What a way to start your day! No, I don’t mean the Eggs Benedict and French Toast we were treated to at breakfast. I mean by the speakers at our Wednesday morning delegation breakfast.
The featured guest for the morning was Governor Kaine. His Mom and Dad were in from Kansas for the convention and they came along with Anne to dine with us.
They say you can tell how people truly feel about political candidates based on what they say about them and how enthusiastically they say it. I’m that way about Tim, as any of you who have heard me introduce him or talk about him can attest. It’s easy to be excited and you don’t have to worry about what you’re going to say. Well, our governor feels the same way about Barack Obama.
It showed Wednesday morning. Tim was “Fired Up and Ready to Go”, and he proceeded to wake us all up in rapid fashion. He began by ticking off the progress of the Democratic Party in Virginia over the last several years and then shared his recipe for success for the party.
1 - Solve problems – citing the example of the Democrats in the General Assembly
2 - Stick together – don’t fall victim to infighting and present a unified front
His focus then turned to 2008. The Governor chided John McCain for not knowing how many houses he owns and for admitting that he doesn’t know much about the economy. He blasted the Republicans for calling Obama an “elitist” when his mother had to resort to food stamps to care for her family after Barack’s father abandoned them. He spoke about Michelle’s humble roots, growing up on the South Side of Chicago. Tim was in prime form!
In case any of you are saying to yourselves, “Gee, I wish I could have heard him”, I videoed the breakfast and plan to show it at our September MCDC meeting. Join us!
But, I promised you Tim and Terry. We were also treated to remarks from former DNC Chair Terry McAuliffe. Terry, as you may know is good friends with the Clinton’s, and does a darned good imitation of Bill. Put Terry in front of a group of Democrats and the results are hilarious. (Have I hooked you yet? September 18th, 7pm)
After breakfast, Terry sat and autographed copies of his book “What a Party!” that he had given to each member of the delegation. Rumor has it he may be thinking about running for Governor in ’09. In my opinion, he hasn’t paid his dues in Virginia, even though he has been very active on the national scene. None the less, he’s a very engaging and entertaining guy.
This was the only day we had a planned luncheon. Other days, we were on our own after breakfast. Today, we would hear from Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts. Governor Patrick is only the second African American ever elected to lead a state. Our own Governor Doug Wilder was first, and he was on hand to introduce Patrick.
After lunch, there was only a little time to work on my blog and then it was off to the convention. People who attend national conventions tend to do things differently, based on their interests and level of commitment. For example, my new friend Terry Frye from Bristol made it a point to attend every energy related forum and roundtable he could fit in to the schedule. I decided to make every effort possible to include my friends back home via blogging and to attend as much of the gavel to gavel convention proceedings as practical.
Wednesday night at the convention, we were going to hear from Joe Biden, our Vice Presidential nominee. But first, it was time for the second speech from the Clinton camp. Tonight, the world would be watching and listening to see how enthusiastically former President Bill Clinton would endorse Barack Obama. Anyone who saw the speech will attest to the fact that he didn’t disappoint us in any way. Not only was Bill vintage Bill, but he also unequivocally verbalized his support for the Obama-Biden ticket. The crowd responded with a rousing, enduring ovation.
Joe Biden’s son Beau, Attorney General of Delaware drew the task of introducing his Dad. It was a very emotional time, for Beau is preparing to return to active duty and ship out for the Middle East. The emotions were cranked up a notch as Beau related the story of how he and his brother were involved in a car accident with their Mother while their Dad was in D.C. preparing to take the oath of office after being elected to the Senate at the age of 29. His Mother was killed in the crash and his Dad debated whether or not he could take on the job of raising two boys while accepting the responsibility granted him by the citizens of Delaware in electing him to the Senate. When Beau finished, there was not a dry eye in the house.
Of course, Joe Biden showed us right away why Barack Obama picked him to be his Vice President. With decades of experience in the Senate and a natural way of connecting to people, Biden is the consummate statesman. He didn’t take long to cut to the chase and blast the Bush-McCain doctrine. Of course, we didn’t know it then, but now we know Joe will be up against Alaska Governor Sarah Palin in the Vice Presidential debates. I’m sure they call the Governor Sarah Barracuda for a good reason, but my prediction is that Biden will chew her up and spit her out in little bitty pieces! He is without a doubt qualified to be Vice President and stand a heartbeat away from the top job.
Next – All But Over, The Last Day
I know this is totally out of order, but I have to write my thoughts on this evening’s session.
I was so overwhelmed with emotion after Barack finished speaking that I stood there and cried. What an historical event in our nation’s history.
And I was lucky enough to be there…to everyone who did something to help make sure I came to Denver – THANK YOU!
I’m writing this entry on Thursday morning and I must admit, everything is starting to blur together. I think that’s because of a lack of sleep and everything going on. However, there is a slight chance that partying with the VA Delegation last night had something to do with it.
When last I wrote, I was leaving Mark’s pre-keynote party. I walked out the door with my good friend Joseph Hancock from Roanoke who is a critical part of the Grassroots Obama network in Virginia. I asked if he had any idea where the nearest shuttle bus stop was and he replied that it was back at the hotel. So, off we went, back toward the hotel. After talking and walking for several blocks, I asked him if he had credentials to get on the floor that evening. No, he replied, he was going back to the hotel to a Convention Watch Party. Huh? I thought we were going to the convention together. Nope. So – I bid him a farewell, did a U-turn, walked back past Alto’s restaurant and the rest of the way to the Pepsi Center.
Truth be told, walking is the best and quickest way to get to the convention and back. But, I’ve been scavenging signs every night and the walk back carrying an armload of those is no fun.
Back to Tuesday though. Mark truly had a tough assignment. He was competing with Hillary on the agenda. Mark rose to the occasion. He delivered a great message, cheered on by the entire VA Delegation at every turn. He introduced the world to Lebanon, VA and talked about the critical importance of electing Barack Obama as President. He looked Senatorial – and perhaps, one day, Presidential.
We all had a real treat sandwiched in between Mark and Hillary. Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana, who is described in his official on-line bio as a farmer and a rancher with no previous political experience, had the crowd roaring. Someone later said he reminded them a little bit of William Shatner doing the Priceline Negotiator commercials. When his term in office is up, he could become a stand up comic. What a HOOT!
Hillary! Need I say more? When she took the stage, the convention hall was a sea of cheering delegates waving white Hillary signs. She was fantastic! And she put it on the table in the first few seconds on stage. There should be no doubt – she’s 100% behind Barack. What a lady. She had everyone spellbound. And she didn’t take prisoners when it came to Bush – McCain, either. She made it clear that it is time for a change and a return to the peace and prosperity of the Clinton White House.
After the gavel dropped and we made it back to the hotel, it was time for “Late Night With Brian Moran” as his campaign billed the event. Drinks and food were on Brian in the hotel bar which was closed for our group. And believe me, we all took advantage of Brian’s generosity! When you go from breakfast until 11:00 at night with little or nothing to eat, you have a lot of hungry delegates. Of course, at this altitude, you have to drink a lot as well to stay hydrated. ;-)
Time is flying by. And not because I’m sleeping through it, either. There are too many things to do and not enough time to do them all, so choices have to be made. Today’s entry will probably be a two-parter. It’s sandwiched in between breakfast with Tim Kaine and Terry McAuliffe and lunch with Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts.
Yesterday was a special day for Virginia Democrats. Everyone was anticipating the keynote speech delivered by Mark Warner. There was a buzz in the room when we all gathered for breakfast. And the buzz got a lot louder when Senator Jim Webb entered the room.
The first time I met Jim back in Blacksburg just before the senatorial primary, he asked me where I was from. When I replied that I was originally from Hillsville, he told me his grandmother was a Cochran from southwest Virginia and we were probably related. From that point on, we have called each other “cousin.” This became such a standing joke during Cousin Jim’s campaign that Congressman Boucher referred to me as “El Primo Cousin” at our GOTV Rally the weekend before the election.
I will assure you that Cousin Jim did not let us down when he spoke. I have truly come to admire his thoughtfulness, his sincerity and his grasp of the issues that are important to common people. Jim talked about how the Republican Party has become out of touch, one of the main reasons he became a Democrat a few years ago. He gave us some comparisons of the state of the nation and working people when Bill Clinton left office and today, after almost eight years under George Bush. The statistics he quoted were startling.
The Senator also shared some “tough love” with us about our Party. Using offshore drilling as an example, he told us the Democratic Party, and our elected officials, needs to stop giving the Republicans the opportunity to frame the message. His point was well taken. We need to force them to articulate the need for new drilling rights for the oil companies when they don’t use all they currently have. Jim has a great take on it, and luckily, is having a great influence on the Party and our future direction. We are very lucky to have him as our Senator!
I also had the opportunity to introduce myself to Jim’s wife Hong while Jim was being interviewed by one of the television networks. Of course, I had to tell her I was Cousin Steve, but she told me right away that Jim had told her about me. She looked me over and looked at Jim and gestured toward my cheeks and eyes. “I can see the resemblance”, she said. Who knows, maybe we are related.
After breakfast and blogging, I joined Elizabeth Chitwood for a walk over to the Convention Center where the caucuses are taking place. My mission – to find “stuff.” Souvenirs, buttons, pins, t-shirts. You name it – it’s here. There are street vendors everywhere. The Convention Center appeared to be Mecca. Inside, there is an official Obama “Store” and a DNC store. I returned to the hotel with my wallet lighter, but my suitcase promising to be heavier when I check my bag at the airport.
In the afternoon, it was time to give Mark his royal send-off to the floor for his speech. He was hosting an afternoon party at Alto’s restaurant so I started off walking the few blocks from the hotel. When I got close, I knew it was going to be a zoo! It was about fifteen minutes after three, the starting time for the party, and there were about forty or fifty people standing around on the sidewalk outside the restaurant. Knowing I was NOT in New Orleans where you can drink on the streets, I feared the experience might be a bust. But – Mark’s folks were on the ball. The solution – take over the restaurant directly next door for the overflow.
That restaurant filled up quickly as well. You see, Mark has friends from all over, not just Virginia. I met a lovely lady from San Francisco named Nadine who has a high tech headhunting business in Silicon Valley. Turns out she also heads up an organization that trains women for active roles in politics. She was a big supporter of Mark’s and we had a great chat.
Soon, we were joined by another member of the Mark Warner fan club and friend of hers, Arkansas Lieutenant Governor Bill Halter. Then, one of the candidates for Attorney General in California in 2010 from Palo Alto whose name I must admit I cannot remember, joined in the group. Quite an interesting mix of people, but we all had Mark in common.
Leaving the restaurant to head toward the Pepsi Center, I had the opportunity to bump into former Congressman and Senate candidate Wendell Ford from Tennessee as he was coming in. I introduced myself and encouraged him to give the Senate race another try. We talked about our common friend, Rick Boucher and I invited him to come to the Ninth District and visit us. He has a good gig on TV for the time being, but he would be an outstanding addition to the Senate!
To be continued…
After a late night, it was an early morning. Credentialing began at 7:30am; the Virginia delegation breakfast at 8:30. Hint - if you ever go to a national convention, don’t miss the delegation breakfast or you won’t know what’s going on.
Our guest speaker at breakfast was soon-to-be Senator Mark Warner. Mark stressed to the crowd the importance of electing Barack Obama President while at the same time emphasizing his desire to work with other “Radical Centrists” as he puts it, to facilitate change in Washington. He emphasized the personal importance of his election citing his decision to drop out of the presidential race and his recent injury playing basketball (which landed him in UVA Hospital) as proof that he is slowly but surely eliminating other career opportunities and really needs the job.
Back in my room after breakfast, I worked on my blog entry. I have found it’s fun to gather my thoughts, refresh my memory and share with my friends back home. (It also would make me happy to see some comments – hint, hint).
After lunch with some friends and a brief exploration of the area around our delegation hotel, it was time to board the bus to the Pepsi Center and the opening session. The first impression that hits you as you get on the bus – there’s a police officer on every bus. I suspect that made an immediate impact on me because I had seen dozens of officers in riot gear in my short walk downtown. Scary, but somehow comforting to know that someone is paying attention.
After a circuitous route to the Pepsi Center, we left the buses to pass through security. There is a portable security checkpoint under a big tent where everyone has to pass to get in to the center. TSA agents checked us all out and made sure we were “clean.” We didn’t have to remove our shoes, but otherwise, it was a lot like going through an airport.
In the center we got to see just how important Virginia is to Barack Obama. Our delegation is on the floor, dead center, right behind Illinois! Elizabeth Chitwood, Rex McCarty and I staked out our seats on the center aisle, eleven rows from the podium. Elizabeth kept repeating over and over throughout the evening “This is crazy. This is crazy.” And she was right, the convention hall was a riot of enthusiasm and energy.
Our delegation is also sandwiched between Katie Couric and Richard Gregory, for all you news junkies. Wolf Blitzer is just on the other side of Katie. Joe Scarboro walked through the floor and posed for pictures with delegates. What a scene! It made me miss Tim Russert though.
I was also lucky to be seated directly in front of Governor Kaine’s parents and Ann and the kids. I had met Mr. Kaine when Tim was running, but never his mother. I told them how much Victoria and I think of Tim, not only as Governor, but also as a tremendous human being. I shared with them that in all my 35 years in politics, I had never known anyone who I held in such high regard. They were truly pleased, especially when I told them their son is a statesman, not a politician.
It was women’s night and family night at the convention. We heard from Barack’s brother in law and sister. Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill’s children introduced her – and encouraged everyone (especially from their generation) to text in to the campaign to get the latest news from the campaign.
Caroline Kennedy introduced a tribute to Uncle Teddy, who gave a barn burner of a speech, giving us all inspiration to follow his example and do whatever it takes to elect Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The big screens showed Senator Biden in the crowd several times during the speech and each time, the convention center erupted in cheers and applause!
Jimmy Carter appeared in a community service video and then he and Rosalyn took a quick tour around the stage. That was it. No speech, no stopping. It looked like one of those Swiss clocks where the little figures come out from the back and circle around the base of the clock only to disappear back into the other side as the clock chimes on the hour. Undoubtedly the strangest thing I’ve ever seen at a political convention.
But the main event of the evening was Michelle. What a beautiful, passionate, woman! She told us a lot about the man who will be our next President. She had the audience spellbound as she told about their first dates and how he drove the car home from the hospital when their first daughter was born at a snail’s pace, wanting to do everything possible to protect his new family and insure his daughter has a bright future. She is going to be an incredible First Lady!
After we adjourned, it was back on the bus and back through all the temporary barricades and riot police encircling the Pepsi Center. I heard yesterday that $40 million had been spent on security. The evidence is everywhere!
Back at the hotel, I dropped off my “stuff” and prepared to go to Governor Kaine’s party. Like all good Democratic Chairs, I know that campaign materials are hard to come by – especially in Southwest Virginia. So, I dutifully carried an arm full of rally signs from the hall to take back home for our HQ.
Then, it was off to Marlowe’s Restaurant where Moving Virginia Forward, Governor Kaine’s PAC, was hosting a late night party for our delegation. There was a live band, and of course, Tim whipped out his harmonica and joined them for a song. Folks, if you don’t realize it, we have THE coolest Governor in all fifty states! He brought the house down with his bluesy solo!
And since I wrote something for the news junkies, it’s time for something for the sports fans out there. Shortly after the Governor descended from the stage, a buzz went through the crowd. I looked toward the door, and there he was, easily recognizable because he was the biggest, tallest guy in the place – Charles Barkley. He was passing by, heard the music and decided to stop in. He and the Governor exchanged greetings and posed for pictures for the rest of the evening. What a Party! Thanks Governor!!
Next up – Cousin Jim at his best
The trip from Blacksburg was uneventful – and long. Victoria insisted on taking me to the airport and seeing me off. She also insisted I buy a journal and record all my adventures. Have I mentioned yet that Victoria is always right?
A quick half hour flight to Dulles, a layover, and then three hours in the air to Denver. Airplane seats are not made for men as large as I am – or the guy in front of me. As soon as we were in the air, he laid his seat back and that’s where it stayed. Jammed against my knees. While everyone else watched the in-flight movies or slept, I began reading Dreams From My Father. What a fascinating book!
Boarding the plane, I saw I was flying with a celebrity – Congressman Jim Moran and his lovely wife LuAnn Bennett. I decided to have a little fun as I passed their seats in First Class on my way to the tail of the plane. “Hello there, Brian Moran’s brother” I quipped. “Gee, I’m glad to get that kind of recognition”, he replied, grinning.
Once we touched down in Denver, it was time to collect the luggage and find the shuttle. But first, you have to take a break after three hours on the plane, so I stopped in the nearest men’s room. As I was washing my hands, I recognized the guy who had been sitting in front of me on the plane. This was the first time I had seen anything besides the back of his head, but I recognized him. Should I say something? He looked at me, looked down at my Obama ’08 T-shirt and smiled. “See you at the Pepsi Center” he said as he slipped out the door. That made up for my crushed knees and reminded me once again why it pays to be nice to people.
The airport in Denver is several miles from downtown Denver, but the DNC had arranged passes on the Super Shuttle for delegates and alternates. So, I packed myself in the van with seven of my closest (new) friends and we proceeded to spend the next hour dropping everyone off at different addresses on the way toward downtown. I wasn’t the last person off the van, but I was close.
I had the opportunity to meet and talk with two other delegates, both of them delightful people. One gentleman is a DNC member from Alabama, a minister and a former elected official. As we compared notes, he asked me about Montgomery County and our racial makeup. I was proud to explain that, even though our African American population is somewhere around 3%, Obama carried the county in the Primary.
The other acquaintance I made was with Michelle, a delegate from upstate NY, who is a motivational speaker and former elected official as well, now taking time off to raise her four year old daughter and wait for another opportunity. As the drive went on, we became punchier and punchier (at this point, it was almost one o’clock in the morning local time – three o’clock eastern) and had more and more fun.
So, you can imagine I was happy to hit the registration desk at the hotel shortly after one in the morning. They had my reservation and there were no problems to deal with. Success!
I turned from the desk and started to the elevators to my room. But first, I had to walk past the bar. Yep, you guessed it. There were Virginia Democrats in there, doing what Virginia Democrats tend to do at conventions.
I joined my friends Frank Leone (DNC member), Levar Stoney (ED of the DPVA), Susan Swecker, Mark Bowles and Louise Ware (Sen. Webb’s office) for a drink. On the shuttle, my new friend Michelle had been reading me the e-mail reminders from the NY delegation on her Blackberry cautioning everyone that one drink equals three in the Mile High City. With that piece of information firmly in hand, I ordered myself a double Maker’s Mark on the rocks. After all, it was last call and I had to keep my friends in the bar company.
Next time around – Day one
With all due apologies to Tommy James and the Shondells (look that one up Gen Y'ers) what better name for my first blog posting - ever. Well, at least it's the first thing that came to mind.
But, all kidding aside, this post is about the party line. The Democratic Party line. As in toeing the line.
This election is undoubtedly one of the most critical of my lifetime. I know, I know, we say that every year. But this election is about changing the direction of the country - and our place in the world.
Democrats have an obligation to our country, our fellow citizens, our descendants and our Party! Yes, our Party. We have the power to decide whether change is going to come to Washington with a whimper - or a roar!
We have an obligation to do everything we can to promote our Democratic candidates - all of them. Just like our Democratic candidates have the obligation to actively support one another. We need to make sure our entire Democratic ticket is promoted everywhere we go.
Do you have an Obama sticker on your car? An Obama yard sign in your yard? Is Mark Warner listed right alongside? And here in the Ninth District, a Rick Boucher sticker/sign as well?
Rick Boucher gets it! He promotes Barack Obama and Mark Warner at every event he attends. Let's use Rick as a role model and do the same.
WE ARE THE ONES WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR! THERE'S NO NEED TO WAIT ANY LONGER!
