On Saturday, Aug. 31, The Gallery at Villageworks in West Acton was brimming with Democrats, Independents, and even a few Republicans. The small army of “joyful warriors” was spending the first morning of their Labor Day weekend listening to U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, State Senator Jamie Eldridge, State Representative Danillo Sena, and State Representative Simon Cataldo talk about the key issues in the 2024 election.
They were also there to get trained by members of Warren’s campaign staff on how to canvas for the entire Democratic ticket. While no one needs to learn how to knock on doors, many of the volunteers did need to be taught how to use the mobile canvassing application used by many Democratic organizers.
Warren, who ran unopposed in Tuesday’s Democratic primary in Massachusetts, will face John Deaton, who won a three-way Republican primary, in the November election.
But Warren didn’t talk about her own re-election campaign in West Acton. Instead, she gave a shorter version of her speech on the final night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
Warren expressed her admiration for Vice President Kamala Harris, highlighting her integrity, determination, and commitment to fighting for working families. In contrast, Warren criticized Donald Trump for exploiting people’s hardships and lacking empathy for everyday struggles.
Warren also praised Harris for her work in making life more affordable, taking on corporate giants, and fighting for issues like housing, healthcare, and abortion rights. She concluded her stump speech by asking, “Would you trust Donald Trump and JD Vance to look out for your family? Shoot, I wouldn’t trust them to move my couch.”
Following Warren’s remarks, she took a couple of questions from the audience. Afterward, Bob and Deena Ferrara said, “As good as she is on TV, Senator Warren connects much better with people in person. She is very engaged, knowledgeable, and really tries to answer all the questions people ask.”
Following the Q&A session, Eldridge commented on the sustained ovation that Warren had received at the Democratic National Convention. He also highlighted how she has shifted the party toward taking on corporate special interests and the rich as well as fighting for working families and labor unions to realize economic justice.
After the event, Sahana Purohit, the Chair of Acton Democratic Town Committee (ADTC), shared her thoughts in the ADTC bulletin. She wrote, “It was absolutely thrilling to meet Senator Elizabeth Warren in Acton…. The turnout was absolutely fantastic! I heard from many of you who tried to sign up closer to the date that we were booked to capacity. Senator Warren’s inspiring speech filled the room with so much energy and enthusiasm.”
Purohit added, “Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 10th. You are invited to the most anticipated Presidential Debate Watch Party at True West in West Acton, and it’s going to be a blast. Senator Eldridge, Representative Sena, and Representative Cataldo will join us as we gather at 8:30 pm…. Please RSVP HERE if you plan to join us.”
Purohit also wrote, “Our much-anticipated Acton-Boxborough picnic is coming up on September 15th. Boxborough is in charge of the picnic this year, and we’re thankful for their efforts.” If you would like to attend, see ActBlue Acton Boxborough Dems Picnic for more information and to sign up.