Dozens of attendees gathered at a watch party in San Francisco’s Mission District for the second night of the Democratic National Convention to cheer on Kamala Harris’ official recognition as the Democratic presidential nominee.
Manny’s, a cafe and civic gathering space, is hosting watch parties each night of the four-day-long convention. The DNC, which is taking place in Chicago, consists of many speeches by prominent Democrats and will conclude Thursday night with Harris delivering her acceptance speech as the party’s nominee for the upcoming presidential election.
“This is like the Super Bowl of San Francisco,” said Diane Goldstein, a San Francisco resident who frequents Manny’s.
Night two of the convention Tuesday included speeches from former First Lady Michelle Obama, former President Barack Obama, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and Harris’ husband Doug Emhoff.
The convention hits close to home for many San Franciscans since Harris has strong ties to the Bay Area. In addition to being an Oakland native, Harris served as deputy district attorney in Alameda County, district attorney of San Francisco and attorney general of California.
Liz Rood, a San Francisco resident, felt an obligation to come out and support Harris because of her Bay Area roots.
“It’s particularly exciting that Kamala Harris is the nominee because she’s from the Bay Area,” she said. “I kind of feel like I need to be out in the world celebrating, no matter what happens.”
Rood highlighted Harris’ progressive stance on climate change and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. Having witnessed much of Harris’ career, Rood is excited to see Harris as the new nominee instead of President Joe Biden.
‘Toast over Trump’
Last month, Biden stepped out of the 2024 presidential race and backed Harris to take on former President and Republican candidate Donald Trump. While several attendees at the watch party said they still would have voted for Biden, they are more optimistic about Harris.
“It’s particularly exciting that Kamala Harris is the nominee because she’s from the Bay Area. I kind of feel like I need to be out in the world celebrating, no matter what happens.” Liz Rood, San Francisco resident
“I would vote for a dry piece of toast over Trump,” Rood said. “I like Joe Biden fine. I didn’t have strong feelings about him. But Kamala Harris, I’ve watched her entire career. She came up in politics when I moved here, so I’m thrilled she’s the nominee.”
The speeches by Emhoff and the Obamas especially fired up the crowd who erupted in laughter and clapping throughout the night.
On Wednesday, attendees got to hear speeches from politicos including Harris’ vice presidential pick Tim Walz, former President Bill Clinton, and House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi before Harris formally accepts the nomination on Thursday.
“It’s a no-brainer,” said Josh Hohn, an El Cerrito resident who stopped by Manny’s before attending a concert nearby. “I have a crystal-clear sense of where we need to go economically and socially. It’s the Harris campaign.”
