First, let me preface this by saying I under no stretch of the imagination think Hillary is a saint. Let me also continue by saying I am well-educated in both parties views and both nominees platforms and beliefs. Going into this experience, I was already certain she was getting my vote for reasons that don't need to be discussed, but I was eagerly anticipating getting to go to a political rally, as politics just really do it for me deep down.
I hadn't planned to go to the Hillary rally in Pittsburgh for a large stretch of time. I hadn't even planned to go 24 hours in advance. My friend Brooke and her mom had planned to go and graciously offered for me to go, knowing my political beliefs and opinions on the 2016 election based on my constant being at their house.
As soon as the invitation was initiated, I was instantly excited. My fan girl nature took over and the idea of going to something like that was honestly pretty exciting. So, the next day I woke up and trekked to my friends house and we were on our voyage by about 12 p.m. On the way there, I joked about my bound-to-be intimate interactions with Hillary, the potential crowd of 10 people, and demanding a selfie with her. We all laughed, knowing that a selfie was a shot in the dark and the only thing I would probably have a chance of seeing was tall people's heads and "stronger together" signs.
We continued to drive, hopped on a tram, and got let off at a Port Authority location (about a 10 minute walk from where the rally was being held). Needless to say, we were blissfully unaware of how long we would be waiting.
As we started walking toward the location, a nice couple could sense our Hillary bound ways and told us that we would have to go back a few blocks because the line was so profound, we would just run into it.
We got there several hours early, and it was a good thing we did, because the line looped several times (and we later realized 2,000 people were unable to get in). The line waiting process was quite interesting. It was hot, we were thirsty, our legs hurt, our hair frizzed, there were interesting men selling interesting pins, some silent protestors for different causes, and we were able to make friends with the people in line around us. And of course, upon entry into the convention center, there were beautifully made hand-written signs attacking Hillary and, of course, Bill.
Upon entering, there was more line and security. People were repeatedly asking if you were registered to vote (yes) or needed to change your address (no). Then there was the typical security processes for entering a concert or something of that variety. Except there was intimidating Secret Service there as well.
Somehow by the grace of God, or maybe because my clan and I are wildly good looking, we got randomly asked if we wanted to sit close to the stage. The answer was a firm yes, considering our other option was about an inch from the back wall and who wouldn't want to be close to the stage?
When we got there we had some floor space to work with (which we soon sat on because exhaustion) and played with a sweet little girl named Juniper.
Before Hillary came out, we had a chance to listen to people working for her campaign speak, as well as people that held various positions in government.
My personal favorite of the pre-Hillary political speakers was Katie McGinty, who's running for Senate.
After that, buzz started circling about Mark Cuban being around and potentially speaking at the rally. (Everyone assumed an endorsement was happening, because you usually don't speak at a rally to profess your distaste for someone.) Mark Cuban is a well-known billionaire, who's also on Shark Tank. He's a Pittsburgh native and is also very kind and interactive with fans/people in general. We got a chance to take several pictures, one of which was a selfie. (That he claimed was "not too good on his part.")
After Mark came out and spoke and endorsed Hillary, he actually welcomed her, Tim Kaine (VP running mate), his wife, and Bill Clinton to the stage. Needless to say, the crowd went nuts. At this point, my friend and I had worked ourselves to the very front so we had a front row view of the whole thing, including their entrance.
Side bar: This is Hillary's entrance into the rally, also where she grabbed my hand. (Peep the brown bracelet, it's all me.)
After their entrances, and my mild freak out because former Pres. Bill Clinton was in the house, (what did I expect?), Tim Kaine spoke and then Hillary began speaking about what her plans were. Heavily focusing on the economy, more affordable internet access for children who need it in their education, affordable preschool and day care options, and equal pay for women.
At the end of their rally, I was left feeling very empowered and excited...and itching for selfies. And selfies are what I got. All four of them made sure to make their rounds and were more than willing to chat and take pictures. (except for Bill, who was heavily secured by the Secret Service, but I still snagged a picture anyways.
First, we met Mrs. Kaine who was very nice.
Then I met VP Kaine who was extraordinarily nice and actually exited out of one of the selfies and repositioned me for another because the lighting was better.
Third, I met the woman of honor herself, Hillary Clinton. She was very gracious and kind and more than willing to stop and chat with everyone as much as possible.
Above: Her taking said selfies and being kind and gracious.
Lastly, I was able to snag a photo with President Bill Clinton. It was challenging (and I don't think really allowed,) and it was done.
Needless to say, after, we were pretty excited. The Hillary Clinton convention was a pretty memorable and definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity! Getting to meet such influential people was humbling and such a great experience! I highly recommend attending any political rally of any political party to get a better idea of who you're voting for and what they stand for. It's always important to stay informed and educated.
