July 29, 2016
Hillary Clinton, the first woman nominated for president by a major political party, gave a historic acceptance speech Thursday at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
Afterwards, PhillyVoice asked eight people who listened to her 5,000-plus-word speech – in person – to summarize it in just one word. They all used a different word.
READ: Transcript: Hillary Clinton's acceptance speech at DNC in Philadelphia
We also encouraged them to elaborate. Their reflections came as balloons, confetti and campaign signs from the celebration still littered the Wells Fargo Center floor.
Here are the words that immediately popped into their minds.
Vanessa Rodriguez, 32, of San Antonio, Texas.
Vanessa Rodriguez, 32, of San Antonio, Texas
"It's history breaking, it's history making. It's just progression and triumph because of all that she's overcome. ... Having nieces to witness this - it's just beyond hopeful for them. I can't wait to share all the pictures with them and tell them that they too can be the president if they want – maybe the first Latina president."
Jamarr Brown, 29, of Austin, Texas.
Jamarr Brown, 29, of Austin, Texas
"She's been fighting for women, children and families for all of her adult life. So it's exhilarating to see that she's still in the fight and that she's still willing to fight despite all that she's been through. I think that's absolutely important. I'm ready to get her elected in November."
Robert Wergin, 62, of Milfred, Nebraska.
'Optimism'
Robert Wergin, 62, Milfred, Nebraska
"The candidate laid out a plan with specifics that could address the problems we face in this country — not just identify them and monitor them, but do something about them."
Alysa Grey, 16, of Philadelphia.
Alyssa Grey, 16, of Philadelphia
"Everything. It was amazing. ... It's groundbreaking. From having a black president and then having a woman president running — it's amazing."
Davena Norris, 29, left, and Salma Tamez, 18, of Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Davena Norris, 29, Las Cruces, New Mexico
"It was better than I expected. I heard some positive things in there. I heard a big influence from Bernie, and as a Sanders delegate I'm glad to hear that. I'm hopeful his influence is going to move the party in a positive direction. Now, we've got to see if we can turn those words into action."
Jose Vega, 62, of Alexandria, Virginia.
Jose Vega, 62, Alexandria, Virginia
"It was uniting everyone. It was positive - definitely a lot more positive than (Donald) Trump's speech. I'm thinking of when she said she was going to work together with Bernie. It seemed like, to me, it didn't matter what his ideas or her ideas were. Even though they're different, they can still come together and work together."
Delphine Hall, 65, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
Delphine Hall, 65, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland
"She looked like she was filled up with hope and possibilities. It's rights for women and young girls - that they can do anything. We're all in it together. All week it's been 'stronger together, stronger together.' I've been here for four days and this is the culmination. We're supposed to leave a convention inspired, to move out and work in the neighborhoods to get your candidate elected."
Sherryl Boyd, 65, of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Sherryl Brown, 65, Salt Lake City, Utah
"She covered all the bases and she was very clear on what she was saying. Family values (stood out), probably because I'm a mom. We've had history twice in the last two (Democratic candidates), so it's pretty great."
