Earlier this week, the New Jersey delegation hosted an event honoring Chairman Leroy Jones at the Field Museum of Natural History, which is home to SUE the T. rex, a specimen from the Cretaceous period that dates back about 67 million years ago. Seeing this magnificent fossil, I couldn’t help but draw a parallel to the urgent climate crisis. Dinosaurs became extinct at the end of the Cretaceous period, and today, humanity faces the brink of another mass extinction event.

At Yesterday’s breakfast, I had the distinct honor to address the NJ delegation and felt only natural to contrast the records of Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on this existential threat. Kamala Harris has a proven track record of fighting to preserve our environment, and it stands in stark contrast to Donald Trump who continues to dismiss climate change as a hoax. The stakes have never been higher, and Kamala Harris and Tim Walz commitment to enacting laws that address climate change is unwavering.

In the afternoon, my wife and I visited DemPalooza at the McCormick Place convention center. We spent time at the ‘Coconut Club’ and talked with activists and volunteers from organizations like Moms Demand Action, who worked tirelessly all week to ensure that delegates were well-stocked with the latest political buttons, hats, and stickers. It was a powerful reminder that the Democratic Party is fueled by grassroots efforts and everyday Americans who volunteer their time to make change possible.

The evening session began on a somber note as New Jersey Senator Cory Booker paid tribute to the late Congressman Bill Pascrell, who sadly passed away earlier in the day. Senator Booker referred to him as the “prince of Paterson,” a man who “never stopped fighting” for the people of New Jersey. His legacy is one of a tireless advocate for freedom, which was fitting as it happened to be the theme of the evening.

As the evening continued, the crowd at the United Center was treated to a ‘Murderers’ Row’ of Democratic leaders. We heard from former President Bill Clinton and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and were joined by rising stars like Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

The night was punctuated by electrifying performances from Stevie Wonder and John Legend, who had everyone dancing their feet and Kenan Thompson, who managed to make us laugh even as he underscored the seriousness of what we face under the Trump’s “Project 2025.”

New Jersey Representative Andy Kim was introduced to the nation as he took the stage during a primetime speaking slot. His message centered on service, reminding us of the chaos of January 6th. “We are all caretakers,” he said, a powerful reminder that the responsibility to safeguard our democracy for the next generation falls on each of us.

Yet, perhaps the most memorable speaker of the night was Former Georgia Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan, a Republican who delivered a blistering rebuke of Donald Trump. He spoke directly to Republican and Independent voters, declaring, “A vote for Kamala Harris doesn’t make you a Democrat. It makes you a patriot.”

The night culminated with our coach, Governor Tim Walz, the next Vice President of the United States giving America a pep talk! It’s been reported that the former teacher who had never used a teleprompter prior to being selected as Kamala Harris’s running mate, made it look easy to address the nation.

He spoke passionately about the true meaning of freedom and what it means to Americans, stating: When we Democrats talk about freedom, we mean the freedom to make a better life for yourself and the people you love. Freedom to make your own health care decisions. And yeah, your kids’ freedom to go to school without worrying about being shot dead in the hall.”

Governor Walz’s speech connected with millions of families across America when he shared his and his wife Gwen’s personal struggle to start a family. He spoke candidly about their journey with IVF and fertility treatments, which ultimately led to the birth of their daughter, Hope. But he also warned that such treatments would be under threat if Republicans under Trump and Vance regain the White House. Under a Harris-Walz White House, America will have hope again.

As the night came to a close, I had the honor of meeting Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, a trailblazer who shattered the glass ceiling as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House. Vice President Harris stands on her shoulders as she prepares to break yet another barrier and become the first female president of the United States.