WRAPPING UP THE CONVENTIONIt's officially over, and Mr. Obama is officially the Democratic Presidential Candidate.
Before I start reviewing the convention, I'd like to just interject and reflect on the feat that we just nominated a black man for our presidential candidate.
I think it's important to stop, step back for a second and really think about what has happened. Regardless of your party affiliation, I hope you can revel in the fact that we as a country appear ready to elect a black president. To me, the best part of America is the American Dream; the idea that you can do anything you dream of if you work hard and persevere, regardless of who you are. Barack Obama's ascendancy personifies that ideal and seeks to erase the ugliness of racism and bigotry. And that is something that can give us all hope, and pride. I am proud of America.
Anyhow, America some other time, for now it's back to the Democratic Convention, and it's candidate: Barack Obama.
The convention began following bad news for Obama: his once substantial lead on McCain had shrunk to almost a dead heat, with some polls showing McCain actually up by one or two points. Pollsters and pundits disagree on what caused this shift; but most agreed the public needed to "get to know" Barack better, which the Democratic Convention sought to do.
It's setting of Denver, Colorado underscored Obama's efforts to re-draw the electoral map by making inroads into the traditionally republican Mountain West. Conversely, the Republican Convention will be held in the Democratic-leaning Minnesota next week.
MONDAY
Monday was initiated by speeches from Ted Kennedy and Michelle Obama. Kennedy's speech was noteworthy because he is battling brain cancer and hasn't been seen publicly since his diagnosis. Nonetheless he came. His speech referenced a 1980 convention speech in which he famously stated "the dream will never die," saying Monday to "keep the dream alive." This was a political passing of the torch, from the old leadership of the party to the new leadership, and riled long-time democratic activists. I didn't think it was as "emotional" as did other observers, but that could be due to my icy cold heart. Kennedy was introduced by his niece Caroline Kennedy, the only surviving child of JFK, who may or may not be entering politics.
Michelle Obama's speech was wonderful, in my mind. Michelle Obama has been dodging accusations that question her patriotism, as well as right-wing rumors about her throwing around the racial epithet "whitey." Basically, she should be a beloved national figure, and she's not. Michelle is a successful, strong black professional woman who does not fit America's pedigree as first lady. This confounds some Americans whose disapproval manifests as these rumors, i think.
Anyhow her speech painted her as the lovable family mom, who loves her daughters, just a down-home girl. When she finally said "....and that's why I love my country!" the crowd rose to a standing ovation. The image her her and her daughters saying hi to satellite - Obama really drove it home: This could be our next first family.
TUESDAY
Tuesday's headliner was the ancily-awaited Hilary Clinton. Her major task was to try to pursued her 18 million supporters to back Obama, as recent polls showed 30% of them still uncommitted. Her speech was praised by the media, but I wasn't as impressed.
If her task was to big-up Obama, why did she talk about herself for 90% of the time? Now that I think about it, there was very little memorable about it, even if it did make Bill Clinton cry.
One thing I thought was weird was when she said "And Barack Obama believes that" and then she just outlined her own health care plan, which is different from his. But whatever, she did her duty, I guess.
WEDNESDAY
Wednesday featured Bill Clinton, who I thought had a better speech than Hilary. He said "Last night, Hilary told you in no uncertain terms that she will do everything she can to elect Barack Obama....that makes two of us. Actually, that makes 18 million of us." Memorable and simple. Good Speech.
I didn't stick around to hear Joe Biden's VP speech, but I'm sure it was feisty and full of attacks on McCain, which is essentially what he was hired to do.
THURSDAY
Barack Obama made his acceptance speech at Broncos Stadium in front of a crowd of 75,000, on the 40th anniversary of Dr. King;s I Have a Dream speech. The standards were impossibly high, but he performed decently- the media loved it, and it was a strong speech.
I am a fan of Obama's itellectual/ rhetorical speeches, and this one was very much centered around policy and attacking McCain, which was really his only choice, at this venue. He said "America: we're better than the last eight years." which was pretty memmorable. Good enough.
The convention was also dotted with celebrity entertainers, including Stevie Wonder, The Black Eyed Peas, Sheryl Crow, and John Legend.
I find it extremely odd that Daddy Yankee, the Puerto Rican reggaeton musician who's always rapping about pussy, is performing next week at the Republican Convention. Apparently he is a republican and backs McCain...maybe he'll rap that 'Gasolina' song where he talks about how the girls can't get enough of his "gasoline".....apparently McCain can't get enough of his gasoline.
It will be interesting to see what kind of a poll bounce Obama will get...McCain is announcing his VP choice tomorrow, an effort to squash any news domination Obama would receive from his speech, and also to defer news stories about his birthday, which could renew concerns about his age: 72.
One last note about these convetions, look at the differences in the stages at the republican and democratic conventions:
DEMOCRAT STAGE | REPUBLICAN STAGEAlright that's more than enough campaign stuff for me.......PEACE
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