Not long ago, in the midst of a formal roll call of the votes of all the delegates, Hillary Clinton made an announcement from her place on the floor among the New York delegation, moving to suspend the roll call and nominate Barack Obama as the Democratic candidate for President of the United States:
On behalf of the great state of New York, with appreciation for the spirit and dedication of all who are gathered here, with eyes firmly fixed on the future, in the spirit of unity... let's declare all together, with one voice, right here and right now, that Barack Obama is our candidate and he will be our president.
Clinton's motion suspended the rules while still formally counting state votes, and after a unanimous round of "ayes" Nancy Pelosi closed the proceedings, declaring Barack Obama the official nominee of the Democratic Party.
Here is the video of this incredible, historic moment:
Today was the third day of constituent caucus meetings at the Denver Convention Center. At many of the meetings the focus turned to the nuts and bolts of field work and voter contact. Throughout the primary and now on into the general election, this campaign's organizing philosophy has been built around peer-to-peer contact -- friends talking to friends, neighbors talking to neighbors. Constituency groups play a key role, as personal interactions and relationships within communities are far more efficient and effective than any television ad or mailing. Howard Dean made appearances at a number of the caucus meetings, emphasizing the importance of repeated, face-to-face contact with voters within your community, whether organized through campaign field offices or using our online tools. Michelle Obama spoke at the Black Caucus, having just come from the Delegate Day of Service outing. Michelle acknowledged the two anniversaries that bookend today's event -- yesterday's 88th anniversary of the women's right to vote, and tomorrow's 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech at the Lincoln Memorial. But she also acknowledged that there is still much work to be done, echoing her speech from Monday night in which she called on Americans to "fight for the world as it should be."In addition to the speakers and trainings, a number of the caucuses featured the debut of their respective constituent videos. These videos will be used as tools for supporters at house parties and community meetings to help share Barack's personal story with their friends and neighbors. Below is the first of the videos debuting today -- Rural Americans for Obama:
'To whom much is given, much is expected.' That's what our parents used to say to us. My brother and I were taught that you have an obligation to give back." - Michelle Obama
The Colorado sunlight burned off the early morning chill, drying the dew on the grass. Peppy rock tunes blared from the speakers. At the sight of the motorcade pulling up behind the small outdoor stage, those in attendance hushed and rushed toward the stage. Children leaned over the railing to catch the first glimpse of the special guests taking part in the Democratic National Convention's Delegate Service Day. Out of the vehicles emerged Michelle Obama, her daughters Malia and Sasha, Michelle's mother Marian, Michelle's big brother Craig, Jill Biden, Colorado First Lady Jeannie Ritter, and a cadre of Obama and Biden friends and family members. All were sporting bright blue tee shirts emblazoned with the words, "Supporting Our Troops" on the front. The crowd erupted in applause at their arrival. Paul Rieckhoff, executive director of the non-partisan Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, welcomed the group. Paul acknowledged special guest Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq war veteran from Illinois who lost her legs at war when the Black Hawk helicopter she was co-piloting was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade. (Duckworth will speak at tonight's session of the 2008 Democratic National Convention.) Rieckhoff called on Colorado First Lady Jeannie Ritter, who introduced Michelle. Michelle offered brief remarks about the day's emphasis on service and shared with the crowd the plans to assemble "care packages" for American troops at the conclusion of the program.
"These projects are our way of saying thank you to the people of Denver, our gracious hosts this week. But our work today is also out of support and great admiration for the troops who are serving our country abroad and keeping us safe at home. My family is thrilled to be here today to send a few comforts of home to our soldiers overseas. We hope the more than one thousand delegates taking part in the many service projects across Denver today will carry that commitment to service back to help their communities long after our Convention is over."
Hear a personal greeting from Michelle on-site at today's service event:
Learn about the Obama-Biden National Service Plan here.
"Barack Obama is my candidate. And he must be our President." - Hillary Clinton
Senator Hillary Clinton took to the podium tonight and delivered a resounding speech to the assembled delegates and to Americans across the nation. As one of the most groundbreaking candidates ever to run for the Presidency, Senator Clinton has inspired millions of women and men with her unyielding commitment to the causes that we all care so deeply about. And tonight, she left no doubt about what we all must do to face the challenges ahead of us: unite behind Barack Obama and present a fully unified Democratic Party to the country and the world.
Senator Clinton's speech was a stirring reminder that presidential campaigns are not about a single person, but about the power of what people can do when they come together to unite for change:
I want you to ask yourselves: 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?
It really was an incredible moment for our party and for America. If you missed it, check out this video of her address:
Barack believes that if we come together, and work together, we can build the world as it should be. In the world as it should be: We work together to repeal laws like DOMA and Don't Ask Don't Tell, and we oppose divisive constitutional amendments that would strip civil rights and benefits away from LGBT Americans--because discrimination has no place in a nation founded on the promise of equality. Anyone willing to put in an honest day's work can make a good living and support their family--and employers are held accountable for discrimination against LGBT Americans. The federal government fully protects all of us--including LGBT Americans--against hate crimes. In the world as it should be, we recognize that equality in relationship, family, and adoption rights isn't an abstract principle, but goes directly to whether all Americans can lead lives of dignity and freedom.
Joe Biden made his first campaign appearance as the Democratic vice presidential nominee earlier today, joining Michelle Obama, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, Washington Governor Christine Gregoire, and Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner at an Economic Roundtable. Biden talked directly and bluntly about issues like the Supreme Court, taxes and health care, explaining:
My dad used to have an expression. He'd say 'Don't tell me what you value, show me your budget and I will tell you what you value.' ... This is not something that is beyond our reach. It's all about what your priorities are.
On this 88th anniversary of women's suffrage, Michelle Obama joined several of the most prominent women leaders in the country -- including Senator Hillary Clinton and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi -- at a gathering with EMILY's List earlier this afternoon in Denver. Michelle spoke to a packed house of primarily women who were brimming with enthusiasm and are ready to elect a president who will stand strong on women's rights. Last night's big speech notwithstanding, Michelle admitted her mom duties have caused her some distraction from the festivities of the convention, given the event's timing.
School is about to start, and I was thinking about how I was going to get Malia's books and locker combination.
Check out this video excerpt from Michelle's remarks at today's EMILY's List event:
You know, I spent 20 years in business. If you ran a company whose only strategy was to tear down the competition, it wouldn't last long. So why is this wisdom so hard to find in Washington? I know we're at the Democratic Convention, but if an idea works, it really doesn't matter if it has an "R" or "D" next to it. Because this election isn't about liberal versus conservative. It's not about left versus right. It's about the future versus the past.
Mark Warner, the former governor of Virginia and 2008 Democratic nominee for the United States Senate, delivered the keynote address tonight, the second night of the Democratic National Convention.
Warner knows a thing or two about change. As he shared in his speech, during his tenure as governor of Virginia, Warner inherited a dire state budget shortfall. Warner worked with the heavily Republican legislature to close the budget gap. Under his leadership, Virginia was named the best-managed states in the nation. The state made record investments in education, innovation, and job training and got 98 percent of Virginia children who were eligible enrolled in the children's health care program.
Warner shares Barack's vision for change and commitment to working together to solve the problems we face. Check out pictures from Warner's speech below:
Earlier today marked the second round of caucus meetings at the Denver Convention Center, where delegates join with community and political leaders to reflect on accomplishments of the past and goals for the future. Today's meetings included the Women Caucus, Disabilities Caucus, Youth Caucus, Faith Caucus, and Veterans and Military Families Caucus.
At the Faith Caucus a number of panelists took questions from the audience as part of a conversation about the values and priorities of the Faith community. Former Indiana Congressman, Tim Roemer, spoke about how he always keeps with him a picture of Mother Theresa that says, "Do small things with great love," to remind him of how much each of us can do, one small action at a time, to influence the world around us for the better.
Also at the Faith meeting, Wes of Falls Church, Virginia shared why he supports Barack Obama and why he has been working to help register new voters.
Barack Obama is able to hear all viewpoints without alienating people. So, even those who disagree with the final decision can respect it because they have been heard.
Larry from North Carolina participated in the Veterans Caucus today. He is a Vietnam War veteran and part of the Lumbee First American Tribe. He originally voted for Senator Clinton in the North Carolina primary, but today he explained why he is now supporting Barack Obama.
I'm a veteran. John McCain is a veteran, but I'm not supporting John McCain because he's not about what I'm about. I'm about fair wages, the environment, healthcare... I support Barack Obama. He is the man for the job.
Larry also shared why he first became politically active.
I got involved in politics because, when I was in Vietnam in 1969, I made a promise to God that if He helped me get out of there I would do whatever I could to make sure no one else had to be in a situation like that.
The convention caucuses provide an opportunity for people like Larry to have a role in the American political process and ensure real people who are taking action to renew America's promise are heard.
The Women Caucus was one of the largest today, as women from across the nation came together to celebrate Women's Equality Day, the anniversary of women gaining the right to vote.
Check out pictures from today's caucus meetings . . .
Last night, Grammy Award winning recording artist and concert performer John Legend premiered a new song, "If You're Out There," live at the Democratic National Convention. As Legend himself explained:
I wanted to write a rallying cry for everyone who is ready to make change happen, for people who have decided that we can't afford to wait any longer.
Earlier in the day our video team filmed Legend's on-set rehearsal on the Convention stage, and afterwards he sat down with us to talk about the song, his involvement in the campaign, and what is at stake in this election:
John Legend has been an Obama supporter from the beginning, and is active in grassroots organizing in his own New York community. His song reflects the themes of hope and change, but most of all it is a call to action, to get involved and to participate. John Legend has graciously agreed to make this song available to all supporters, for free. You can click here to download the song:
This morning in Denver about 300 folks joined Michelle Obama at a roundtable discussion with four working women from across the country to discuss economic security for Americans families. One of the women participating in the roundtable, Katherine Marcano, shared a bit about her life before introducing Michelle. Katherine lives in Iowa and balances being a full-time college student with caring for her 17-year-old sister, who has cerebral palsy, and her mother, who battles a debilitating heart condition. Katherine struggles to secure adequate healthcare for her sister and mother. The Obama-Biden healthcare plan is an important factor in Katherine's support of Barack and Joe. (Under the Obama-Biden plan, Katherine would receive nearly $3,000 in direct tax relief and lower health care costs.) "Senator and Mrs. Obama inspire me to believe in myself and my country," said Katherine. "And now I give you the next First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama." After offering brief remarks, Michelle recognized special guests Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, Washington Governor Christine Gregoire, and Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner. Then Michelle announced that two surprise guests would be joining them. As suspense was building, Michelle shared a quick story from Monday night at the convention.
"I've been doing a lot of the surprise thing lately," said Michelle. "Last night, as we walked on stage, I told Malia and Sasha that there was going to be a surprise." "Is it the Jonas Brothers?" inquired Malia with excitement. "No, it's not the Jonas Brothers," Michelle replied. "But they thought it was an okay surprise that Daddy was joining us by video."
With that, Michelle allayed the suspended of the crowd and called for the special guests. The doors to the left of the stage opened, and Joe and Jill Biden emerged. The crowd erupted with applause. Joe greeted the group and recognized several special women in his life - his wife Jill, his sister Valerie, and his daughter Ashley. Each of the women on the panel shared her story, her struggles, her hopes, and her reasons for supporting Barack Obama and Joe Biden in this campaign. View pictures of the event below:
To read the Obama-Biden plan to support working women and families, click here.
Barack just sent out this email...
Amanda - I am so lucky to be married to the woman who delivered that speech last night.Michelle was electrifying, inspiring, and absolutely magnificent. I get a lot of credit for the speech I gave at the 2004 convention -- but I think she may have me beat.You have to see it to believe it.And make sure to forward this email to your friends and family -- they'll want to see it too.You really don't want to miss this.And I'm not just saying that because she's my wife -- I truly believe it was the best speech of the campaign so far.Barack
Amanda -
I am so lucky to be married to the woman who delivered that speech last night.Michelle was electrifying, inspiring, and absolutely magnificent. I get a lot of credit for the speech I gave at the 2004 convention -- but I think she may have me beat.You have to see it to believe it.And make sure to forward this email to your friends and family -- they'll want to see it too.
You really don't want to miss this.And I'm not just saying that because she's my wife -- I truly believe it was the best speech of the campaign so far.Barack
It was yet another remarkable moment in an unforgettable first night of the DNC here in Denver.Caroline Kennedy took the stage and told the crowd that she had never found a person who inspired her in the same way that her father inspired so many Americans -- until Barack Obama. She then introduced her "Uncle Teddy" and a short video tribute to the legendary Senator played on the big screen...
When Senator Kennedy strode onto the stage, dignified and energetic as ever, the entire crowd stood and erupted in continuous applause. Teddy spoke eloquently about the issues that he has championed throughout his life, most notably his dream of health care for every single American."There is a new wave of change all around us, and if we set our compass through we will reach our destination," said Senator Kennedy. "The hope shall rise again, and the dream lives on."
Here are some photos and video from this extraordinary event...
Click here if you'd like to leave a note to Senator Kennedy.
Former Iowa Representative, Jim Leach, just shared with the country why he supports Barack Obama...
As a Republican, I stand before you with deep respect for the history and traditions of my political party. But it is clear to all Americans that something is out of kilter in our great republic. In less than a decade America's political and economic standing in the world has been diminished. Our nation's extraordinary leadership in so many areas is simply not reflected in the partisan bickering and ideological politics of Washington. Seldom has the case for an inspiring new political ethic been more compelling. And seldom has an emerging leader so matched the needs of the moment.... I stand before you proud of my party's contributions to American history but, as a citizen, proud as well of the good judgment of good people in this good party, in nominating a transcending candidate, an individual whom I am convinced will recapture the American dream and be a truly great president: the senator from Abraham Lincoln's state -- Barack Obama.
After serving 30 years as a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from 1977 to 2007, Jim Leach knows that we are stronger united than we are divided.
Here are some photos from the convention floor during Jim Leach's speech:
Like Jim Leach, you can join other Republicans for Obama.
Tonight, Michelle Obama introduces her husband to America. As the country tunes in for the first night of the 2008 Democratic National Convention, there's no one better fit to present Barack Obama than the woman he often describes as the "the rock of the Obama family" and the love of his life. But before Michelle takes the stage to share her husband's story and his vision for the future, we'd like to introduce you to the woman who may be the next First Lady of the United States. Narrated by Michelle's mother Marian Robinson, South Side Girl offers a glimpse of the upbringing, the individuals, and the experiences that have molded Michelle into the principled and compassionate daughter, wife, mother, and friend she is today. Meet the woman whose American story began in a modest, loving home on the South Side of Chicago. Meet Michelle Obama.
As the Democratic Party prepares to nominate Barack Obama for president of the United States, it's a good opportunity to revisit Barack's life story, a quintessentially American story. Tonight, before you listen to Michelle's speech and hear from other people who have been close to Barack throughout his life, take a moment and watch this video. Be sure to pass it along to friends and family members who are looking to learn more about Barack and his personal journey and his vision for our country.
Many of the Convention speakers so far have touched on aspects of Barack's life story, the struggles he's faced and his lifelong commitment to change.
Earlier tonight, one of the videos played at the Convention was this one, in which Barack discusses the meaning of community organizing:
As unlikely as Barack's story is, when you look back with hindsight you can see the beginnings of it all in plain view. One example is an article clipped from a January 1993 issue of Chicago Magazine about a young lawyer and organizer who had just finished leading an unprecedented voter registration drive called Project Vote.
"I wanted to do community organizing, and I couldn't think of a better city than one as energized and hopeful as Chicago was then." – Barack Obama, January 1993
After graduating from Harvard Law School in 1991, Barack had returned to the city where he began his career as a community organizer. At the time, black voter registration and turnout in Chicago were at their lowest points ever. Sandy Newman, a lawyer and civil-rights activist, had founded Project Vote! the year before to promote registration among low-income and minority voters. Newman had decided to open a Project Vote! office in Chicago, but first he needed to find someone to lead it.
The name Barack Obama surfaced. "I was asking around among community activists in Chicago and around the country, and they kept mentioning him," Newman says. Obama by then was working with church and community leaders on the West Side, and he was writing a book that the publisher Simon & Schuster had contracted for while he was editor of the law review. He was 30 years old.When Newman called, Obama agreed to put his other work aside. "I'm still not quite sure why," Newman says. ''This was not glamorous, high-paying work. But I am certainly grateful. He did one hell of a job."Within a few months, Obama, a tall, affable workaholic, had recruited staff and volunteers from black churches, community groups, and politicians. He helped train 700 deputy registrars, out of a total of 11,000 citywide. ..."It was overwhelming," says Joseph Gardner, a commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and the director of the steering committee for Project Vote! "The black community in this city had not been so energized and so single-minded since [Chicago Mayor Harold Washington] died."Burrell agrees. "We were registering hundreds a day, and we weren't having to search them out. They came looking for us. African Americans were just so eager to have a say again, to feel they counted."
The name Barack Obama surfaced. "I was asking around among community activists in Chicago and around the country, and they kept mentioning him," Newman says. Obama by then was working with church and community leaders on the West Side, and he was writing a book that the publisher Simon & Schuster had contracted for while he was editor of the law review. He was 30 years old.
When Newman called, Obama agreed to put his other work aside. "I'm still not quite sure why," Newman says. ''This was not glamorous, high-paying work. But I am certainly grateful. He did one hell of a job."
Within a few months, Obama, a tall, affable workaholic, had recruited staff and volunteers from black churches, community groups, and politicians. He helped train 700 deputy registrars, out of a total of 11,000 citywide.
..."It was overwhelming," says Joseph Gardner, a commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and the director of the steering committee for Project Vote! "The black community in this city had not been so energized and so single-minded since [Chicago Mayor Harold Washington] died."
Burrell agrees. "We were registering hundreds a day, and we weren't having to search them out. They came looking for us. African Americans were just so eager to have a say again, to feel they counted."
Sixteen years later, you can still see the ideals and experiences of a lanky young community organizer embedded in the foundations of his campaign for the presidency. From the beginning, it's been clear that Barack's campaign is different from past campaigns. His experience as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago has shaped the way that he looks at creating change.
That's why community organizing -- the work of volunteers and organizers at the grassroots of our communities -- continues to be such a big part of this campaign.
Michelle Obama just sent out this message...
Amanda -- My mom, the girls, and I left home in Chicago and got to Denver yesterday. What a beautiful city! The convention started this morning, and everyone here is getting ready for the big week. All the work you've done is at the heart of what's happening here, and our team filmed a short video to give you a look behind the scenes at the convention center. Take a minute to check out the video and share it with your friends: This week, folks from across the country will get to know Barack and our family a little better. Tonight I'm giving a speech at the convention, and I'm planning to share a few stories about the Barack I know -- the husband, the father, and the man who shares my dreams for our girls, for this country, and for our future. Before my speech, we're also going to show a video introducing our family to families across the country. Make sure to turn on your TV at 10:30 p.m. EDT (8:30 p.m. MDT) to see it, or you can watch it at www.BarackObama.com. This is such an important moment, and I hope you'll join me by tuning into the convention tonight and all week long. Thanks, Michelle
Amanda -- My mom, the girls, and I left home in Chicago and got to Denver yesterday. What a beautiful city! The convention started this morning, and everyone here is getting ready for the big week. All the work you've done is at the heart of what's happening here, and our team filmed a short video to give you a look behind the scenes at the convention center. Take a minute to check out the video and share it with your friends:
This week, folks from across the country will get to know Barack and our family a little better. Tonight I'm giving a speech at the convention, and I'm planning to share a few stories about the Barack I know -- the husband, the father, and the man who shares my dreams for our girls, for this country, and for our future. Before my speech, we're also going to show a video introducing our family to families across the country. Make sure to turn on your TV at 10:30 p.m. EDT (8:30 p.m. MDT) to see it, or you can watch it at www.BarackObama.com. This is such an important moment, and I hope you'll join me by tuning into the convention tonight and all week long. Thanks, Michelle
