Democratic National Convention - Day 1

In the tradition of me writing without thinking...here's the story of the Democratic National Convention - Day One.

*****

The invocation was quite religious - very Christian. I accept the spirit in which the prayer was given. But, it was more Christian than I would be comfortable with.
The announcer is a little awkward in her phrasing. It sounds like she wishes she was announcing at a beach volleyball tournament, but then remembers she's at a political convention.

I sung along, with excessive energy, to the Star Spangled Banner, and it was kind a fun.

*****

A taped piece about the West. If I were at the convention, I probably would have missed this part. And yet, someone spent the time and energy to create a film about the different states and democratic people of the Mountain West. I wonder who they made this film for? Its nice and I appreciate it, but it doesn't do anything to help me understand the Democratic party - its just pretty pictures, and there aren't that many people on the convention floor watching it. Check that - the ones that are on the convention floor aren't watching it either. Strange. Again - who was supposed to watch and what were they supposed to get out of it?

Credential Committee - more people preaching to the choir. I like that the co-chair is from Puerto Rico. He has a smile on his face while he reads the teleprompter. He's happy to be speaking from that big podium. Good for him. Ah, blessedly short.
James Roosevelt, Jr. - I assume he's part of the Roosevelt family of Teddy and Franklin fame.
The credentials committee confirms the seating of the delegates.

James Roosevelt says...We must be united in our determination to change the course of our nation. All democrats must know they are full partners and colleagues. As a result, all the delegates for Michigan and Florida get 1 full vote each.
Hmmm...then I guess it doesn't matter if you break the rules. No biggie. And all that crappy brouhaha that made me frustrated was a lot of stuff and nonsense about nothing. And, if they had started counting all those delegates originally, might Hillary have won? Man - I think that is stinky and rotten and kind a creepy. If you make a rule, you better stick with it. That tells me that whining is effective. I figure there must have been a deal made to allow the delegates a full vote. But, the deal must have also said they have to make sure Barack Obama is the nominee, so what's the point of getting the full delegate vote anyway? What a mess.

There are 56 states and territories plus the Democrats Abroad group.
Alexis Herman - another co-chair. Talking about Hope and Determination.

Report of the Credentials Committee is hereby adopted by voice vote.

*****

Convention Rules Committee is next...they're submitting their report. The first lady says that at least one thing not in the report is that there will be some adjustments to how caucuses are run? I think. I'll have to look into that some more. It sounds like some kind of deal with the Hillary people 'cause they're the ones who didn't like caucuses. Ugh. Ugh. Ugh. I used to live in a caucus state and it was the best thing. It was fun and interesting and it allowed us to discuss the nominations with our neighbors. I'm sorry Hillary forgot how to campaign in a caucus state, but don't make the rest of us suffer for your mistake.

Mary Rose Oakar (from Ohio) from the Rules Committee comes out and says one of those things that really rattles my cage; where Ohio goes, so goes the Nation. Just who the heck does Ohio think they are anyway? I'm sick of it - all these states who think they deserve more consideration or have more importance than any other state. Florida and Michigan included. Ugh again.

Okay - this Rules Committee is just nominating a bunch of people to their committee. They seem like they're honorary nominations, but I could be wrong.

The report of the Rules Committee is hereby adoped by voice vote.

*****

Taped piece about the community organizers that worked to create a grass roots campaign for Barack Obama. Now that one would have been interesting. Nope - too short.

Whenever they put music on between stuff on the agenda, the people dance like its a concert. Its a little funny.

Howard Dean is introduced again..He introduces the Permanent Chairs of the Convention.
Nancy Pelosi (Speaker of the House), Kathleen Sebalius (sp? governor of Kansas), Shirley Franklin (Atlanta mayor)and Leticia Van De Butte (Texas Senate).

Now that the permanent chair of the convention has been introduced, Nancy Pelosi takes charge and introduces the Parliamentarian. Doris Matsui (representative from California). Just know this - a parliamentarian will always be around if any delegate has a question.

*****

Democratic National Committee Treasurer - Andrew Tobias. He has a lot of enthusiasm, but I don't think people are giving him as much attention as they could. Again - blessedly short.

Democratic National Committee Secretary - Alice Travis Germond. Her job is to make sure everyone is in the convention hall. Please sign in.
At the end of her little talk - she is told everyone is there. Okay.

*****

Taped piece about the Platform Committee. They had 1600 listening sessions around the country to find out what Democrats want in the platform. I got an e-mail about that and didn't go. I shoulda gone. I could have been in the movie! Honestly, I didn't go because I'm not sure what relevance the platform committee has. I don't see how the platform trickles down to the individual candidates. A candidate is not bound by the platform. As far as I know, anyway.

Platform Committee Co-Chair - Patricia Madrid (first Latina Attorney General in US from New Mexico).

Its 4:15 Denver time.

More preaching to the choir. Maybe I'll start saying P to the C.

She's kind of listing a lot of the platform ideas that they have...I should have been writing them down...
no torture
campaign finance reform
smart on crime

I'll have to look at what the Platform Committe submitted. Just for the heck of it.

Another Platform Committee Co-Chair - Judith McHale
30,000 people participated in platform hearings.
A lot of things in the platform are ideas from Hillary Clinton.
Returning America to its leadership role in the world.
End the war in Iraq
Defeat Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan
Prevent use and spread of WMD
Work for common security around globe
Worldwide economic, human rights, democratic development
help women around the world.
commitment to women's right to choose
no ideology above women's health
support equal rights for women
health care and education for all.
renew frayed connection between opportunity and responsibility in our society
denounce sexism.
etc...

Yeah - I think I was right. The platform is a nice vision. But, how do we accomplish it? That's the question, right?

Convention adopts the Platform Committee Report by voice vote.

*****

More audience dancing. There's a band. People seem to be enjoying them. The people look like they're ready for something REALLY exciting to happen and in the meantime they'll make this part exciting on their own.
I think they should play some really inspirational songs about freedom and peace and love and America. They could sing "This Little Light of Mine" to make me happy.

Are these people going to stay in their seats for the next several hours waiting to hear Michelle Obama? That's a long time to wait. Now, they're singing "Get Down...Boogie, Oogie, Oogie".

C-SPAN is great. You can't get this on CNN or FOX. They'd rather listen to themselves talk.

*****

Mayor of Denver, John Hickenlooper. I made a phone call during Mr. Hickenlooper's speech. Sorry Mr. Hickehooper.

*****

Barack Obama in his own words...okay - I've heard this plenty. Oh - and its very short.

*****

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus. P 2 the C.

Switching to CNN - taped interview with Michelle Obama.
Switching to FOX - commercial
Back to C-SPAN

*****

Nancy Keenan - NARAL ProChoice America President.
We support and defend a woman's right to choose a safe and legal abortion.
(I couldn't type fast enough to get all the rest of what NARAL supports, but I agree.)
Reproductive Freedom is on the line this election.
It really is. For many religious conservatives abortion is THE issue. It's their one criteria. But, for most Democrats its not number 1, even though they might believe in choice, its not their only reason for voting. Its hard to counter the religious right's determination and focus these days when the feminist movement is quieter than it was.

Young Delegates - Amanda Kubik (in 1997 she was a high school sophomore) and a crew of people behind her.
Senator Obama understands the energy of young people. He's bringing them to the cause.
Okay - she did a cute job. I liked her. She was poised and articulate. She didn't look like she was reading from the teleprompter and she smiled while still looking genuine. Good for her.

Emil Jones, Jr. (Illinois State Senator)
He had early experiences with Barack Obama in Chicago as a community organizer and a reformer.

Now, its 7:05 pm Eastern Time.

Reg Weaver, President of the NEA (National Education Association) - he's here to tell us why the NEA supports Barack Obama. They do.

Okay - so everyone is saying stuff that's kinda obvious. I suspect the Republicans will say essentially the same thing, they'll just use different words - Candidate X will bring peace and prosperity to every American. The key is how they'll do it. I wish they were presenting a more cohesive understanding of the big plan.

Taped piece about turning from fear and finding hope. Gabrielle Grossman is a new young mother who has found hope in Barack Obama's candidacy.

*****

Music interlude again - they're singing Earth, Wind, And Fire. Darn, why is the name of that song escaping me?...take a ride in the sky in a ship fanta sigh - all your dreams will come true right away.

*****

Lisa Madigan - Illinois Attorney General and former Illinois State Senator who worked with Barack Obama.

Dan Hynes - Illinois Sate Comptroller. He ran against Barack Obama for State Senator. he was the ifrst public official to pulically call in BO to run for president. He watned someone to speak to the best part of us. He doens't want us to rise above politics. he understands that if we have the eright politics, we will all rise. Very short comment.

Alexi Giannoulius - Illinois State Treasurer. Barack Obama is his basketball buddy, friend, mentor and inspiration. He looks very young. Oh - he knows he looks young 'cause he made a point to say he's 32. America is more than a place, its a promise.

American Federation of Teachers President, Randy Weingarten. They support Barack Obama.

Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota (Senator from Minnesota) - hey she's pretty energetic. Are you fired up and ready to go? Are you tired of sub-prime leadership?
Barack Obama is the instigator of a conference call with new 2006 Senators before they'd even been sworn in to discuss ethics reform.
I like her.

*****

Musical Interlude at 7:28 pm EST. "Dance to the music" - and they are!

*****

Barack Obama in his own words...more of stuff I've heard a bunch of times already.
Its the best part though - the red state, blue state, United States speech from the 2004 Convention. Hmmm... I hadn't realized he's been using that section of his speech for 4 years. But, its inspiring and perfectly captures his theme and what we're looking for. I guess if its not broke, don't fix it. I remember now why I thought he was so dynamic at that convention; that speech was rousing.

*****

John Legend and the Agape International Choir.

*****

Uh - oh...the lights have gone down. I wonder if we're getting close to something exciting. Ahhh...another taped piece about Obama. Okay - this convention is not for me. I know all this stuff. I'm going to vote for him already. Cool. Maybe this is the only day I'll write this much about the convention.

*****

Another musical interlude. Earth, Wind, and Fire again...That's the Way of the World, and September.

*****
Checking CNN - discussing Ted Kennedy's appearance
Checking FOX - around the world in 80 seconds.
Back to C-SPAN

*****

Wow - this is going to go on for another couple hours. I feel bad for that band. They're going to be tired. And so am I.

*****

Its 8:00 eastern time, 5:00 pacific time, 6:00 Mountain time

America's Town Hall.
A panel of people discussing the economy hosted by Sen Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio)

This is kind of odd. I like the effort, and I like the idea of having a discussion at the convention. But, it looks like a strange mix of scripted and adlib. Its like an infomercial for Barack Obama.

The three questions are related to economy, education, working families and health insurance. I think there was supposed to be a fourth question about trade that they didn't get to.

They're going to do this two more times.

Senator Sherrod Brown gave his duty as 'host' 100% effort. I feel bad that there was such a loud rumbling from the crowd - I don't think they were listening.

*****

Taped piece about Nancy Pelosi.

And now - Nancy Pelosi. I like her white pantsuit. She looks stylish and quite a bit younger than her 68 years.

Why didn't anyone clap when she said Hello America? Aren't they ALL Americans? Isn't that the point of Barack Obama's campaign? Weird. It almost sounded like people booed but I can't believe that's true. They clapped loudest when she said Hello California. Less loud when she said Hello Maryland. And pretty much not at all when she said Hello America. It was almost awkward.

So, it turns out I don't really care about listening to this mostly because, as I said before, I'm already gonna vote for Barack Obama.

I found a website that's 'live blogging' and wouldn't you know - its http://blogsforjohnmccain.com/democratic-national-convention-day-1-open-thread-live-blog-begins-6-pm-cdt
That might be interesting to read what McCain supporters have to say.

A sample of their comments:
brianinmo - Right now, the convention is hearing a series of speakers who worked with Barack Obama in Chicago when he was a "community organizer" - whatever that is.

brianinmo - As you watch the proceedings, it is clear that the American Flag and Patriotic Music are not uppermost in the minds of Democrats.

brianinmo - Earlier, Emil Jones, who is known as Obama's "Political Godfather", spoke for a few minutes. He generated controversy earlier today when he called a Hillary supporter an "Uncle Tom." He got a few boos when he came to the podium.

brianinmo - The Teachers Union is now lobbying for Obama. They are always in the pocket of the Dems.

brianinmo - Klobuchar talks as if Obama can walk on water

brianinmo - Like I said before, the American Flag and Patriotic music of any kind is not even on the radar screen at the DNC

brianinmo - LOL - They are more than "out there." (referring to the delegates)

brianinmo - Plaigiarism would fit right into Barack's experience!

6:45
brianinmo - These are the people we are supposed to turn the country over to!!!!!

6:46
crazyivan1978 - I am cringing at the TV...

6:51
brianinmo - The Wicked Witch of the West is next on the docket - Nancy Pelosi.

6:58
brianinmo - Sen. Sherrod Brown is now moderating a mock town hall meeting. This is as close as Barack Obama will ever get to a real town hall meeting with John McCain. He refuses to stand up with McCain and go toe to toe.

7:06
brianinmo - The McCain Campaign should make an issue of Obama avoiding a real Town Hall Meeting but holding this pathetic, canned excuse of a Town Hall!!!

Wow - mean and nasty people. No need for me to read this anymore.

*****

Taped piece...

*****

Margie Perez - Hurrican Katrina survivor. New Orleans Jazz Singer/Songwriter
"Marooned in our own country."

A short film to illuminate the lessons of Katrina starring Jimmy Carter talking with people affected by Katrina.

*****

Former President and Mrs. Carter are introduced. The band plays "Georgia" in the background.
They walk across the stage...and there they go. No words

*****

Taped piece....Barack Obama - An American Story

*****

Maya Soetoro-Ng
Half Sister of Senator Barack Obama. She has a nice tone to her voice. I didn't listen because I'm sure its just the usual stuff about how good Barack Obama is.

*****

[More comments from that wasteful website:

7:34
Nelsa - Carter said that the people in New Orleans were abandoned by their "Governments". I guess he was talking about their Dem Gov and Mayor
7:35
brianinmo - Exactly - Nelsa.
7:37
Nelsa - Maya-Where is your Brother George? That's right, he's in Kenya living it a hut on 12 bucks a year...

I wonder why people have to be so twisted and hateful? On purpose, even! ]

*****

Its 8:42 Eastern Time, 6:42 Mountain Time, 5:42 Pacific Time

Jesse Jackson Jr.

I didn't pay 100% attention. Looking for live blogging sites. You know, ones that other people actually read - not like this one. HA HA! (If I really thought someone would see this, I wouldn't be doing it. Ever since So You Think You Can Dance went off, people stopped accidentally clicking on my site. checking my site for information.



*****

Musical Interlude - The people sure do like to stand up and dance.

Its an odd event, since nothing of consequence really happens. And the people are very excited. Well, these are the party activists. Its good they're excited. My type of people (the unexcitable kind) depend on these people to get things moving.
I don't think I could be this excited for something that was really nothing.

Howard Dean is talking to Joe Biden and his wife. The woman standing behind is looking at them with great admiration.

Spike Lee on the floor of the convention center.

*****

Taped piece...Giving back 2008 - building a home for SSG Travis Strong in June 2008.
Homes for our troops.

*****

Mike and Shirley Fisher - I got a phone right when they started talking. Who knows what they're saying.
American Voices - American Values

*****

Tom Balanoff - SEIU

*****

Musical Interlude

*****

Caroline Kennedy - the Democrats love her. She looks a bit embarrassed and like she doesn't want them to applaud unnecessarily because she wants to get through her speech. Not that she's rushing it.
She's here to pay tribute to Barack Obama and Edward M Kennedy.
She's been inspired by Barack Obama. He gives us hope.
Caroline talks now about Uncle Teddy.
Teddy is your Senator too.
(Wow, kinda amazing to think that if her brother hadn't died, he might have been here instead of her and she would have stayed in the background like she did before. She must have been told or understood that as the last living member of the John F Kennedy family she had a responsibility. She seems happy though. I have respect and admiration for her. God, Bless Her.)
Then she talks about the family Uncle Teddy.
And now, a movie about Ted Kennedy (he was recently diagnosed with brain cancer)

"Senator Kennedy taught me that government can function for the common man."

Its pretty powerful for Obama to be associated with Ted Kennedy via this tribute. The tribute speaks so glowingly of Ted Kennedy and it really does look like the torch is passing directly from Kennedy to Obama.
(I bet that's why Bill Clinton is so frustrated - he wanted to be the new Kennedy)

Senator Kennedy is introduced. Hmm...I didn't know he was going to speak. I think this is kind of a big deal. Maria Shriver is teary-eyed, which makes me teary-eyed.

'we are all called to a better country, and a newer world"
"And I pledge to you that I will be there next January on the floor of the United States Senate..."
"healthcare as a fundamental right and not as a privilege"
"Yes we can - and yes we will!"
[our military must never be] "committed to a mistake, but always to a mission worthy of their bravery"
"an American flag still marks the surface of the moon"
"the work begins anew, the hope rises again, and the dream lives on"

He looks a little shaky but he's done a great job! I'm proud of him and his determination. And I'm inspired. I'm glad he had this time.

*****

Musical Interlude

*****

Barack Obama - An American Story. More stuff. I wonder what I'd think if I didn't know that I was going to vote for him?

*****

Testimonials:

Miguel del Valle - Chicago City Clerk

Candi Schmeider - Iowa Delegate
"Call to renew" speech by Barack Obama? I don't know this speech.
Yes, I was inspired by his words. but I was motivated by his good solid plan for action"

Jerry Kellman - Chicago Community Activist

Senator Tom Harkin from Iowa.
He starts by using sign language to acknowledge people with disabilities.
"our liberties we prize and our rights we maintain"
He does a small tribute to a fellow Iowan Congressman Jim Leach.

Now, Jim Leach is speaking. Oh - he's a Republican. Hmmm. He's retired from Congress so he's not running again. Which explains why he feels okay about coming to the Democratic Conention to support Barack Obama.

[Information I learned from the DailyKos blog...Jim Leach voted against the invasion of Iraq. And a line from his speech..."An unprecedented effort to finance a war with tax cuts".]

*****

Austin, Lilly, and Mattie Esposito - Missouri kids of Claire McCaskill
The kids are here to introduce their Mom.
Their mom told them..."if you believe in something, you have to claim it, work for it, and fight for it."

*****

I'm going out on a limb here and suggest that probably Claire McCaskill will be extolling the virtues of Barack Obama. I'm sold already. So, I'm not going to pay too much attention. Her theme is that Barack's story is an American Story.

*****

Taped peice about a South Side Girl - Michelle Obama.
Nice narrative from her Mom. "When she was little she used to look up to us, now I look up to her."

Craig Robinson - Michelle Obama's big brother

Wow - what must it be like to be thrust into this position???? Having to give a speech at the Democratic National Convention only because he's the big brother of the wife of the man who's running for President?? Eee Gads - what if he'd been too nervous or something? Good for him for stepping up. He must be a good brother. He's the coach of the Oregon State basketball team.
I like his political analysis of Barack based on his basketball playing.

He introduces Michelle Obama...the crowd goes wild. They hug. The tall signs are out - they say Michelle. Different than a square sign. I'd like them better if I were there - they look like they have a handle on them so its easier to hold.

Now that was a polished, well-delivered speech. I know she worked hard on it; her inflections and her facial expressions made it interesting/easy to listen to. I think she worked on it like a professional storyteller would work on it; the kind of storyteller that makes a story come alive.

This week -
88th anniversary of women earning the right to vote
45th anniversary of the "I have a dream" speech.

"the world as it is just won't do
we have an obligation to fight for the world as it should be"

"current of history meets this new tide of hope,
And that is why I love this country" (standing ovation)

"each of us has something to contribute to the life of this nation"

The four important things Barack Obama will do as President:
End the war in Iraq responsibly
Build an economy that lifts every one of us
Health care for everyone
World class Eduction for all

Barack Obama understands the "thread [that binds us as one] is strong enough to hold us together"

This time - we listened to our hopes instead of our fears
This time - we decided to stop doubting and start dreaming.

Good job, Michelle!!!

By satellite: Barack Obama

"Now you know why I asked her out so many times. You want a persistent president"

*****

The evening's benediction - Don Miller from Portland Oregon.
Was there a problem at the end of Don Miller's prayer? There was a long pause, then he made one more statement, and then he ended the prayer and it was kind of awkward.

*****

Thank you C-SPAN! You are a blessing.