Key Takeaways:
– San Francisco native Kamala Harris was enthusiastically cheered on during this week’s presidential debate by old friends and supporters at watch parties across the city.
– Heidi Sieck, an early supporter and friend of Harris, hosted a debate-watching party in her luxury condo
– Mayor London Breed and other political leaders praised Harris’ performance at the San Francisco Democratic Party’s new campaign headquarters.
– Republicans in the city also hosted debate-watching parties, expressing support for Donald Trump.
– Harris’ Bay Area roots and her contentious rise through the ranks of SF politics were highlighted during the event.
San Francisco buzzed with anticipation and energy this week as the city’s own Vice President Kamala Harris took the center stage for the highly-anticipated presidential debate. Across the city, former friends, campaign volunteers, and supporters gathered to cheer her on.
Cheering for a Hometown Hero
In the comfort of a luxurious condo on the 32nd floor with stunning bay views, longtime supporter and Harris friend, Heidi Sieck, hosted a presidential debate watch party. Sieck, an abortion rights activist, offered words of encouragement during each lively debate exchange, expressing satisfaction especially when the discussion turned to abortion rights.
Sieck’s gathering was one of several watch parties hosted across the city, endorsing Harris’ sizable impact on the region dating back to her time as an Alameda County prosecutor. The intense political activism for which San Francisco is known was in full effect, with turnouts in the hundreds at some venues. A common theme among these gatherings was the sentimental reminiscing of Harris’ early days in politics.
Celebrating Kamala Harris – and Ice Cream
Adding flair to the festivities, Mannys, a popular event venue, and a local creamery combined efforts to pay flavorful homage to VP Harris. Partygoers delighted in a special election-inspired ice cream flavor named “MVP,” a double entendre referencing both the vice president and the term ‘Most Valuable Player.’
Upholding Political Legacy
Inside the headquarters of the San Francisco Democratic Party, a crowd comprising Mayor London Breed, City Atty. David Chiu, state Sen. Scott Wiener, and East Bay congressional candidate Lateefah Simon gathered. They echoed Sieck’s sentiments, praising Harris’ forthright and compelling debate performance.
Mayor Breed fondly recalled Harris’ encouragement that led her to venture into the political realm. Chiu subtly expressed his support donning a T-shirt from Harris’ 2003 campaign reading “Asians for Kamala.”
Harris’ political journey, originating from her birthplace in Oakland, and taking her through various political posts in San Francisco, was highlighted as a testament to her resilience and ambition.
A Different Perspective
However, not every corner of the city was lit up in support for Harris. In Haight-Ashbury, local republicans congregated to cheer their pick, Donald Trump. There, college Republican President Jacob Spangler shared the social challenges faced as conservatives in the predominantly liberal city.
Kathleen McCrea, a registered independent who supports Trump, considered him better prepared than Harris, whom she termed “a stereotypical San Francisco Democrat.”
In Sieck’s home, however, the evening drew to a close on a poignant note. Eyes watering, Sieck recalled her earlier experience at the Democratic National Convention, marking the powerful journey of her friend from grassroots activism to potential presidency.