We must find a way to talk about politics, Hillary Clinton said in Orange County, California last Monday, without resorting to pettiness and put-downs—standing our ground when necessary, but rising together toward the common good.
Turns out, it’s impossible to keep separate my personal observations and political leanings, but I’ve done my best to share my experiences here in a respectful, inclusive way. I hope you’ll feel equally inspired to meet your preferred candidate in a local venue and to share your stories afterward.
I carry a clipboard, entrance forms and my camera, wade into the long line at the UFCW Hall in Buena Park, and invite people to share their stories as we wait together for the Secret Service to usher us through the metal detectors.
Here as elsewhere, Hillary draws a diverse crowd, representing (as Leela Daou so eloquently says), the “millions who were born here and millions who were born elsewhere and made the choice to become American citizens…millions of marginalized people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and religious affiliations who have fought and are still fighting tirelessly to be seen and have their voices heard equally.”
People from all walks of life have come together for a larger purpose—longtime supporters standing shoulder-to-shoulder with first generation citizens, curious but as-yet-undecided voters, and people who will cast ballots for the very first time in this pivotal election.
Who says politics can’t be fun?
This little girl carries with pride her research project on Hillary Clinton, says she hopes to get it autographed.
“My hat says it all,” this woman says. Same as Erica Jong, she’s impressed by Hillary’s longstanding support of her favorite causes: civil rights, children’s rights, and women’s rights.
Music pulses through hidden speakers–upbeat tunes from Hillary’s official playlist–as the crowd filters into the Union Hall.
“I’m going to play my Woman Card, says Jamie Lee Curtis to wild applause, before she delivers a fiery introduction.
She’s the Most Admired Woman in the World, 20 times over, the first female to run for the highest leadership position in America. But she greets us warmly, quickly shifts the attention to us.
She leans forward, shakes hands with everyone close and makes eye contact with people in the farthest reaches of the room.
See the blonde head, highlighted by the gold star? That’s me. Soon after that picture was taken by Campaign Staff, I’m nudged even closer to the podium by my thoughtful, ever-so-much taller new friends.
Secret service rim the stage, rove through the crowd and guard the exits. But absent any teleprompters or talking heads, nothing else stands between the Presidential candidate and us.
I’m not one for taking selfies, but quick, look! A Secret Agent man’s lurking over my right shoulder!
Hillary’s energy is palpable, electrifying.
She has a quick wit and an easy laugh, as evidenced by…well, you’ll want to see for yourself. 🙂
Here, a woman who’s not afraid to show the depth and breadth of her emotions, despite what you might’ve read elsewhere.
In this intimate moment, Hillary was recalling for us her first visit to Ground Zero, less than a day after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in NYC. You could’ve heard a pin drop in that union hall as she spoke passionately about the need for a steady hand in similar circumstances.
She spoke in glowing terms about the first responders who worked 24-hour shifts, digging through rubble in a desperate hunt for survivors and then trailing their axes through ashes and soot at the end of the day. In her eyes, you see remembered pain, the untold stories of everything she witnessed. But in the set of her shoulders, you also sense the steely resolve she used to forge ahead, and which she’ll call upon again, as she brings us all together on the road to a better future.
Hillary shines in these intimate settings, specifically chosen over larger stadiums because they highlight the importance of listening over speaking.
Presidential candidates, she says, should prove themselves willing and able to:
1) Make positive differences in the lives of all Americans.
2) Keep us safe.
3) Unify our country—its citizens and its elected leaders.
She paints her vision in vivid strokes, and then offers real-life examples that bring home to Orange County the global issues that affect each of us, far beyond the primary season.
We come away from the event, more committed than ever to work for the ideals she stands for, and to help her take her rightful place in the Oval Office.
Fabulous, gripping account of Hillary’s passion and the democratic process. Every photo told a story. Let’s make a difference.
Yes, together we CAN make a difference!
(I appreciate so much your kind comments, Evelyn.)
Well said. Now I feel so empowered! Every woman I meet I acknowledge, usually with just a nod & a smile, because I want to share the empowerment. And this woman’s empowerment empowered us all.
You’re so right! You can FEEL her energy and passion, can see it in every movement and expression. That empowers us all, doesn’t it?
Thank you for going and for bringing this story back to us! xoxo I’m with her!
We are legion! 🙂
Of course your words help, too, but what a story those pictures tell. Thank you for sharing! And go, Hillary!
Thanks, Jeannine. LOL, I almost made this a photographic essay…the pictures really do tell the story, all on their own.
Melodye,
You’ve done it again. Your reporting skills are especially intriguing because you have such an eye for capturing not only the diversification of crowds but also the attributes that unify those crowds and make them one.. Some of the people in your pictures are wearing t-shirts, some are donning hats, some are linking arms with friends or strangers, and some are simply holding their babies – all signs of looking toward and for the future – all signs of saying “I’m here. Let me show you how this matters.”. The faces, though different, share a common look of hope and determination. Thank you for your eagle eye, which moves beyond the generalized politics and the over-the-top “media shot,” and which seeks to see and report on the individuals and the humanity (both Hillary and her supporters) behind the media hoopla. If only that type of reporting could be prevalent across the media; what an informed country we would have. Excellent work!
See, you could’ve written this blog post yourself! I was nodding the whole way through your lovely, insightful comment. Thanks for sharing what you see–same things as I did, what a coincidence–I’m inspired by your thoughts. 🙂
Excellent work, Melodye!
The enthusiasm and excitement come through so well.
I’m so glad. There was SO much energy there. It filled every nook and cranny of that Union Hall, and spilled into the streets afterward.
You captured what it was like to be there perfectly! The man who was first in line had been there since 4am – never again will I wonder about the enthusiasm of Clinton supporters – we may not be showy but we are committed!
Wasn’t that amazing? Several people waited from pre-dawn hours until the doors opened, just to be sure they got in to see her….and many of them, not for the first or last time. She is a FORCE! 🙂
Wonderful post. Love Hillary and am petrified of Trump. Thanks for sharing this. It gives me hope.
When we unite for the common good, there is always hope. I’m so glad you stopped by–seeing you here is hope, multiplied.
Love! So nice to read a post that isn’t bashing another political candidate! I’m a Hillary chica and have always liked her since I read her grad thesis back when I was in college. You have some great photos here!