SC delegates inspired by historic nomination, historic city
On the tail of the landmark vote that named Hillary Clinton as the first female presidential nominee of a major party, South Carolina delegates on Wednesday felt inspired by the spirit of democracy radiating through the city of Philadelphia.
Lauren Bilton, who serves as third vice chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, is no stranger to landmark elections. In 2008, she was the youngest delegate at the Democratic National Convention when she pledged to support John Edwards. In 2012, she again was the youngest of the South Carolina delegates, this time for President Barack Obama.
With a few hours to spare before Wednesday’s convention speeches, Bilton, 26, explored the birthplace of American democracy and explained why she aligns most with candidates who possess traditional Democratic values.
“I like a candidate that can get their hands dirty when needed and can take action,” said Bilton.
A tour bus idled outside Philadelphia’s Independence Mall as Bilton clambered aboard, joined by her fellow delegate, retired South Carolina Congressmen Walt McLeod, 79.
Together with a gaggle of tourists, they explored historic sites like Congress Hall, where the first president of the United States was named, and the Liberty Bell, which survives as a symbol of the nation’s independence.
Much like the iconic Liberty Bell, McLeod said Clinton serves as the strong figure needed to push the country forward.
“Hillary is a beacon of light for all of the women, minorities, poor and underprivileged,” McLeod said. “She’s a remarkable symbol for what we want our nation to look like.”
Bilton echoed this sentiment. She said she is devoted to serving her home state while in Philadelphia this week.
“It’s our duty to make sure we’re governing a country that is a representation of the persons embodied in it,” Bilton said. “I’m here at the convention to be a voice for the citizens in the community that feel as if they don’t have one.”
McLeod said electing Donald Trump is not what the people deserve. He said Trump’s rhetoric is dark, dismal and divisive, which the country cannot allow to prevail.
“I heard Trump talk for an hour and 25 minutes painting a contested nation,” McLeod said. “We cannot afford to have our nation provide leadership to the world by a guy who is fundamentally looking back instead of forward.”
‘I’m With Her’
Hillary Clinton became the first woman to receive a nomination for president from a major party Tuesday at the Democratic National Convention. South Carolina delegates reflect on why they support her.
“I’ve been in this from the beginning for my nieces and young women everywhere. I’ve had a great life and a successful career, but it’s come at a cost. I want to make sure the women behind me don’t have to pay the same cost.”
Marguerite Willis of Columbia
“I think it’s long past time we had a woman president and, more importantly, I think she’s the most qualified person. Her experience is unrivaled, particularly when you compare it to Donald Trump.”
Brady Quirk-Gavin of Charleston
“Hillary absolutely is committed to true equal rights for the gay and lesbian, transgender community. Donald Trump has threatened to roll back marriage equality, for God sakes.”
Charleston County Councilwoman Colleen Condon
This story was originally published July 28, 2016 at 1:16 PM with the headline "SC delegates inspired by historic nomination, historic city."