Arkansans reflect on Democratic National Convention experiences

CHICAGO (KNWA/KFTA) — As the Democratic National Convention concludes on Thursday, Arkansans are reflecting on their experiences.

Heading into the final night of the Democratic National Convention this evening, Arkansas delegate Carol Vella called the enthusiasm at the convention incredible.

She acknowledged that Arkansas as a state will likely still end up going to Republican nominee Donald Trump in November, but after hearing the convention’s speeches, she believes Kamala Harris will still support the state if she wins.

“They are thinking about the union workers, the nonunion workers,” Vella said. “They’re I mean, I love that they are very thoughtful and that they’re supporting all of us, regardless of where we are, regardless of how we vote.”

Former Republican Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson also attended the DNC as a part of a media contract.

Meeting with the Arkansas delegation, he said, “It was terrific to see Arkansas well represented by many friends across the aisle.”

Having attended both the DNC and the Republican National Convention, he said both groups were energized but with a marked difference in their approach.

“The republican convention sort of doubled down on their base republican voters,” Hutchinson said. “There’s really more of an effort at this convention on the democratic side to reach out not just to independents but actually to make an overture to republicans as well.”

Hutchinson said he believes both parties will leave this convention on a similar footing and will need to ultimately make the case to the independents that their presidential candidate is worth voting for.

Despite Arkansas law not allowing write-in votes, he said he plans to honor his previous promise and write in a Republican that isn’t Donald Trump this November.

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