Knoxville Delegates Fired Up for Kamala Harris Ahead of Election

Knoxville Delegates Energized for Kamala Harris

Knoxville, TN – After an eventful evening at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, delegates from Knox County expressed their excitement and commitment to getting Vice President Kamala Harris elected. The convention, which took place recently, marked a historic moment, and the atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm and hope as the countdown to the election began.

William Mendoza-Euceda, the youngest delegate from Tennessee at just 18 years old, reached out to share his thoughts, calling Knox News straight from the convention floor. Alongside him, Knoxville City Council member Debbie Helsley and local volunteer Jack Vaughan also shared their experiences after the event concluded late on the evening of August 20, 2024.

Feeling Inspired

When asked how they felt witnessing such a significant event, Helsley was quick to note, “I think everybody’s ready to get to work. Everyone’s just gonna take this back home and work hard until the election.” Her optimism was matched by Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon, who sounded enthusiastic, stating, “I guess I would say I’m cautiously optimistic.” Kincannon emphasized the importance of Harris’s qualifications, highlighting her experience as a prosecutor and her story as a daughter of immigrants and a single mother, noting, “The fact that she’s a woman is icing on the cake.”

Mendoza-Euceda described the overwhelming positivity at the convention, saying, “A lot of people are motivated, a lot of people are excited. I feel patriotic.” He proudly noted that the Democratic Party has successfully reclaimed the American flag as their symbol.

The Road Ahead

With just 75 days left until the election, Vaughan reflected on the urgency of the task ahead, stating, “Energized and ready to get to work. We’ve got 75 days to get the job done here in Knox County, making the case for Kamala Harris.” All three delegates expressed excitement over their personal connections to the convention and the impact it would have back home in Tennessee.

Engaging with Republicans

The convention also featured several Republican speakers, and the delegates were asked if they thought their messages would resonate with party members. Kincannon expressed her hopes, referring to a colleague, Mayor John Giles of Mesa, Arizona, who is a lifelong Republican supporting Harris. She said, “He has huge, fundamental misgivings about the leadership of Donald Trump and isn’t afraid to say so.”

Mendoza-Euceda indicated he believed some Republicans would be swayed, noting, “There are a lot of Republicans who don’t like Trump…she is going to fight for them.” Vaughan shared a personal account, recalling that his parents, who traditionally voted Republican, are now considering supporting Democratic candidates.

Making Tennessee Proud

When discussing Tennessee’s role at the DNC, Kincannon felt that their delegation had successfully made an impression, saying, “Absolutely. Hillary Clinton gave a shoutout to our history.” Mendoza-Euceda echoed her sentiment, celebrating that Knoxville was the first to fully support Harris, stating, “We accomplished that…We did do a good job of putting our name out there.” He expressed pride in the representation of Tennessee’s stories and challenges, even referring to local activists like Gloria Johnson who were recognized during the event.

Harris’ Acceptance Speech

As for Harris’s acceptance speech, Mendoza-Euceda thought it effectively addressed the pressing issues Americans care about, saying, “I think she said everything she needed to say.” He noted her balanced approach in addressing immigration, emphasizing the need for border security while inviting immigrants to contribute to the nation.

Vaughan reflected on the speech’s tone, noting that it featured policy-centered discussions interwoven with personal appeals, striking a good balance between personality and pressing issues like gun violence and reproductive rights. Kincannon remarked that no taxpayer money went to fund their travels to the convention, underscoring the grassroots nature of their engagement.

As the event concluded, the Knoxville delegates left the convention floor buzzed with energy and determination, ready to rally their communities and work hard for a successful campaign for Kamala Harris.