A Night of Unity, a Night to Remember

Oh, what a night! I am sure that most of you have seen tonight’s convention or at least saw snippets of it on the news, but suffice it to say that the Democratic party outdid itself. The keynote speech by former Governor Mark Warner set just the right tone, a good mixture of everything great about Barack Obama and a sad reminder of how disastrous a McCain presidency would be. But with the anticipation of Hillary Clinton’s arrival, everyone in the hall knew what we were there to witness tonight.

Well, as we all know, Hillary Clinton hit a grand slam. She touched on all the points and was hitting on all cylinders. The California delegation, 441 strong, has a few more Clinton members than Obama, and these people are for the most part rabid Hillary supporters. More power to them, but there is no doubt, even after witnessing last night’s spectacular presentation and the abundance of adulation of Hillary Clinton, that this convention is all about Barack Obama. I am hopeful that we can now move on in a spirit of unity to nominate Obama and put him in the best position to defeat John McCain and go on to the White House.

As I was watching the hall fill up tonight, I was struck by the air of fellowship, good vibrations and a sense of oneness. Then it hit me! There are 10,000 people that will soon pack this arena and not one Republican, save and except a couple of journalists and possibly some of the employees of the Pepsi Center. No wonder I’m so comfortable and having such a wonderful time. No Republicans! I can’t begin to tell you how incredibly empowering it is to be with thousands of amazing, enlightened and well-informed people from all over this country gathering for one goal, to nominate Barack Obama and radically change this country for the better.

Denver has become a city of sights and sounds. Everywhere one turns, there is a famous person. Politicians, performers, television reporters and anchors walk around in every venue and all locales. While I keep an eye on all the speakers and convention formalities, I am aware that every radio and TV network reporter, cameraman and whatever support staff they have are swarming around the hall like bees. I have been interviewed numerous times now, and it is just a fabulous experience.

If it wasn’t broadcast live, please make certain to watch Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer’s speech http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8iatxuU3OU that preceded Senator Clinton’s. It was a barn-burner, and it definitely answered the criticism that the Democratic National Committee received from last light’s softer than expected approach to the Republicans and John McCain. As a matter of fact, there were several really powerful speeches, but Hillary Clinton’s speech was a critical part of this election and a truly magical moment in what has been a campaign season that is filled with ups, downs, surprises and emotions that may not have been present quite like this in any campaign of our lifetimes.

I also have a feeling that some of you may have missed Nancy Pelosi’s speech, and it was a knock ‘em dead call to arms that Barack is the man and John McCain is not. I’ll provide that link, as well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6a1avwl0cs.

Lastly, I would like to thank all of you for your kind remarks and efforts to get in touch with me to tell me you saw me on TV and that you read my blog or saw me quoted in the newspaper. For those of you that are political junkies like me and like to know what I’m up to, I was in the SF Chronicle yesterday, and I was interviewed by the same reporter today, Carolyn Lockheed, so I may be in there tomorrow, as well. Today I’m supposed to be in the Half Moon Bay Review, and on Monday, there was a wonderful article in the San Mateo Daily Journal that highlighted some of us heading to the convention. These can all be accessed online if you don’t have access to the physical paper.

I was interviewed last night by John Rothmann and Brett Burkhardt of KGO live on the air and have been asked to stop by the KGO table along famed Talk Show Row to get interviewed by Gil Gross, sometime between 2:00 and 4:00 today. And if that’s not enough, I gave an interview to a reporter from one of Holland’s largest newspapers and last night was interviewed by a TV station beaming live back to Denmark. I must admit that my Danish is a bit rusty, but to make up for it, I had one for breakfast this morning while I listened to Barbara Boxer and Senators John Kerry and Claire McCaskill.

Do I sound a bit excited and a bit dazzled? Well, that’s because I am. Oh…my aunt and uncle are traveling in Russia at this very moment and I got a wonderful email from them that they are watching the convention from there and reading my blog. Could life get any better? I think not!