Fay Baydoun with Senator Debbie Stabenow

PHILADELPHIA — Local Arab Americans were among party leaders and legislators who were inside an unusually tense Democratic National Convention held from July 25-July 28.

Fay Baydoun, executive director of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce, attended the DNC for the fourth time. This year, she was there as an elected delegate for Hillary Clinton. Baydoun is the third vice chair of the Michigan Democratic Party. 

Other Arab American delegates in attendance included Ahmad Chebbani and Sami Khaldi. 

Baydoun told The AANews that Bernie Sanders’ delegates were prominent at the convention, leading to some disruptive moments.

“There was a bit of commotion from die-hard Bernie supporters, yet the Democratic Party did a good job on promoting unity,” Baydoun said. “Sanders’ speech was a class act all the way. He had the entire floor on its feet – both Hillary and Bernie delegates.”

Baydoun noted that many of Sanders’ delegates in the audience were in tears following his speech on Monday.

On Thursday morning, Sanders attended a breakfast with Michigan’s Democratic leaders and addressed delegates there during another “moving” speech. 

“His message was one of unity to get Hillary elected and that he will continue to work for the causes,” Baydoun said. “And that this is not the end of Bernie delegates’ work.” 

Baydoun said the highlight of her trip was having the honor of meeting Jane Sanders during the breakfast. 

She said the atmosphere at the convention shifted from a divide during the first two days to a unified party by the last day.

“The first two days were hard for Bernie delegates,” Baydoun said. “Yet by [Thursday] unity was strong. There are still a few die-hard Bernie delegates. But this is what this country is about. This is democracy at work.” 

Ali Baleed, leader of the Yemen American Benevolent Association (YABA), was also in attendance inside the DNC.

He told The AANews that when he nabbed seats at the convention, he drove to Philadelphia with a group of locals to witness history in the making.

“I came because this convention is very important,” Baleed said. “It will determine the future of our country. It was also important to have someone present from Michigan who was an Arab and a Muslim.”

From inside the Wells Fargo Center, Baydoun and Baleed were able to witness speeches given by both local and national Democratic leaders, including Rep. Debbie Dingell of Dearborn, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, First Lady Michelle Obama, former president Bill Clinton and President Obama–with the last drawing renowned acclaim from the crowd.

“President Barack Obama is the best speaker of our time,” Baydoun said. “He communicated his message very eloquently to his audience and with passion.”

Baleed noted that he’s confident a vote for Clinton is the right path for the Arab American community. 

“Compared to Donald Trump, I support someone who will build a bridge instead of a wall,” Baleed said. “My hope is that the policies will be much better than before. When people run for office they make a lot of promises, but they don’t enforce the promises they make. At least she didn’t talk bad about Muslims and building walls between us and Mexicans.”

Baydoun echoed Baleed’s stance, urging Arab Americans to stand behind the Democratic Party in order to block Trump from prevailing. 

“Arab Americans need to stand with Hillary and the Democratic Party more than ever,” Baydoun said. “With all the challenges we face today, Mr. Trump is not the right president for America. We don’t need a president who wants to build walls to limit immigration and round up Muslims. We cannot afford to take a chance and we cannot sit back and watch. A no vote is a vote for Trump.”