Throughout the evening, we continue to protest for “peace, no more fracking, and no T.P.P.” We combine silent protests holding our signs and shouts and chanting about all the issues. Rosario and Shailene join our delegation and are seated in my row. Later in the evening, I notice that Bernie and Jane are here to watch President Barack Obama's keynote, seated just behind the California delegation. I have “smuggled in” a bag filled with protest signs and banners including my “Bernie Sanders for President” lawn sign that I brought to Philadelphia from my home in California. I decide now it is time to thank Bernie and turn sideways holding my banner over my head. It is loud with all the speeches, applause, and protests but I hold the banner as high as possible until I get Jane's attention. She whispers in Bernie's ear and he looks over and see us. Other California delegates are now waving and cheering “Thank you, Bernie!” I wave, and he responds with thumbs up acknowledging all of his delegates.
Back at the hotel, there is a California Democratic Party reception. But, there is not much food left by the time we arrive, and people are standing around as loud music blares. The purpose of this event is to celebrate “unity” of the delegates, but the reality is that unity does not yet exist. Far from it. Suddenly, a few Bernie delegates grab a large Bernie banner and run out to the dance floor waving the Bernie sign and dancing. I motion to Robin, who I first met in our home in Mountain View, then in Reno, and is now a volunteer in Philly, and we race to the dance floor and begin to dance circles around the delegates standing in the center watching us in bewilderment. We are cheering and celebrating for Bernie! We understand that Hillary has been “selected” as the nominee, but we know we are winning and will continue the revolution.
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