The Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania started yesterday, July 25. There were many powerful speeches.
One of the best speeches of the night came from Anastasia Somoza, a young girl with cerebral palsy. She spoke about how Hillary Clinton once visited her as a child. Clinton has worked hard to advocate for families with children with disabilities.
Somoza also gave one of the best takedowns of Donald Trump that I have heard all year.
Somoza said:
“Donald Trump has shown us who he really is, and I honestly feel sorry for anyone with that much hate in their heart. I know we will show each other, and the world, who we really are in November, when we choose genuine strength and thoughtful leadership, over fear and division. Donald Trump doesn’t see me, he doesn’t hear me, and he definitely doesn’t speak for me.”
This was the best hit against Trump as she did a great job of pointing out a trait that makes Trump unfit to be the President of the United States.
Somoza talked about her long history with Hillary Clinton that dates back to 1993. She was one of 40 children who were invited to the White House for a special event; Somoza was the only one with a disability.
Clinton took the time to talk to Somoza’s mother about healthcare for people with disabilities. Anastasia is now an advocate for people with disabilities. Somoza said this of Clinton:
“Over the past 23 years, she has continued to serve as a friend and a mentor . . . Championing my inclusion and access to classrooms, higher education, and the workforce.”
Somoza also responded to the incident where Trump mocked a disabled reporter. She said:
“I fear the day we elect a president who defines being an American in the narrowest possible of terms, who shouts, bullies and profits off of the vulnerable Americans.”