ATLANTA — Vice President Kamala Harris is set to officially accept the Democratic nomination for president Thursday night, a historic moment that solidifies her place as the party’s leader heading into the 2024 election. However, some delegates in Chicago are hoping to hear another voice take the podium before the night is over.
A group of 30 uncommitted delegates at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) have been pushing for a Palestinian American to speak on the main stage, reflecting a desire within parts of the party to address concerns over U.S. policy in the Middle East. One of the names being considered by these delegates is Georgia State Representative Ruwa Romman.
Romman, who represents Georgia’s 97th District and is the granddaughter of Palestinian refugees, talked to 11Alive about her support for the Harris-Walz campaign while also backing the push from uncommitted delegates.
“I heard that we received a no last night, after being told that not getting a no was a really, really good sign,” Romman said, expressing her disappointment at the decision.
Despite attending various events throughout the week to address concerns over U.S. involvement in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Romman supports the call for a Palestinian American to speak at the convention, even if it’s not her.
“This is a basic symbolic gesture to try to unite the party and bridge the gap between those who have felt very isolated and unseen,” Romman stated, emphasizing the importance of representation within the party.
Harris previously met with members of the Uncommitted Movement in Michigan and called for a ceasefire in Gaza during an event in Selma, Alabama.
Wednesday night, the parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an American being held hostage by Hamas, addressed the convention, a moment that Romman believed could pave the way for another voice on the main stage.
“When we saw that, we were really heartened, because we thought that this meant that the party was going to be taking the ask seriously,” Romman said.
As the night progresses, Romman remains hopeful that someone with her perspective will be able to address the convention.
11Alive reached out to the Harris-Walz campaign for comment, but a spokesperson declined to provide a statement on the record.