Democratic Convention

Each night last week I watched the Democratic Convention and each night there was at least one dynamic speaker. On Monday night the Democrats paid tribute to Teddy Kennedy with a video and then surprisingly Senator Kennedy appeared on stage and gave a rousing speech. Even though he is seriously ill with a brain tumor he promised to be in Washington in January to welcome, most hopefully, Barack Obama as the new President of the United States.

If hearing Senator Kennedy was not exciting enough, the next step was to see a video about the life of Michelle Obama and learn of her upbringing on the south side of Chicago. We learned the dreams her parents shared in giving their son and daughter a chance at the "American dream". I felt that Mrs. Obama was speaking from her heart and connecting with people all across this land. I knew she was bright, but she was even more articulate than I imagined. She will make an honorable first lady.

Tuesday night was Hillary Clinton's night to shine. She was very clear about wanting the 18 million people who voted for her in the primary to cast their votes for Barack Obama in the general election in November. She told of meeting a young Marine who had waited months for medical care, but wanted her to take care of his buddies who were still at war; a mother with two adopted autistic children who is ill with cancer and has no medical insurance; and a young boy who was worried because his mom's minimum wage work hours had been cut and he didn't know how they would make it. Possibly her finest statement was tied to those stories when she said to her supporters, "Were you in this campaign just for me? Or were you in it for that young Marine and others like him? Were you in it for that mom struggling with cancer while raising her kids? Were you in it for that boy and his mom surviving on the minimum wage? Were you in it for all the people in this country who feel invisible?

Then on Wednesday Hillary moved to suspend the roll call and unanimously elect Barack Obama as the Presidential nominee of the Democratic Party. The convention did just that and elected Obama as the Party nominee.

Wednesday night we heard from President Bill Clinton in another rousing speech endorsing Obama and pledging to do everything in his power to help him succeed in becoming the next President.

Later Wednesday evening we saw a video on the life of Joe Biden and met him and his family. His son, Beau, introduced Senator Biden. We learned what a true family man he is. Even though he is a U. S. Senator he travels by train most nights to his home and family in Deleware. He has two sons, a daughter, and wife. His first wife and their daughter were killed in an automobile accident many years ago just after he had been elected to the senate. He was sworn into office at the bedside of his two sons who were hospitalized with injuries from the accident. Beau said that several years later his father, and my brother and I, married Jill Jacobs. Senator Biden's love of family and dedication to his country shows true patriotism. Biden accepted his nomination for the vice presidency and gave his acceptance speech.

Check back later for the stirring final night...