Key Takeaways:
– Many visited Vice President Kamala Harris’ childhood home in Berkeley to snap memorable selfies on the election day.
– Nervous excitement gripped the Bay Area communities as they waited for the election results.
– Local places including John’s Grill and Manny’s hosted early celebratory lunch events with former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown insisting on Harris’ win.
– Voters expressed a sense of history, pride, and awe at the possibility of electing a woman of color as the president.
The Smell of Victory in the Air
In West Berkeley, a modest yellow bungalow, once the childhood home of Vice President Kamala Harris, transformed into an election-day pilgrimage site. Many sought to document their anticipation of a historic day in American politics with selfies. The shared aspiration was the emergence of the first female president, a trail blazed by Kamala Harris.
Berkeley Resident Diana Shapiro’s Excitement
Living just a block from the apartment where Harris once resided, Diana Shapiro, aged 53, enthusiastically echoed the sentiments of many. Her home decorated with Harris posters and a framed portrait, she envisioned spontaneous street celebrations if Harris pulled through. Still, the victory had to wait. The restless citizens across the country suspended their breaths, anticipating closure to undoubtedly one of America’s most expensive and roller coaster campaigns.
The Anticipation and Anxiety
As thousand Oaks Elementary School students strolled past a mural depicting influential women, including the alumna Kamala Harris, the community’s anxious excitement resonated profoundly. They wondered – Would Harris, the proud “daughter of Oakland,” seize the country’s highest office?
Coping with Election Day Stress
Meanwhile, Joanie McBrien, another resident of the Poet’s Corner neighborhood, turned to walking to keep her nerves in check. The close and unpredictable race was unsettling for her, like many others.
Early Election Day Celebration in the Democratic Bay Area
Elsewhere, the Democratic stronghold skipped the formalities of anxiously waiting and kicked off early celebrations. Streets around downtown San Francisco’s John’s Grill were buzzing with election day enthusiasm, complete with marching bands and much-cherished election day lunch.
Former Mayor’s Confidence in Harris’ Win
Willie Brown, the former San Francisco mayor and early Harris mentor, insisted on her victory. Despite the polls still open, he was certain of the result, already referring to the day as her victory celebration.
Patriotic Enthusiasm and the Hope of a Historic Moment
Manny Yekutiel, the patriotic-nail painted owner of Manny’s, a Mission District eatery, expressed undeniable excitement for a probable Harris presidency. Alongside other Bay Area locals, he was ready to commemorate the day he was confident would be a “whole new moment in history.”
The Weight of History on Oakland Voters
In Oakland, many voters stepping out of polling stations spoke of the pressure of making history. Sophia Lewis, aged 24, despite having some criticism of Harris’ policies, felt extremely proud and preferred her over Trump. Another voter, Kasper Dilmaghani, 35, expressed awe and goosebumps at the prospect of voting a Black woman from Oakland into the presidential office.
Conclusion
On this crucial day, a myriad of emotions enthralled the Bay Area citizens— hope, anxiety, and an overwhelming sense of history in making. With their eyes set on a progressive future and a history-making moment, they were ready to welcome the possibility of their very own Kamala Harris paving the way for women in American politics.