PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Oregon delegation is unanimously backing Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee even as she is clarifying her policy platform for the first time in concrete terms.
Harris has officially accepted the party's nominee for president during the Democratic National Convention on Thursday, making history as the first Black woman and first person of Indian descent to do so. Harris is President Joe Biden's current VP and part of her momentum comes from his endorsement of her as the presidential nominee after he dropped out of the race earlier this summer.
All 78 delegates from Oregon cast their votes for Harris at the convention.
Critics have slammed the Harris campaign for not explaining her policy agenda in great detail before the convention. On Thursday, she explained how she plans to tackle big issues like abortion rights, the southern border and the economy.
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden for Oregon— who has been in the senate since 1996 — said the night was all about energizing her supporters and presenting her vision.
"Tonight is part of the introduction of the vice president to the country, saying, 'I know you don't know all the details about what I'm gonna do but let me tell you some of them,'" Wyden said.
Wyden praised the party's focus on tax breaks for families. He is hopeful that Harris' keynote will boost the ticket's appeal.
It's a sentiment shared by Oregon State Representative Travis Nelson (Portland), another Oregon delegate in Chicago.
"The energy is electric," Nelson said.
Nelson spoke with KOIN 6 News just as U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren for Massachusettes took the stage. But Nelson's focus isn't just on the national stage. He and other Democratic leaders from Oregon said they're committed to tackling problems at home, like homelessness, crime and drug use.
"We're definitely talking about the issues," Nelson said. "I personally told the legislature we're making progress in our state and in our city."
Wyden said Harris in the White House could help ease some of the most pressing issues Oregonians are currently facing.
"This is a big, big night for her," Wyden said.
Among the Oregon delegates is the youngest one, 18-year-old Portland resident Jeffrey Teh. He told KOIN 6 News he hopes to inspire other young people to get involved in politics as Chicago serves as a pit stop for him in the transition from high school to college.
