(Cross-Posted to DemNotes at www.DemNotes.com)
Last night was an amazingly touching evening in so many ways.
After an unusually long bus ride to the Pepsi Center, we finally got into the arena. Almost immediately, we were greeted by Rob Riggle of The Daily Show frisking random convention-goers. Then, I worked my way onto the floor to the Colorado delegation. Already, the energy and excitement was palpable.
Being on the front of the convention hall the way Colorado is has its obvious advantages. But it also has its disadvantages, as well. I spent most of the evening in the front row; however, I had a few rows of photographers in front of me jostling for the best position. As with attending most of these conventions, it was definitely surreal.
But even those distractions could not take away from the two highlights of the evening: Sen. Ted Kennedy and Michelle Obama. Sen. Kennedy surprised everybody by not only showing up, by not only speaking, but also by giving a great speech that reminded so many in the hall of the Kennedy charm and power. His appearance not only reminded us of the fighters that have long been a part of the Democratic Party, it also reminded us of the torch being passed to Sen. Obama.
Michelle Obama concluded the evening, and, boy, did she conclude it! With a speech worthy of her husband’s oratorical prowess, she talked of Sen. Obama as a family man, as a husband, and as an idealistic yet effective public leader. She brought many of us to tears with her stories of Obama’s commitment to his family and how they met and fell in love.
By the end, we were certainly on our feet and cheering wildly. But then, we got to see the Obama children say hello to their father on the television screen in an obviously unscripted moment. It was one of those times during conventions that will likely be replayed again and again, but was real and showed exactly what Michelle had been talking about — Barack Obama has an amazing history and an amazing family.
Tonight, we’re looking forward to hearing from Senator Clinton and former Virginia Governor Mark Warner. Based on Sen. Clinton’s speeches so far, I don’t think this is one speech you want to miss!
I’m off to the delegation breakfast, then off to do a television interview on Grit TV (available on the Dish Network, I’m told) with Laura Flanders. I’ll write more later!