SENATOR FRED HARRIS AND MARG ELLISTON: REFLECTIONS ON THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION AND 2024 ELECTION
Background
We interviewed two distinguished Sandoval County Democrats who have made invaluable contributions to the Democratic Party over many years—former Oklahoma Senator Fred Harris, 93, and Marg Elliston, 80. Between them, they have probably run and attended more Democratic conventions than any other couple in U.S history. Fred is a former Democratic National Committee chair, and Marg is a former New Mexico and Sandoval County Democratic Party chair. For Marg, the recent Democratic convention was her seventh; for Fred, it was his fourteenth!
- How was the Chicago convention?
FRED: This one was the most exciting ever. Starting with the nomination of Lyndon Johnson and Hubert Humphrey in 1964, I have attended fourteen conventions. This convention was the best organized and most thrilling and inspirational of all I have experienced.
MARG: Out of the seven conventions that I have attended, this one had the most excitement and the most dynamic build to the nominee’s speech. The “build” is one of my favorite aspects of the convention, and this convention had the best ever. We watched all of the major speeches, and they were marvelous. We have a great bench of leaders and speakers, men and women both.
FRED: We were thinking of not going. But then, we wanted to celebrate Joe Biden as one of our most consequential presidents, and second, we wanted to be present for the historic nomination of Kamala Harris. (I am sorry my parents did not live long enough to see “Harris” on the ticket!)
- How do you feel about our Democratic ticket of Harris and Walz?
FRED: Kamala Harris is the most qualified person to run in a long time. Her history as District Attorney, Attorney General, Senator, and Vice President is impressive and has prepared her for this. She believes in the right things. She has enormous energy and spirit – and she laughs!
MARG: I am excited about Tim Walz, too. He is a fresh voice from the heartland of our country and has wonderful life experience to bring to the office.
- What are our chances for victory on November 5?
FRED: It is a close race; our country is polarized. Still, all trends were moving in the right direction for us before Kamala’s splendid debate appearance and that has kept the trends moving in our direction. I like our chances in the electoral college better than the other side’s. The other side has to carry Pennsylvania, or they cannot win. Harris and Walz, on the other hand, have other routes to electoral victory.
MARG: Our chances are great because we have intensity, energy, and passion. We are bringing in young people, and we are massively organized. We need to maintain the energy and remember, “When we fight, we win!”
- What should Democrats be doing right now?
FRED: Remember Michelle Obama’s battle cry, “Do something!” Talk optimistically. Volunteer and get others to volunteer. Volunteers are as essential as money in politics, but volunteers are better than money.
MARG: Make a plan to vote. I am voting at the Sandoval County Administration Building on October 8, the first day of early voting. I’ll see you there! By October 19, all the early voting sites will be open.
Be there with signs. Keep up the visibility and excitement. When someone asks you, “What can I do?” ask them what they would like to do. There are many choices: canvassing, driving canvassers, writing post cards from home, meetings, rallies, fundraisers. Be ready to give them the websites, email addresses, or phone numbers they need for the county and state parties.
FRED: Work more; worry less.
- What reactions are you getting from voters since Kamala Harris’s nomination?
MARG: Canvassing for Kathleen Cates after the convention. I heard very positive reactions from Democrats, some quoting Michelle Obama back to me.
FRED: There is a groundswell of support. Democrats are optimistic—and working! Heard often now: Endure the night; joy cometh in the morning. Optimism will prevail over pessimism.
CONTACT Chair@SandovalDemocrats.org TO VOLUNTEER.
Reading and Signing at Bookworks – 4022 Rio Grande Blvd NW, Albuquerque