The Democratic National Convention is getting underway this week in Philadelphia, where Hillary Clinton is expected to formally accept the party nomination. Murray State history professor Dr. Brian Clardy is a delegate from Calloway County. Matt Markgraf checked in with Clardy this morning from the convention.
Clardy says he's only been at the convention since 7 a.m. and has been mainly working on logistics like how to get around and getting credentials for floor access. At a delegate breakfast this morning, he says he's met people from across the commonwealth as well as MSNBC host Krystal Ball, South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn, Kentucky Congressman John Yarmuth. The morning breakfast felt "electric" he says with about 70 people in attendance.
As for things getting underway, Clardy says, "I'm looking forward to walking on to that convention floor as I've seen it on TV this week. Now I don't know how I'm going to react to that and I didn't pack any Kleenex but anything can happen."
Clardy says don't believe the media hype when it comes to fractures in the Democratic party. He says this morning Clinton and Sanders delegates sat across the table from one another for conversation. The vibe has been 'harmonious' he says, with a united goal of keeping Republican nominee Donald Trump out of the White House.
"I think that we've come into this convention, yes with some issues that have broken over the Wikileaks scandal and all of that, but I think we're going to have a very calm and courteous convention," Clardy says. Over the weekend,aWikiLeaks scandal led to Debbie WassermanSchultz stepping down as chair of the Democratic National Committee.
On the agenda today are caucus meetings and side tours ahead of entering the convention hall around 3 p.m. for speeches. There will be a reception tonight.
Clardy says he's been watching conventions since childhood, starting in 1972. For a lifelong political junkie attending the convention as a delegate has been 'a dream come true,' he says. He encourages everyone interested in politics to have the experience. He says he looks forward to sharing his experience with students this fall.
Note: Brian Clardy is the Wednesday night host of Café Jazz on WKMS. Hear more conversations with Clardy throughout the week. Last week, we spoke with a delegate at the Republican National Convention. Hear our series of interviews here.
