The convention tonight was unbelievable. I don't know how else to put it.
The day started for the delegation with breakfast with speakers Mayor Ray Nagin of New Orleans, our own Congressman Peter DeFazio, and Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar. Mayor Nagin asked us to pray for New Orleans since 5 years after Katrina, the levees have still not been completed. On a lighter note, Senator Klobuchar made us laugh by explaining how she was politely asked to leave Senator Wyden's baby shower for his twins by Senator Diane Fienstein. "Can I package that food for you to take with you?" She also went over a long list of important legislation that got stuck in the Senate and how critical it is for Oregonians to elect Jeff Merkely so this legislation can pass.
After breakfast, I took a long nap with Teri rather than getting downtown early like yesterday. So when I headed to the convention later, I was fired up AND ready to go. I had no idea how exciting it was going to be.
As I was walking in, I was interviewed over my cell phone by Jim McCoy of KDOV radio 91.7 FM in Medford. What a great discussion we had. When inside, I got a bite to eat and opted for a mini pizza rather that the hot dogs I have dined on the previous nights. While enjoying this fine dining, I talked to a reporter from ABC news then struck up a conversation with a couple of reporters from Africa--Yes Africa! They explained to me that they report the news for the French speaking people in Africa, ie. New Gunea. They were clearly excited about Obama and said there was so much excitement for Obama in Africa. Their coverage of the convention and their interview of yours truly will be online at africalog.com
The first drama of the evening was the roll call of the States. I learned later that Hillary had released her delegates and encouraged them to vote for Barack. This explained how the votes in the roll call were piling up for Barack in numbers far exceeding the primary tallies. We went nuts when one of the States (Montana?) announced "in the spirit of unity" all their delegates were voting for Barack. I also loved it when Idaho said Obama was their new adopted favorite son. I told a fellow delegate that "now Barack has been adopted by Idaho AND the Crow Indian tribe."
As the alphabetical roll call got closer to Oregon, we all gathered around Ron Wyden who was all set to announce our delegate votes. The last numbers I heard were Obama 40, Hillary 24. If we weren't so excited by what happened next, we would have been dissappointed that the roll call never made it to Oregon. The camera revealed that the commotion on the floor was an entourage leading Hillary to the command center for the New York delegation. Her motion to suspend the rules and have Barack nominated by acclamination was enthusiastically passed and the gavel came down nominating Barack. The place went nuts and Hillary and Obama supporters in the Oregon delegation embraced and shook hands. That was something as things have been a bit tepid at times.
As for the speeches, all I can say is that these were amazing. Kerry scewered McCain and showed his resolve to not let happen to Barack what happened to him in 2004. I loved it when he went through the hypocrisy between the positions of "Senator McCain" an "Candidate McCain" and said, "are you kidding me? ... this guy needs to finish the debate with himself." Then Bill came out and talked about how Hillary urged everyone last night to support Obama and said she was going to do everything in her power to make Barack the next president. After a perfect long pause, he calmly said, "that makes two of us!" And the arena erupted. Two words popped into my head: Game on!
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the touching stories of all the heroic vets who spoke up and stood up for Barack tonight. Even the amazing speaker who left both of her legs in Iraq. Each of them, even the vets now serving in Congress, thoughtfully placed their confidence in Barack. We even had a retired Rear Admiral who formally changed his party affilliation from Repub. to Dem tonight and shared with us his thoughts.
On a lighter note, I got to play paparazzi tonight as I hung out on the floor the whole night after the roll call. I wanted to be part of the action rather than sitting on my duff in the cheap seats. So I walked and stood by as close to the podium as I could, and as best as the vigilant security would allow. I mostly hung out behind the Pennsylvania and New York delegations. I was able to rub elbows with or take photos of Franco Harris, Gov. Ed Rendell of PA, Katie Couric, Wolf Blitzer, Morgain Fairchild, David Gregory, Roland Martin, James Carville, Gov. Nagin, and lots of others. Sorry Denise, no George Clooney!
And then there was Joe Biden. This guy is exactly what Barack needed. If you missed the speech, you have got to catch the rerun to get a feel for Smokin Joe. This guy will back down to no one and will watch Barack's back throughout the relentless attacks that are surely down the road. And what a great family he has that flooded the stage. It was all topped when Barack made a suprise appearance at the end. It was great to see him and the place erupted.
Tommorrow we will commemorate the anniversary of Dr. King's I have a dream speech. What a night it will be.
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