If you’re still doubtful about Arizona’s importance in deciding this year’s presidential election, consider the slate of Arizonans featured during the 2020 Democratic National Convention.
The virtual proceedings lacked the fanfare and raucous crowds of past conventions. But the format was well-suited for the party’s core message that Joe Biden is the man to unite the country.
That message was carried through presentations like the Aug. 18 keynote address, which was delivered not by one speaker but a diverse collection of voices, including Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.
Nez rebuked President Donald Trump and highlighted Biden’s efforts on issues that will be key to the Navajo Nation’s recovery in the wake of COVID-19.
“Joe has a major plan to invest in clean energy, jobs and infrastructure,” Nez said.
Biden’s decades-long record in office will and has already been used as political fodder by the Trump campaign. But it also served as the foundation for this from Cindy McCain: “Joe was able to move his colleagues and find a way forward."
Biden’s friendship with the late Sen. John McCain stood as a 3-minute long tribute to the Democratic presidential nominee. It did not include an explicit endorsement from Cindy McCain.
On Aug. 19, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords delivered powerful remarks calling for Americans to join her in supporting Biden.
"Words once came easily. Today I struggle to speak. But, I have not lost my voice," Giffords said. "America needs all of us to speak out, even when you have to fight to find the words."
Giffords’ husband is Democratic Senate candidate Mark Kelly.
So what does Arizona’s presence at the DNC say about the state this year? And how will the state Democratic Party take advantage of the national spotlight? For more on this, The Show spoke with Arizona Democratic Party Chair Felecia Rotellini.
