Two Monroe women accompanied Vice President Kamala Harris through Detroit

MONROE — Sharon McNeil and Darcy Piedmonte of Monroe connected with the vice president of the Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris as they drove to her motorcade. McNeil was also allowed to meet Liz Cheney.

In October, the women volunteered for a few days for the Harris-Walz Advance Team. McNeil and Piedmont rode in Ford Transit vans in a large motorcade that transported Harris, her support team, local campaign staff and others to assignments in Kalamazoo and Royal Oak.

From October 14 to 16 and on October 21, the motorcade took Harris and the team to places like a Detroit hotel, a Detroit art gallery and the Eastern Market, where Harris recorded a podcast interview with Charlemagne Tha God. On October 26, McNeil and Piedmonte attended Harris’ rally in Kalamazoo, where former First Lady Michelle Obama was among the guests.

Meeting with Vice President Harris and Liz Cheney

“I was very fortunate to be able to stand next to VP Harris for one photo opportunity on October 16,” Piedmonte said. “Although we were told to just stand still and not interact, the drivers erupted in applause and cheers when VP Harris got out of her car and came towards us. Since I was sitting next to her, I said softly, “You’re destroying it; you kill it.” She turned to me, looked me straight in the eye and said, “We’re in this together.” Both Sharon and I were struck by her dignity, expression of gratitude and also by her humanity and warmth.”

The Monroe women and other drivers posed for photos with Harris in front of her plane, Air Force 2.

“We cheered and expressed mutual gratitude,” Piedmonte said. “Kamala Harris made a point of looking at us, connected and smiling warmly. We were told she does many more photo opportunities than candidates before her. We will receive ‘official’ campaign photos from those two days.”

McNeil also met with Cheney, a former U.S. representative and former chairman of the House Republican Conference.

“She and an associate were in my van for an event with VP Harris in Royal Oak, moderated by Maria Shriver,” McNeil said. “(Cheney) is so friendly. I asked if she would say a few words to my Republican brothers and sisters.

Cheney recorded a video for McNeil.

McNeil and Piedmonte attended one of Harris’ rallies because there was an abundance of volunteer drivers on Oct. 26.

“We were supposed to be drivers, but volunteered for seats for family and friends at the Kamala Harris Rally in Kalamazoo,” said McNeil.

“We got up close and personal with Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris and other speakers at the Kalamazoo Wings Arena,” Piedmonte said.

How were McNeil and Piedmonte chosen as column directors?

“It helps to be actively involved in that political campaign,” Piemonte said. “An activist friend of mine in Ann Arbor knew I was politically involved and sent me information about becoming a driver. I in turn approached Sharon, one of the most committed and influential organizers in Monroe.”

How was security?

“We have undergone rigorous background checks and Secret Service vetting every step of the way,” Piedmonte said.

“The drivers and volunteers have information on a ‘need to know’ basis, an aspect that made the driving days both exciting and fun. Due to the news cycle, we usually knew what events were planned on those days. But we were also in our vans, ready to go and do whatever was necessary when we were told. Our vans were routinely ‘swept’ and checked by the Secret Service,” Piedmonte said.

Most drivers were women. The column was heavily secured along the routes.

“There were nine drivers at a time, with usually one male driver, except one day it was all women,” said McNeil. “In addition to the two armored vehicles for VP Harris and our nine- to 14-passenger vans, there were Secret Service drivers and many local and state police cars and ambulances in and around the motorcade.”

“The police flew past you to get ahead and stop traffic and also protect the motorcade,” Piemonte added.

Both women enjoyed their short time helping with Harris’ campaign.

“We feel extremely fortunate to have been able to go behind the scenes to see how all these campaign events really work,” Piedmonte said. “There are always more volunteers than open spaces, and we feel very fortunate to have been given this opportunity.” “It was an honor in my life to serve this year,” said McNeil. that history is being written.”

— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at [email protected].