Harris-Walz ticket brings vibe shift to deep-blue D.C.
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Democrats are celebrating their new Harris-Walz ticket — and a vibe shift is underway in deep-blue Washington.
Why it matters: In this political town, a bummer summer has evolved into meme-ified bar specials, thrilled consultants, and a palpable city buzz for a campaign perhaps not seen since Obama '08.
The big picture: Dems who were in panic mode about President Biden's re-election chances are now exhaling — and drinking it in.
- Many locals "went from disappointment and despair to excitement and enthusiasm literally overnight," says Charles Wilson, chair of the D.C. Democratic Party.
Case in point: Earlier this year, it was like pulling teeth to fire up the usual civic leaders to raise their hands to become one of D.C.'s 19 delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, which starts on Aug. 19.
- "Nobody was really pumped," Wilson says. Then, after Biden dropped out and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, "All of a sudden I started getting phone calls from across the District wanting to be a delegate."
What they're saying: "There's a lot more hope now," says Peyton Sherwood, owner of D.C. bar Midlands, which is brainstorming drink ideas in honor of vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
- Why didn't Joe inspire pub specials? "It was hard to come up with one for your loving grandfather," Sherwood adds.
On D.C. matters large and small, a Harris admin would be the polar opposite of a Trump one.
- Harris and Walz both signed onto statehood legislation in Congress. Former President Trump wants to "take over our horribly run" capital city.
- Harris called Mayor Muriel Bowser to congratulate her on her third-term victory. Trump feuded with Bowser.
- Harris is often spotted around D.C. Trump largely avoided D.C. outside the White House and his hotel.
The intrigue: A uniquely D.C. operator led Harris' veepstakes: Eric Holder, who has deep bonafides in the federal and local worlds of Washington. (Holder was D.C.'s top federal prosecutor in the 1990s, and was often pitched as a potential candidate for mayor.)
- And some D.C. leaders are hopeful about where the VP search landed.
"On the issue of D.C. statehood and autonomy, which cannot be in question in the next presidential administration, this guy has it," Council member Robert White said of Walz in a video Tuesday.
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