Democratic National Convention

What was bound to be an emotional, historic and eventful convention, for me, did not let down. There were pundits and critics saying that the convention started out too weak, not attacking the Republicans and John McCain hard enough. But why is it that the convention would need to be just about the negatives of the Republican party? Why couldn't it also be about how great the Democratic party is? Why couldn't it be about the historic primary season between Hillary and Barack, without people claiming the Clinton's were getting too much spotlight? Why couldn't it be a celebration of Ted Kennedy's life, a call to arms from past nominees Al Gore and John Kerry and a time to meet the Obama family as well as the Bidens?

That is exactly what this convention was. The first night introduced us to Michelle Obama, her life story and how it intermingled with Baracks, and the values and American spirit of their family.



Michelle Obamas speech did *exactly* what it should have done. It brought emotion to the listeners, it told the story of her life and it introduced the Obamas to the country, not as new comers to the political system, or black power radicals, or aloof celebrities, but as a real life American family who has struggled, and overcome life's adversities to find themselves at the top of their professions and with a family to envy.

While introducing the Obamas to the country was the first nights theme, the second night was an attempt to unify Hillary's supporters and bring them in to the fold to help Barrack. If this speech didn't move them, than nothing will.



Hillary showed her unwavering support for the Democratic ticket. She also told her own exhilarating tale, and of how she put 18 million cracks in that glass ceiling that held woman back from being President for so long. She had *every* right to talk about herself even in this celebration and coronation of Barack Obama as their nominee. Hillary has showed us that it isn't if a woman will be president anymore, but when. Her supporters should be as proud as anyone else, but at the same time should understand that her stances are nearly identical to Baracks. He will make the changes that Hillary would, while John McCain will attempt to rid our country of abortion, ignore the health care problems we face, and fumble the economy in these harshest of times. Supporting John McCain after supporting Hillary Clinton is as irrational as it gets.

Night three may have been Joe Bidens big speech, but in my mind Bill Clinton stole the night. He gave a speech that had me clapping and cheering in my own living room. He truly drilled McCain, while giving his reasons for Barack being ready to take the oath of office.



After receiving a 3 minute standing ovation in which he almost had to sound forceful to ask people to sit down so he could start, he jumped right in to showing his support for Barack. He very easily could have started out by talking about his wife, or talking about his legacy, but instead he began by showing his devoted support for the Democratic party and for Barack Obama. In comparing his legacy later on to what Barack's could bring us he no doubt plucked at the heart strings of many Americans who remember the 90's with high esteem. In comparing how the country was in 2000 when he left office to how it is 8 years later as Bush leaves office he really gave a credible show of support for how the Republicans have destroyed our economy, military, international affairs, and much more.

Night 4, 80,000 people gathered 1 Mile High to hear 1 man speak. Barack Obamas biggest night of his life, on the 45th anniversary of one of the most important speeches given *ever*. How did he do? If you ask me he knocked it out of the park. But take a look and make your own judgment.



45 minutes, and not a single second that the crowd in person or the crowd watching on TV lost interest. I personally hung on every single word, believed in him when he made promises to fix health care, rid us of our dependency on foreign oil in 10 years, train and pay teachers better, help students pay for college if they support their community or country, and so many other promises. I agreed with him when he claimed that after 8 years of Republican blunders enough is finally enough! I was proud of him as he gave proper due to John McCain's service to this country but questioned his understanding of the working class struggle in America. I felt hope as he quoted Martin Luther King Jr. and gave his vision of what America not only should be but can be.

Barack Obama is the leader we need now. Because of his stances on important issues, because of his judgment on the national and international affairs we face, and because of the hope and inspiration he instills in us to want to do something for our neighbors and for our country.

"And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."