Photo courtesy of the the News Journal
Joe Biden’s selection at Obama’s running mate, a first in Delaware history and a proud moment for all Delaware Democrats if not all Delawareans, prompted a show of excitement and unity at the annual Jamboree down at Cape Henlopen in Lewes.
Obama’s announcement defused and overshadowed the potential tension in a state party facing its toughest gubernatorial primary ever, a contest that already has drawn a record $5 million in contributions.
Instead, the picnic tables and pavilion were a sort of demilitarized zone. At least for Saturday.
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“This is a great day for Delaware Democrats — I can’t remember a day like today,” [John Carney] said. “This is Joe Biden’s event. I was just talking to someone in a Markell T-shirt and we were saying, ‘Isn’t this great? This changed the whole event to Joe Biden for vice president.’ ”
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[During Markell’s speech, he] called Carney and Carper to the stage. [….] “We’re talking about all we have in common,” Markell said, as Carney pointed out that all were wearing the same light-blue shirts. “Folks, here we are.”
Others facing primaries — those running for Congress and insurance commissioner — were on hand. But no axes would emerge on this day.
“It wasn’t just the absence of negativity,” said Matt Denn, who is running for lieutenant governor. “They went out of their way to be positive. Today was about Joe Biden. … I thought this would be a great year for Democrats anyway. But if any Democrat was even thinking of not voting in November, they’re coming out now.”
I was really bummed that I couldn’t go this year. I was looking forward to going for the expected fireworks among the rival Markell and Carney camps, as well as from those supporting the candidates for Congress and Insurance Commissioner. And then Joe Biden had to go and get selected as our next Vice President and ruin everything.