Community Columnists Blogging the Democratic National Convention (by Mike Williams, Wakulla County Delegate) 8-25
Written by Mike Williams Tuesday, 26 August 2008 01:57
Blogging the Democratic National Convention
by Mike Williams, Wakulla County Delegate
August 25, 2008
Publisher's
Note: Four delegates from Wakulla County will be attending the
Democratic National Convention this week in Denver, Colorado. The
convention officially runs from August 25th to August 28th. The
delegates are Mary Mooney, Mike Williams, Maria Carter, and Alan
Brock. We will be featuring daily blog entries here on
Wakulla.com, sort of like our own "You Were There" column. This is Mike's first entry, emailed to us in the wee morning hours Sunday, August 25, 2008.
Hello Wakulla Democrats:
The gavel fell at 3:00 pm Mountain time to open the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Howard Dean, several DNC officers and Speaker Nancy Pelosi conducted the initial business that opened the Convention. Delegates were sparsely seated throughout the Pepsi Center as the Convention convened. During the evening, the Center filled to a capacity level with every seat taken and all of the aisles filled. The Florida delegation was seated right up front and adjacent to Illinois (Obama) and Delaware (Biden).
{sidebar id=1}There were about 20 speakers or presentations throughout Monday's six hour Convention. Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr. of Illinois told of his personal experiences with Obama that led to the inspiration and motivation of Jackson's public service. Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri was the first woman in the U.S. Senate to endorse Obama. McCaskill was introduced by her son and two daughters after which she spoke of the opportunity for real change in Washington when Obama is elected. Former President Jimmy Carter narrated a video emphasizing the continuing struggles of post Katrina New Orleans residents. President Carter and his wife Rosalynn then made a cameo appearance on stage to a standing ovation by the delegates. There were up-tempo music breaks throughout the evening at which delegates would dance, sing and wave signs. The Florida delegation was by far the most rowdy.
The elegant and gracious Caroline Kennedy introduced a video tribute to her Uncle, U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy. The video included Kennedy's political history, family relationships (including his assassinated brothers; John and Robert) and his dedication to the working middle class. Even though he is battling an illness, Senator Kennedy made a personal appearance and speech resulting in several standing ovations. Michelle Obama was the last speaker of the night. She was introduced by her brother subsequent to a video narrated by Michelle's mother. Michelle spoke of her own and Senator Obama's working family upbringings. She shared their beliefs regarding the importance of family, opportunity and public service. Michelle Obama brought the house down several times as delegates enthusiastically responded to her comments. The Day's convention activities ended with Michelle Obama and their two little girls speaking with Sen. Obama by video screen from Kansas City. It was very moving. After witnessing the presentation, I cannot imagine anyone that would not admire and appreciate Michelle Obama.
Mike Williams
Delegate from Wakulla County
This blog entry originally published on August 26, 2008.
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