This story was originally published by Capital B Gary.
By Calvin Davis
Capital B Gary
August 20, 2024
As state Rep. Vernon G. Smith, D-Gary, finally stepped off the bus Monday evening after a tedious three-hour ride through Chicago traffic and ironclad security, the towering facade of the United Center came into view, adorned with Democratic National Convention banners.
“After we got in, I felt the energy,” Smith said. “There’s an exuberant feeling that’s present. It’s not overconfidence but a sense of joy that we’re on our way to victory.”
On the precipice of history, Smith couldn’t help but reflect on the significance of the moment. For delegates like him, the convention is not just about formalities; it’s an opportunity to shape the future.
Convention delegates play a crucial, though often overlooked, role in the democratic process. While voters cast ballots for their preferred presidential candidates during primaries, it’s the delegates who ultimately determine their party’s nominee. This year, with President Joe Biden stepping down from the race, the Democratic Party’s delegates have already cast their votes, making Vice President Kamala Harris the presumptive nominee.
This convention, then, is more a coronation than a contest, setting the stage for Harris to make history again as she seeks to become the first woman elected president of the United States. Smith, Gary Mayor Eddie Melton, and state Rep. Ragen Hatcher are among Indiana’s 88 delegates who have already pledged their support for Harris.
The convention experience is a whirlwind, with delegates’ days packed with full and varied events. From early morning breakfasts at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park hotel to networking and speeches at the United Center, Smith, Hatcher, and Melton stayed busy engaging with fellow delegates, attending events, and advocating for Gary.
Smith, the elder statesman of Gary’s delegation, is no stranger to the process. He has served as a representative of Gary’s 14th Congressional District since 1990 and stressed that the current state of the nation is what excited him about attending.
“First of all, I think our nation is a risk as far as democracy is concerned, and I wanted to be part of this experience because it might be our last if he [former President Donald Trump] gets in,” Smith said.
Though the DNC isn’t an official platform for addressing local issues, Gary’s delegates use the time in Chicago to network and subtly advocate for their city.
At 7:30 a.m. in downtown Chicago, Gary’s delegates move with purpose through the Fairmont Chicago hotel, the early morning hum of anticipation in the air. The foyer and conference room buzz with excitement as they prepare for the day ahead. Two framed photos of Harris, whose nomination is a foregone conclusion, stand prominently in the room. Though it’s only the first day of the convention, the delegates are already bracing for the long, pivotal hours in front of them.
Among them was Hatcher, who has experienced the energy of several Democratic National Conventions before — not as a delegate, but as the daughter of Richard Hatcher, one of the nation’s first Black mayors. Growing up under the legacy of her trailblazing father, Hatcher was no stranger to the event’s grandeur. But this year’s convention was different; it was her first time participating officially.
“It’s different. It doesn’t feel like the [former President Barack] Obama one so much,” she said. “It’s almost like she’s already in position. I think we felt we had to work really hard for Obama because he was coming from the Senate up to president. She’s already the vice president. It’s less about being excited for her and more about how do we get Northwest Indiana to come out to vote.”
On Monday, Hatcher didn’t report to the convention hall, opting instead to attend an event at Chicago’s famed Starbucks Roastery, where locals discussed various ways to bring Starbucks locations to their respective cities.
Gary is currently one of Northwest Indiana’s only communities without a Starbucks.
Though she didn’t attend the convention last night, Hatcher kept her eyes on the proceedings.
“I did get to watch Kamala on TV, I got to see Rev. [Jesse] Jackson come out, which was really emotional and wonderful, and I loved listening to [Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez]. She was amazing,” Hatcher told Capital B Gary.
“The convention is great, but all of this meeting and talking and collaboration is really awesome.”
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton moved through the convention halls with the ease and energy of a candidate still on the campaign trail, shaking hands and engaging in lively conversations with fellow delegates. Despite the verve of the Democratic National Convention, duty called him back to Gary on Monday afternoon, where the city’s business awaited.
This year’s convention was the first that Melton attended as a delegate. Following Biden’s historic withdrawal from the race, Melton was excited to see the vice president become the nominee.
“I just want to see it officially become a done deal, and we’ll have our official nominee,” Melton told Capital B Gary.
Aside from national politics, Melton highlighted the importance of a local and statewide focus.
“I was on a call with the Harris campaign, and I shared with them to not overlook Lake County or Gary because we’re in a predominately Republican state,” he said. “So advocating to our own party is extremely important for resources in communities.”
The mayor was particularly touched by three women who shared their experiences with abortion, an issue that has often been a point of contention in the Indiana statehouse.
While Hatcher focused on bringing new opportunities to Gary, Smith used the convention as a platform to spotlight his city’s progress.
After the Indiana delegate breakfast, Smith’s convention week began with an opening ceremony at Navy Pier. Smith took this opportunity to network and inform fellow Democrats about his city.
“I talked to people from different states and was able to inform them about what we’re doing in Gary,” he said. “They asked about the state legislature and how we’re dealing with that. Hopefully, I shared some things with them that let them know there’s some good coming out of Gary.”
The first day of the convention ran longer than expected, with Biden not taking the stage for his 50-minute speech until nearly 11 p.m. The long day took a bit of a toll on Smith.
“It was definitely a midnight experience,” said Smith early Tuesday morning. “We were hungry, so we were out getting food until 2 a.m., didn’t get in bed until 2:30, so I only had about three hours of sleep.”
With Barack and Michelle Obama slated to speak on Tuesday, Gary’s delegates were excited about the show.
The week ahead will be a crescendo of big name appearances on the convention stage, culminating with Harris’ acceptance speech on Thursday.
For her part, Hatcher is hopeful voters at home are as tuned in as she is.
“I just hope that we’re not in a political bubble,” she said. “I hope that other people are watching at the same time.”
Calvin Davis is Capital B Gary’s government and politics reporter. You can reach Calvin at calvin.davis@capitalbnews.org.
