August 21, 2024
Nathan Howard/Sipa USA
The Pennsylvania delegation at the Democratic National Convention, which included Gov. Josh Shapiro and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, casts its votes for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in a ceremonial roll call.
The roll call at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday introduced each state and territory with a song, and Pennsylvania's delegates were greeted with a Philadelphia-themed tune.
DJ Cassidy, the emcee for the unusual and energetic roll call, played "Motownphilly" by Boyz II Men to introduce the Pennsylvania delegation, before transitioning to "Black and Yellow" by Pittsburgh native Wiz Khalifa.
Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker and Gov. Josh Shapiro then cast Pennsylvania's votes for Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as the party's nominees. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker was next to Shapiro on the convention floor.
The New Jersey delegation was introduced by Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A.," often played as a patriotic song, although Springsteen's lyrics touch on the hardships of Vietnam War veterans.
The vote was ceremonial, as Harris was already confirmed as the nominee in an Aug. 5 virtual vote by delegates.
Boyz II Men released "Motownphilly" as a single in 1991 as part of the group's debut album, "Cooleyhighharmony." The song's music video features several Philly locations including South Street and Geno's Steaks.
The DNC's second night was headlined by second gentleman Doug Emhoff, former first lady Michelle Obama and former President Barack Obama, who gave a half-hour speech condemning Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.
Earlier in the night, state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, who is running for auditor general in Pennsylvania, gave a 3-minute speech focusing on Project 2025, a blueprint to overhaul the executive branch created by The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank.
Holding a copy of Project 2025, Kenyatta characterized the proposal as "a radical plan" that would "bankrupt the middle class and raise prices on working families."
On Wednesday, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former President Bill Clinton are scheduled to address the DNC, and Gov. Tim Walz will accept the Democratic Party's nomination for vice president.
