Knox County delegates say support for Kamala Harris at the DNC is 'electric'

"Brat Summer" has made its way to Chicago, and Knox County's seven delegates are embracing Vice President Kamala Harris' moment at the Democratic National Convention.

The convention showcasing Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz focuses on Democrats' unique (but not " weird ," they would argue) campaign messaging, including memes and viral moments, like singer Chari XCX's "brat" take on the vice president.

Knox County delegates say it's exactly what the party wants.

"Kamala Harris has ignited a fire in the Democratic Party," said delegate Mark Siegel of Knoxville. "There's a new generation moving into the campaign."

Knox News spoke to Siegel and fellow delegate Jack Vaughan of Knoxville as they prepared for the convention's first floor session.

Knox News: It seems like the scene is pretty upbeat there. Can you tell me about that?

Mark Siegel: The last month or so has been a lot of changes, and it's really worked out as well as it could have possibly worked out.

Jack Vaughan: It's been so electric, and we haven't even gotten into the best part of the day. It just feels unifying. We've got 78 days, whatever it is, to get this job done. It's really a party for four days and then a kickoff to the work ahead.

How will you continue to keep up the momentum to ensure this isn't just a honeymoon phase?

Vaughan: To be fair, it's been a pretty long honeymoon phase. I mean, just the history that we're living through will be enough to continue the momentum. We're at a point in American history where we have the first African American woman, first South Asian woman running for president as a major party nominee. Frankly, between now and two months ago, it's just the boost that Democrats need in this moment.

When you became a delegate, you were Biden delegate. How do you think the mood is different now under Harris?

Siegel: I think most of the people who are delegates have strong feels for President Biden and for what he's done and who he is as a person, and don't necessarily buy into .. the dynamic that started after the debate. (Harris) has brought a whole new energy. I mean, these things are really resonating.

Vaughan: I think the party still would have been unified, but maybe the energy would have been a little different. I think this has got to be the highest energy convention in decades. I've heard that from several people.

I'd be remiss if I didn't ask, is Charli XCX just playing all the time? Can you fill us in on what you're seeing and hearing?

Vaughan: They have a Coconut Club where you could walk into a Kamala Harris-themed cubicle with neon lights and pictures of Kamala Harris through the years. There's definitely programming geared toward younger people, toward some of those memes they've latched onto.

I think the convention itself tonight will probably highlight some of those changes from two months ago versus now. With Charli XCX playing, and they were already doing a run through and someone's going to walk out to Sabrina Carpenter, so tonight's gonna be fun.

What's your take on how the campaign is capitalizing on the Gen-Z appeal?

Siegel: We need all Americans to buy into our politics and our government. I love to see the energy of people getting involved. My daughter and her friends are very excited about Kamala Harris, and I think that's excited them more generally about politics.

Allie Feinberg reports on politics for Knox News. Email her: allie.feinberg@knoxnews.com and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @alliefeinberg

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knox County delegates say support for Kamala Harris at the DNC is 'electric'