History Belongs to Those Who Witness it Firsthand
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Sean Koomen, a former student of Vice Presidential Candidate Tim Walz, stands within a boat under construction. [/caption]
Last month’s Democratic National Convention drew in a lot of people who’ve not watched such a political event for years due to its star-studded optimism. While our televisions provided an adequate view of the action, attending the convention takes the experience to another level. In a time where TV can take us almost anywhere, the smells and sounds of a live event are a more profound experience.
On August 9, Sean Koomen was winding up his day at the Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building when he got a call from a high school classmate, who was also a member of the football team at Mankato West High School in Minnesota. The old team was getting back together in honor of their coach, Tim Walz, the newly minted Democratic vice presidential nominee. They were set to appear with Coach Walz on the stage of the Democratic National Convention to cheer him on.
Koomen called the experience “totally surreal.” The assembled team spent time backstage, where they observed the convention’s inner workings. They crossed paths with people like Bill Clinton, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. And Oprah Winfrey.
Once there, the old acquaintances picked up where they left off.
“How he is acting right now in interviews and speeches is exactly how he was as a teacher,” Koomen said. “His personality hasn’t changed. He was an inspiring teacher and football coach. I think that's the energy that people can relate to him really well. Honestly, he's just a regular person.”
The team hung out with Walz and his wife Gwen, who was also one of Koomen’s teachers. All told, the team spent several hours with the potential second couple.
Koomen, 42, graduated from St. Olaf College outside of Minneapolis before enrolling in the Boat School in Port Townsend, graduating in 2004, and worked in a variety of jobs around the West Coast before returning to the Boat School in 2011 as an instructor.
Koomen said that Walz’s former students have supported all of his campaigns through the years.
“Currently, there’s a real healthy cohort of people through social media and email that are connected and setting up all kinds of campaign and support events and debate viewing parties. There’s a lot of grassroots stuff happening.”
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Alise Moss Vetica, who served as a delegate at the recent Democratic National Convention. [/caption]
Former Jefferson County Democratic vice chair Alise Moss Vetica also journeyed to Chicago at the last minute. On August 5, she received a call from the Washington State Democratic Headquarters asking if she was interested in attending the convention. She immediately connected to a Zoom call in progress, where she was asked to make a short speech about why she should be selected.
“I didn't have a speech prepared, so I just spoke from the heart,” she said. “I can't remember everything that I said. I do remember saying something about my grandmother, who never voted until she was 100 years old. I remember saying that democracy was in my DNA and that I was a Democrat 365 days a year.”
There were twelve hopefuls. Moss Vetica tied for first place, winning resoundingly in a runoff. She then only had a few days to plan her trip.. While the party had made hotel reservations, she had to pay the tab along with airfare and other expenses out of her own pocket, for a little less than $5,000.
“It was electrifying,” Moss Vetica said of the convention. “It exceeded my expectations; I've always wanted to be a delegate. It was on my bucket list. I was not expecting this.”
Moss Vetica traveled to the convention as an alternate but served as a delegate during all four days. This was due to her willingness to get up early. Every day the Washington delegation held a 7 AM breakfast; those who partied too hard the night before were shut out. Since many of the delegates were young and prone to such behavior, Moss Vetica made the cut every day.
The 7 AM breakfast was the beginning of a long day that often went on to midnight.
“It was like a religious experience because it was emotional. It was reverent and energizing. And you didn’t mind being there all day and night.”
Moss Vetica was optimistic before the convention and is more so today.
“Michelle Obama said we had to do something, more than what you’ve been doing.” Moss Vetica said. “You've got to donate. You've got to call friends. Tell somebody. Speak to somebody. Have a house party. Some people don't like calling on the phones. They're not going to knock on doors. Find out what you like to do and do something. Dress up your dog as a Democrat, go to the dog park and strike up a conversation.”
The television provides a good enough view from the couch, but hearing Koomen’s and Moss Vetica’s stories makes it clear that sometimes you really have to be there.
