The Central Coast reacts to Hillary Clinton’s historic nomination
Tuesday was an emotional night and one for the record books as Hillary Clinton became the first female presidential nominee of a major political party.
“I can’t believe we just put the biggest crack in that glass ceiling yet,” Clinton told delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
A delegate from the Central Coast witnessed the vote. “There was a mighty moment, a historical moment,” said delegate Shawn Bagley.
Delegates saw a video featuring a montage of the 43 previous U.S. Presidents — all male — followed by images of Clinton emerging from a digitally-shattered glass ceiling.
“If there are any little girls who stayed up late to watch, let me just say I may become the first woman President, but one of you is next,” said Clinton.
The tears and elation from Philadelphia are being felt all the way on the Central Coast. It was a big moment for those who were proud to see her in Salinas earlier this year.
“It means so much as a father of two young daughters to see that this country has nominated the first woman to be the standard bearer of a standard political party,” said Democrat Jimmy Panetta, who is running for Congress. “Means a lot not just to our girls but our boys as well.”
The significance of the historic nomination is even felt across party lines. Pacific Grove Republican Casey Lucius, a candidate for the 20th Congressional district seat, told KION the historic event shows America has reached levels of freedom other countries strive for.
“I have some things with her that I don’t agree with,”said Salinas resident Carmen Urcioli. “But I still think it’s cool that a woman is being nominated.”
While discussions about the invisible barriers that keep women and minorities from breaking the glass ceiling are being held nationwide, locally some are hoping Clinton is not the only one who is able to cause a shatter.
“I hope it’s the first step towards it becoming normal,” said Angela Urcioli of Salinas. “For that to not be a question and not be a big deal.”
Salinas boutique owner Olga Hamalainen said young girls often ask her how she became a successful business woman. She hopes Clinton’s nomination will push women to look beyond gender and pursue their dreams.
“This is a very big step,” said Hamalaninen. “Women can be equal with the man on anything.”
Local Democrats said they believe Clinton’s nomination will promote more unity within the party.
Once the convention is over, they plan on ramping up efforts on the Central Coast to make sure she wins. That may prove to be a challenge. Delegates from Santa Cruz who supported Bernie Sanders told KION they believe the nomination was rigged and that they still stand by Sanders.
