CLEVELAND, Ohio — One Alabama woman is making history at the Republican National Convention this week as the youngest delegate in attendance. Kathleen Moore, 18, is a student at Auburn University and the daughter of State Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise).
Despite her young age, Kathleen wanted to make a difference in this historic election.
“I really wanted to become a delegate because of my age,” she told Yellowhammer in an interview. “I think it set me apart and I think it shows the older generation that writes my generation off that we’re not useless and we do have a voice.”
The Auburn student turned 18 last August and decided to run to be a Trump delegate for Lee County. After having been involved with the Trump campaign on campus for about a year, she was elected to represent him in the convention without opposition.
So far at the convention, she has enjoyed “having a say in something that’s bigger than me.” She has participated in votes, roll calls, and floor action. She has even seen some of her biggest conservative heroes.
Among those she was excited to see speak were former New York Mayor Rudy Guilliani and Duck Dynasty star Willie Robertson. She said that Guilliani “rocked the house” and that she “fangirled” when she saw that big beard of Robertson walk onto the stage.
As for the mood of the convention, Moore says that she feels that overall the delegates seem united. In her opinion the appearance of disunity is a creation of the media to make Republicans look weak and vulnerable. “I hate that,” she said. “I don’t feel divided, I feel like we’re together [behind Trump].”
Not only has the 18 year-old felt the delegates are united, but she has also expressed the overwhelming feeling of safety. “Cleveland has done an excellent job. they have gone above and beyond everyone’s expectations,” she said. Going in, Moore indicated that she and her father were both very nervous about their safety given the current tone in the country. But once they arrived, she made clear that the security is top notch.
As a rising sophomore, Kathleen is motivated by her desire to “encourage people my age to stand up for what they believe in.” But this is not just a one time thing; she definitely sees a future in convention politics.
“I would absolutely do it again. 100 percent.”
The GOP convention continues tonight and will last until Thursday, when nominee Donald J. Trump will give his acceptance speech.
