Chaos reigned in the aftermath of the Convention. For days, news reports blared from every TV, radio, and cell phone. Each soundbite serving as a constant reminder of the stunning changes in the nation’s political landscape.
“Good evening, I’m Fabian Rodriguez, and this is Breaking News Tonight on Univision. Our top story: tensions within the Democratic Party continue to escalate following the contentious nomination of Gavin Newsom as the presidential candidate.” The broadcaster continued with dramatic urgency, “Supporters of Vice President Harris are questioning Newsom’s ability to unite the fractured base and deliver victory in November.”
“Can you believe this?” Sofia exclaimed, pointing at the TV. “I can’t stand that they’re stealing the election from Kamala Harris!”
Juan shrugged his shoulders. “Maybe it’s OK,” he suggested. He and Maria had been listening to Sofia complain about this for several days, and they were both getting a little tired of it. “Maybe the Democratic Party can still pull together? We have to if we want to beat Trump.”
“Hold on a sec, Dad,” The TV caught Sofia’s attention. Her eyes were glued to the screen. “She’s about to make a statement.”
The news anchor fed the tension. “Vice President Harris is getting ready to give her first address since Governor Newsom was selected. The whole country is waiting to see if she will throw her support behind the Democratic presidential nominee.”
“My fellow Americans,” Harris began. “I cannot deny the disappointment I feel. Disappointment that the path we envisioned, the path of breaking barriers and making history, has taken a different turn.”
Now Juan talked over the TV, “She’s talking like they deceived her.”
“Just listen!” Sofia hissed.
Maria scolded her for speaking to her father that way.
“Let me be clear: this is not the outcome many of us hoped for,” Harris waved her fist in the air defiantly. “We dared to dream of a different future, a future where the voices of women of color, of all marginalized communities, would resonate from the highest office in the land. And yet, that dream feels farther from reality today than ever before!”
Juan ground his teeth, but he kept quiet.
“So, to all who feel disheartened by this turn of events, I say this: there will be a day of reckoning!”
The word ‘reckoning’ caught Juan’s attention, “What does she mean by that?”
Sofia made a rude noise. “Here it comes. Wait for it…”
“The fight is far from over!” Harris proclaimed. “I have not lost faith. I have not lost sight of the values that unite us as Americans!” But then she laughed oddly. It sounded like she was cackling at some private joke no one else could hear or understand.
Her next words, however, were crystal clear, “The Democratic Party has become a corrupt, racist institution. They no longer stand for the ideals I have committed my life to. Therefore, I am announcing tonight that I will be endorsing the independent candidate, Robert F Kennedy Jr., for President of the United States!”
The press room erupted in a cacophony of shouted questions.
“Won’t this split the Party?” someone called.
Harris shook her head and hand vigorously in denial. “I didn’t betray the Party! I did not betray the Party!” she shouted back, emphasizing each word. “They betrayed me!”
“Yes!” Sofia made a pumping move with her fist.
Juan was horrified. I can’t see us coming back from this, he thought.