa delegation at the recent Democratic National Convention. It was a historic convention, and I left with a sense of opportunity for all and building a better economy that works for everyone. The speakers on the main stage delivered personal stories of overcoming obstacles and beating the odds to achieve the “American Dream.”
The Iowa Democratic Party secured a number of high-profile speakers for the Iowa delegation including the honorable Tom Vilsack and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders. Vilsack, abandoned on the doorstep of a Catholic orphanage who rose to become Secretary of Agriculture, reminded us America is still great and the land of opportunity. The former governor of Iowa also encouraged us to knock on doors and talk to our neighbors in order to stop the dangerous candidacy of Donald Trump.
On the night Hillary Clinton was officially nominated as our candidate for president, I watched Bernie Sanders delegates adorn Hillary Clinton pins in a united effort to elect a Democrat to the White House. Democrats have always been the big tent party, and we are all committed to the progressive proposals and platforms that Bernie Sanders brought to the forefront of the debate.
Through all the speakers, the caucuses, the meetings and running (via Uber, bus or good old walking) from here to there to be at the right place at the right time, I had the great joy of forming new friendships and deepening connections with fellow Democrats from throughout the state of Iowa and across this great nation. Knowing that such amazing people are working to elect this most qualified candidate we have ever seen to the presidency fuels my fire to get out there and continue to do my part.
I appreciate everyone, the many individuals (way too many to name here) and the Jasper County Democrats, who made this incredible experience possible through your support, financial and otherwise. I am grateful to the Iowa Democratic Party which was extremely helpful and attentive and worked to ensure a memorable experience for the entire delegation. This was an expensive endeavor that could not have happened without the generosity of my friends and family. Gayla and I will be forever grateful to everyone who made this once in a lifetime opportunity possible.
Cindy Pollard
Newton