GLORIA HORTON-YOUNG REPORTS FROM LAS VEGAS

This is cross-posted from TAFM subscriber Gloria Horton-Young’s substack, “She Who Stirs The Storm,” which you should read.

Her report brings a real immediacy, a “you are there” feel to what it was like to be at the Harris/Walz rally in Las Vegas yesterday.

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The moment we stepped out of our house at 12:30 PM, I could feel it in the air - this wasn't just another day in Vegas. Little did I know that the next nine hours would be a whirlwind of emotion, energy, and hope that would leave me breathless and exhilarated until we returned home at 9:30 PM.

As we approached the venue, the buzz of excitement hit me like a wave. The line seemed endless, stretching far beyond what I could see, but it didn't matter - we were part of something bigger than ourselves. The air was electric, charged with anticipation and possibility.

The thoughtful organization was immediately apparent. Covered walkways shielded us from the intense Nevada sun, while the tantalizing aroma of free pizza and sweet ice cream wafted through the air. Water was plentiful, and the cool mist from strategically placed fans brought blessed relief from the heat. Chairs lined the path for those who needed rest, but the energy kept most of us on our feet, fueled by excitement.

Everywhere I looked, I saw the dedication of the 4,300 volunteers, their faces beaming with pride as they guided us, answered questions, and kept everything running smoothly. Police officers, firefighters, and paramedics stood ready, their presence a comforting reminder of the community's support. And the sign language interpreters! Their expressive movements added another layer of inclusivity to the event, ensuring everyone could feel the power of the moment.

As we inched closer to the entrance, I couldn't help but notice the formidable presence of the Secret Service. Their watchful eyes and earpieces spoke volumes about the significance of what we were about to witness. It sent a shiver down my spine - we were part of history in the making!

Stepping into the stadium was like entering another world. The sea of red seats was rapidly disappearing under a tsunami of enthusiastic supporters. Phones glowed everywhere, capturing every second, every smile, every cheer. 

And then the music hit! DJ D-Nice was spinning tracks that had the entire crowd moving, his beats pulsing through the air, uniting us in rhythm and spirit. The energy in the stadium skyrocketed as people danced in their seats and aisles, high-fiving strangers who'd become instant friends. This wasn't just a political rally - it was a celebration!

"When we fight, we win!" The chant rose spontaneously from the crowd, and I found myself joining in, my voice merging with thousands of others in a powerful chorus of determination. DJ D-Nice seamlessly mixed the music with the chants, creating an electric atmosphere that had everyone on their feet.

The massive screens above flashed with Harris and Waltz's names, interspersed with messages that called us to action, uniting us under a common purpose. The anticipation built as we waited for our candidates to take the stage, the music and the crowd's energy creating a palpable sense of excitement.

Finally, the moment arrived. The energy, already at a fever pitch, somehow managed to climb even higher as Harris and Waltz took the stage. Their words weren't just speeches - they were a call to action, a rallying cry that resonated deep in our bones.

"Las Vegas!" Harris's voice rang out, strong and clear. "You are the heart of Nevada, Battle Born and unbreakable!" The crowd erupted, and I felt a surge of pride so intense it brought tears to my eyes. 

That phrase, "Battle Born," it's more than just a slogan to us. It's our identity, our history. I found myself explaining to the person next to me, caught up in the moment: "You know, we're called 'Battle Born' because Nevada joined the Union in 1864, right in the middle of the Civil War. Our state flag even has a silver star and the words 'Battle Born' surrounded by sagebrush."

But it's more than just history. As I looked around at the diverse crowd, I realized that "Battle Born" embodies who we are as Nevadans. We're fighters, survivors. In this harsh landscape, we've had to battle for everything we have. From the rugged deserts to the neon-lit streets of Vegas, we've carved out lives and communities against the odds. That's what "Battle Born" means to us - strength, resilience, and the courage to face any challenge.

When Harris thanked our 60,000-strong Culinary 226 Union members, the roar of approval was deafening. It was another reminder of our Battle Born spirit - the strength of our workers, fighting for their rights and building the backbone of our economy.

Both Harris and Waltz nailed the pronunciation of "Nevada" - short 'a' in the middle syllable - a small but crucial detail that didn't go unnoticed by us locals. They touched on everything - from the Olympic basketball teams practicing in Vegas to our city's ambition to become a sports mecca beyond just gambling.

Waltz's words on our resilience hit home hard. "When COVID tried to shut you down, you showed the world what Vegas is made of. You didn't just survive - you came back stronger!" The crowd's agreement was palpable, remembering how our hospitality-dependent economy had been decimated under the previous administration. But true to our Battle Born nature, we fought back, we adapted, we survived.

The mood sobered when they addressed gun control and "the right not to be shot dead in classrooms." The memory of 1 October 2017 is still raw here, and their commitment to sensible gun laws struck a deep chord with everyone present. Even in our darkest moments, our Battle Born spirit shines through - we come together, we support each other, we fight for change.

As the night drew to a close, I found myself on my feet, cheering until my voice was hoarse. The stage was filled with a diverse group of leaders - women, men, people of all ethnicities and backgrounds. It was America in all its beautiful complexity, united in purpose. The group bow at the end was a powerful image - not the usual cadre of old white males, but a true representation of our nation's diversity.

Harris's final words echoed in my heart: "This is who we are, Las Vegas. This diversity, this strength, this unbreakable spirit. Together, we will shape the future of America!"

As we left, exhausted but fired up, the city lights seemed to shine brighter. Nine hours had passed in a blur of emotion and inspiration. Not for a single second did I regret being there. This wasn't just a rally - it was a glimpse into a future worth fighting for, a future that starts right here in Battle Born Nevada.

One moment that stuck with me, that kept replaying in my mind as we walked to our car, was Tillie Torres's statement. It was, without a doubt, one of the absolute best of the evening. Her words cut through the noise and gave us a glimpse of the man behind the politician:

"Tim Waltz was a Social Studies teacher, a football coach, led the LGBTQ+ program, and monitored a high school lunchroom... for 20 years. The Vice Presidency will be a cakewalk for him."

The crowd had erupted in laughter and cheers, but beneath the humor, there was a profound truth. Here was a man who had been in the trenches, who understood the day-to-day challenges faced by ordinary Americans. I found myself nodding vigorously, thinking, "Yes, this is exactly the kind of experience we need in the White House!"

I mean, think about it. Twenty years of wrangling teenagers, explaining complex ideas in ways that make sense, fostering inclusivity, and navigating the chaos of a high school lunchroom? That's a masterclass in leadership, patience, and crisis management right there. The skills Waltz honed in those roles - communication, empathy, conflict resolution, quick thinking - are exactly what we need in our national leadership.

And the fact that he led the Gay Strait Alliance program? That speaks volumes about his commitment to equality and his willingness to stand up for marginalized communities, even in what might have been challenging circumstances. It's one thing to talk about inclusivity on a national stage; it's another to have lived it, to have fought for it in the microcosm of a high school.

As we reached our car, still buzzing with energy, I knew one thing for certain - the Harris-Waltz team had just lit a fire in Las Vegas that would spread across the nation. Their meticulous preparation, their attention to local details, and their ability to connect with us on a personal level was evident in every moment. 

But more than that, Tillie Torres's statement had driven home the real strength of this ticket. We weren't just electing politicians; we were choosing leaders who understood the real America, who had lived it, taught it, coached it, and yes, even monitored its lunchrooms.

And I, along with every person who experienced this incredible night, would carry that flame forward. We are Battle Born, we are Las Vegas, we are America - and with leaders like Harris and Waltz, who truly understand the heart of this nation, we're unstoppable!

As we drove home, the city lights twinkling around us, I couldn't help but feel a surge of hope and excitement for the future. The Vice Presidency might be a cakewalk for Tim Waltz after his years in education, but for us, the American people, his experience promises a level of understanding and leadership that could truly change the game. What a night. What a future we have to look forward to!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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