Democratic Convention Notebook: Maryland roll call, Baltimore’s Simba and Swiftie bracelets
By JAMES MATHESON and TAYLOR NICHOLS
CHICAGO – Tuesday’s Democratic National Convention proceedings included a ceremonial roll call of the states, a political tradition in both parties. When it was Maryland’s turn, Gov. Wes Moore took the mic.
“We are M-A-R-Y-L-A-N-D!!!!!!” Moore yelled to the convention.
“And we represent Marylanders past and present who contributed to America’s greatness,” he said. “We are the birthplace of Harriet Tubman. We are the birthplace of Thurgood Marshall. We are the birthplace of Frederick Douglass. We are the place where soldiers defended our freedoms in Baltimore and also in Antietam and the home of thousands of veterans who call Maryland home. And this community of patriots is proud to cast our votes for the next president of the United States – Kamala H-A-R-R-I-SSSSS!!!!!”
And Maryland’s 118 votes for Harris were duly recorded.
Where’s Maryland?
For television viewers looking for the Maryland delegation at the convention, we have some directions.
As the cameras face the main stage of the United Center, the Marylanders are to the left just off the floor.
It’s a really good view of the proceedings.
A real charmer
Charm Scott, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott’s eight-month-old baby boy, was introduced to the Maryland delegation breakfast Tuesday in Lion King fashion.
Charm, named for Baltimore’s nickname “The Charm City,” was lifted into the air by his father like a young Simba over the animal kingdom of the Serengeti in “The Lion King.”
Charm got huge cheers, of course. And so a political career begins, albeit in its infancy. (See what we did there?)
Swiftie bracelets
Kelly Jacobs, a delegate from Mississippi, showed up at Tuesday’s women’s caucus meeting at the convention wearing a body-length sign saying: “Storm the ballot box like they stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6.
Jacobs also handed out homemade friendship bracelets with the message: “Swifty Voter.” It’s an obvious reference to Taylor Swift, whose image former President Donald Trump used in a fake endorsement post on social media over the weekend.
Swiftie (the correct spelling among Swifties) voters are believed by some to be a real force in this election, just waiting to hear from the singer herself to make a real endorsement.
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