And not only that.
“The first time there’s ever been a reason to attend a political rally,” she said before the Democratic presidential candidate made his appearance.
That was a theme of many at the San Diego Convention Center.
“In my career on earth, I’ve never really gotten inspired by a politician like I have with Bernie,” said Wayne Peters, 68, of Pacific Beach. He said the reason could be put in one word: Trust.
Teresa Whitney, 61, of Point Loma said: “I think he’s a little like Gandhi,” the Indian leader who sought peace between Hindus and Muslims. She hoped Sanders could do the same with a two-state deal between Israel and the Palestinians.
Dylan Souza, a 24-year-old from Orange County, said a year a half ago he was planning to move out of the country, but then he saw Sanders come on the scene.
“His ideas are what I want in a candidate,” he said.
Molly Demeris, 30, of downtown San Diego said she liked Sanders’ ideas for relieving student debt. Recently married to her wife, she also wanted to show support for someone who has long championed gay rights.
Cecilia Lieras of La Mesa, with her hair dyed blue, said she came to feel the energy of the crowd, and bask in the excitement. With attendance estimates ranging up to 13,000, she had plenty of company.
A sampling of social media reaction to the Vermont senator’s first visit to San Diego as a candidate.
