It was truly an honor for us to represent the 36th Legislative District as Obama Delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. Spending the week with Democrats from across the country was incredibly exciting as well as intense. We went to the convention absolutely committed to Sen. Obama and his message of change, and left even more inspired and convinced of the importance of winning this election. What follow are some of our observations and experiences.
Many watched the convention on television, but the week in Denver was more than just the evening's speeches. In fact, most of the activities were open to everyone.
There were caucuses, workshops, media briefings, protests and people-watching. Washington's daily breakfasts included notable speakers, such as Gov. Howard Dean, many of our state's elected leaders, and even Ben Affleck (we wish).
Despite the media's exaggerated story of disunity, the week brought our delegation together as never before. A beautiful moment came Wednesday as we were signing the tally sheet for the presidential nomination.
As our Clinton delegates arrived from meeting with Sen. Clinton, where she signed her vote for Obama and gave a pep talk, Clinton and Obama delegates embraced -- pledging to work together to win, understanding that many Clinton delegates cast symbolic votes for her.
In terms of each evening's keynote speakers - Michelle Obama set the tone on Monday with her messages of opportunity, family, and hard work. And there was barely a dry eye in the house when Sen. Ted Kennedy surprised and inspired everyone with his in-person speech.
Tuesday, the excitement built as Hillary gave what was likely her best-ever and wonderfully gracious speech - giving McCain some "Hill" and her strong endorsement of Obama.
Wednesday evening, former President Bill Clinton allayed any concerns about his and Hillary's dedication to Obama's election. It was great hearing him draw parallels between himself in '92 and Obama in '08. Then when Joe Biden, the vice-presidential nominee, took the stage, he wowed the audience with his modest roots, dedication to family, and extensive foreign policy and legislative expertise.
Thursday brought the long anticipated Obama acceptance speech at Invesco Field before 84,000 people. Being the liveliest delegation throughout the convention, we turned a space next to our seats into a dance floor. Our delegates, including elected officials, grooved to music from Will-i-am, Sheryl Crow, Michael McDonald, and Stevie Wonder. Spike Lee even joined in.
While Obama's speech was phenomenal, what helped lay the groundwork were two sets of speakers before him who added context and power to his speech.
One consisted of ordinary folks like Barney Smith - a lifelong Republican - who shared that his support of Obama is because of his focus "more on Barney Smith than Smith Barney." The other set was a stage full of military leaders emphasizing their support of Obama as our Commander-in-Chief.
As these speakers highlighted the challenges we face, Sen. Obama's historic acceptance speech directly laid out plans for meeting those challenges on such issues as the economy, energy, the environment, equal rights, foreign policy and national security.
There were times during the speech we were moved to cheers and other times to tears. It was the perfect ending to an incredibly inspiring and motivating week.
In contrast, watching the Republican convention last week made us all the more grateful for our experiences in Denver and instilled an even deeper sense of purpose to get Obama elected.
Whereas Obama focused on issues and presented tangible and viable plans to set our country in the right direction, the McCain/Palin campaign focused on rallying its conservative base with the politics of division and by demonizing everyone from community organizers to teachers to Europeans to the media. In fact, McCain's advisers have repeatedly said that the campaign is "not about issues."
And, contrary to what is being espoused by Republicans that Sarah Palin will bring Hillary supporters to their ticket, we believe she is actually doing more to unite Democratic and independent women to support Obama/Biden.
Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards related at a Women's Caucus meeting what her deceased mother, former Texas Gov. Ann Richards, would have said, "Women voting for McCain are like chickens voting for Colonel Sanders."
So, now what? As Sheila Johnson, a successful entrepreneur and African American leader said at the same Women's Caucus: "Based on the work that we do over the next nine weeks, we will get the president we deserve."
We encourage you all to get to work!
Jeanne Kohl-Welles (D-Queen Anne) is the state senator representing the 36th Legislative District and was an Obama delegate.
Suzan LeVine is a Queen Anne resident and PCO and was an Obama delegate.
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