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
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