Columbia delegates say DNC has sent message of hope and vision

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Paul Harper said he arrived in Chicago for his first Democratic National Convention on Sunday without any pre-conceived notions of what to expect.

Heading into the third night of the convention on Wednesday, Harper described the energy in the room as "exciting" and said he's appreciative of the chance to witness history.

"I think the overall message is that, is that Kamala Harris is a president for everybody, not just for a specific group of people," Harper said. "She is.. she wants to be the president for all Americans."

Zack Dunn also made the trip from Missouri to Chicago for the convention on Sunday.

Dunn said the convention has been exciting since the start and said he's enjoyed being able to speak with delegates from across the country and share the enthusiasm for Vice President Kamala Harris. Dunn said the overall message he's taken away from the convention is one of hope.

"One of hope and vision," Dunn said. "When we look to the things that we want to accomplish here in our country, whether that is supporting the middle class, expanding voting rights, expanding the right for women to have autonomy over their health care decisions, there are so many things that we're just absolutely ecstatic about."

Dunn said during his time at the convention, something that's stood out to him has been a focus on supporting unions. Dunn -- who is a member of a union -- said the focus on this has painted the picture for him that Harris would be a decent choice.

Night 2 of the convention on Tuesday featured speeches from former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama.

During her roughly 20 minute speech, the former first lady said that "hope is making a comeback" and commended both Harris and her running mate Tim Walz. The former lady also urged Americans to continue to work.

"I think Michelle Obama put it best when she just said we got to get out and vote," Dunn said. "You know, there's so much on the line in this election and it's just crucial that we don't take anything for granted and every vote is going to count."

Harper also touched on President Joe Biden's send off to Harris during the convention, which featured Biden wiping away tears as he took to the podium. Dunn said the moment gave him chills, while Harper said it was a reflection of the president and presidential nominee's relationship.

"Obviously, he very much cares for for his vice president, both personally and professionally," Harper said. "And it was a great handoff to the next president of the United States."

Looking ahead to the final night of the convention on Thursday--where Harris will give a speech to put an end to the convention-- Dunn said he believes there is a large amount of momentum for the democratic party.

"Kamala Harris being a woman...a Black woman who has an opportunity to be our country's first female president you know, there's a lot of momentum in that," Dunn said. "But you take the lens and you focus in a little bit more on Missouri and the implications of this election you can have in Missouri....You know, we have a lot of momentum for women candidates across the state."