Glenwood Springs residents Nick Isenberg and Jasmin Ramirez were among 87 delegates from Colorado who endorsed the Democratic presidential ticket of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz at the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC), held in Chicago Aug. 19 to 22.
The Sopris Sun interviewed the two about their experience representing the Western Slope on the national political stage.
‘The Tactile Traveler’ rides the rails
Locally known as “Nicky News,” Isenberg, who is legally blind and partially deaf, has been a journalist for 55 years and hosts “The Tactile Traveler” on KDNK, which aims to empower blind and low-vision individuals.
On Aug. 17, Isenberg and his friend and sight guide, Pat Conarro, left the Glenwood Springs Amtrak station for Chicago on the California Zephyr. When the train stopped for a crew change in Denver, Isenberg was interviewed by the KDVR Fox News TV station.
Isenberg’s role included helping shape the party’s platform through
discussions on climate change, disability rights and other critical issues.
In a press release, Debbie Bruell, chair of the Garfield County Democrats, shared, “Nick brings a unique perspective as a person with disabilities who has actively participated in politics and as someone understanding the challenges of transitioning from fossil fuels in a county dependent on oil and gas.”
During the DNC, the founder and CEO of the Glenwood Springs-based renewable energy company ANEW Energy, Pat Connaro, drew attention by wearing a green tuxedo adorned with a windmill and solar collector, symbolizing renewable energy. According to Isenberg, his costume generated significant media buzz.
Despite the challenges of navigating the convention’s bustling environment with a complex configuration of audio devices, Isenberg appreciated the experience of participating in daily caucuses focused on seniors, green energy and disability rights — even attending the Women’s Caucus “whose dynamic leaders are going to change the future,” he shared.
Honoring heritage and family
Jasmin Ramirez, a Roaring Fork School District board member, described the convention as “powerful and emotional,” emphasizing the diversity and unity she experienced.
At the convention, Ramirez sat next to Polly Baca, a historic figure in Colorado politics, who, in 1974, was the first Latina elected to the Colorado House of Representatives. Ramirez said of the 83-year-old Baca, “I soaked in her legacy, wisdom and decades of experience — she’s been attending the DNC since 1964. It was an incredible opportunity to learn from her perspective.”
Ramirez was particularly moved by the Hispanic Caucus, where Julie Chávez Rodriguez, granddaughter of the iconic labor and civil rights leader César Chávez, spoke. “I was so grateful to be there and to witness that,” she said. The unity among delegates and the chance to represent rural Colorado were also highlights for Ramirez, who stated, “I was proud to be there and to make sure we were counted.”
One quote that resonated with Ramirez was from U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona: “I’m as American as apple pie and rice and beans.” She described this sentiment as “really powerful,” reflecting her personal connection to the convention’s themes.
Ramirez, a granddaughter, daughter and wife of immigrants, wore a cowgirl hat to honor her late father, who taught her the value of public service. “To be there, honoring his legacy was important,” she said.
Final reflections
Ramirez expressed pride in representing rural Colorado and emphasized the importance of being counted. “It was a celebration of America as a whole, of all our diversity,” she said.
Reflecting on his experience, Isenberg said, “The energy was electric everywhere, from the convention hall to the buses. The enthusiasm for Kamala Harris and the future was palpable.”