The Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina is putting a spotlight on diversity.
Tuesday night's speeches were exciting for those in attendance. Laurie Haley of Reno worked hard to be one of the six delegates sent from northern Nevada. She says it's even more exciting than she expected.
"There's so much energy here," she told us by phone from Charlotte. "Our delegation is right behind North Carolina and right in front of Iowa. And we have one of the most diverse groups. We have Latinos and someone who is handicapped and someone from the LGBT community. We represent all walks of life and I feel like we're a part of history deciding which direction the country will take."
Haley also says the energy from the speeches is amazing. "To hear the First Lady and to hear the stories of how such successful people have made it really does energize us all. And when you have so many people of like minds in one room it is amazing," she says.
Tuesday's speeches were aimed at women and the latino community. Julian Castro, Mayor of San Antonio, Texas gave a rousing address talking about his struggle for success. While that may have been aimed at drawing in the hispanic vote, local hispanic officials say they see through the idea that a few speeches will change politics.
"It was a great speech," says Manny Martinez a Diversity Business Manager in Reno. "But both parties are trying to reach out to the hispanic community right now. The Republicans had Governor Sandoval, the Democrats showcased Julian Castro. We want to know details, what can they do to help us? And neither one is really giving details. That's what I feel the hispanic community is waiting for."
The Democratic National Convention will hear from Former President Bill Clinton Wednesday night and President Obama Thursday night.
Written by Erin Breen
