DNC 2016: Millennial delegates concerned about race and women’s issues, excited about party unity

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PHILADELPHIA — With the Democratic National Convention under way, numerous millennial delegates are casting their vote for the Democratic nominee.

Many young delegates have traveled to Philadelphia to cast their vote for Hillary Clinton, a vote they say will make history.

Ohio delegate, Kelly Harrop, 20, said she is most concerned about millennial and women’s issues.

“I’m very excited to hear about women’s issues,” Harrop said.

Clinton’s platform promises to work to close the wage gap and pass Clinton’s “Paycheck Fairness Act.” Clinton also promises to increase the minimum wage across the country and combat violence against women, specifically working to address sexual assault on college campuses.

John Easterling, 19, a delegate from North Carolina, said he is excited to attend his first convention.

“It’s been an honor and a privilege to watch the party come together,” Easterling said.

He said while there was some division Monday when a group of Bernie Sanders supporters protested in the streets of Philadelphia, Easterling said the party was coming together Tuesday.

For Easterling, he wants to see Clinton work on racial inequality and racial injustice in the United States. He warns about the choice between Clinton and Trump in the general election.

“(On one end), you have a bigot, racist, xenophobic, homophobic man who is a liar,” Easterling said.

Easterling said that Americans “have the opportunity to make history.”

Ohio delegate, Spencer Dirrig, 19, has never voted in a presidential election before and is “so excited to be (at the convention).”

Dirrig has been interested in politics since he was 11, and has been a supporter of Hillary since the 2008 election. Dirrig is concerned about making college affordable, saying as a college student, he sees firsthand how debt affects college students and their ability to attend college.

“I can see it’s hurting people,” Dirrig said.

He also warns millennials about abandoning their votes this November in protest.

Echoing a speech he heard Monday, Dirrig said, “Not voting is not a protest, it’s a concession,” adding, “we have to move our country in the right direction.”

Young supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders yell during a rally in Philadelphia, Tuesday, July 26, 2016, during the second day of the Democratic National Convention. Millennials will make up a sizable portion of voters in the November election. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2016/07/web1_AP16208611988115.jpgYoung supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders yell during a rally in Philadelphia, Tuesday, July 26, 2016, during the second day of the Democratic National Convention. Millennials will make up a sizable portion of voters in the November election. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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