There were lots of inspiring speeches on night one of the Democratic National Convention, all of which were filled with a plethora of reasons not to vote for Donald Trump in November. But perhaps none carried more weight than the speech given by disability advocate Anastasia Somoza.
“Donald Trump has shown us who he really is, and I honestly feel sorry for anyone with that much hate in their heart,” Somoza said. “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.”
Somoza and Hillary Clinton have a lengthy history that dates back to 1993 when she was one of forty children invited to the White House for a special event. She was the only one in attendance with a disability and the visit that day birthed a longstanding relationship with the Clinton family.
“I first met Hillary as First Lady on a visit to the White House,” Somoza told the DNC. “I was 9 years old and I listened to her and my mom discuss healthcare and early intervention for children with disabilities. 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.”