Clinton Nails It

Getting into the convention on Tuesday was pretty quick and easy. I rode the delegate shuttle from downtown. Because I used this mode, I missed a large demonstration of anti-abortionists sitting-in near the front entrance. Police were removing the protesters one by one.

The arena is PACKED. I’m a little late so I rush right to the MN seats. Though our delegation chairs aren’t full yet, competition for the seats gets pretty intense as we get closer to Sen. Clinton’s speech. We have 88 delegates and 88 seats. By the time Hillary approaches the podium there is hardly any space to stand even.

The early speakers lay out their priorities and voice their support for Obama and unity. By far the most animated speaker is Congressman Dennis Kucinich. He started out pretty mellow and by the end of his speech he was calling for America to “WAKE UP!” He was loudly cheered and clearly supported by all delegates and especially the MN delegation.

The theme of the evening was UNITY with strong messages of Change, McCain= Bush, and Renewing the American Dream. Many delegates wore their Clinton campaign bling. There was an undercurrent of uncertainty about what would happen on the floor. Clinton campaign leadership had been busy working with the delegates most likely to act to quell any negative floor demonstrations. But this is a convention floor and pretty much anything can happen.

It was the 88th anniversary of woman’s suffrage in the US. There as an impressive presentation by the Democratic women US Senators. Each Senator covered a bread and butter issue. Senator Klobuchar spoke on protecting the family checkbook. The MN delegation filled the hall with our whoops and hollers.

Former Virginia Governor Mark Warner’s keynote was pretty generic and delegates generally chatted amongst themselves while he spoke. He did speak well about America coming together, emphasizing the “One Nation” message. In the Minnesota delegation we contrasted this speaker with the 2004 Keynote, delivered by Barack Obama. The contrast was so stark it seemed like it had to be intentional.

Montana Governor Brian Schwietzer was a folksy speaker who kept the hall engaged. I was impressed that he chose a Republican as a running mate. I admire this kind constructive pragmatism. He knew he needed broad support to get anything done in his state. In his speech Schwietzer launched the McCain, more of the same” message.

Like Monday, signs were handed out in concert with the messages of the speakers. My faves being the tall pole signs with “Unity” on one side and either “Clinton” or Obama on the other.

Suddenly just about every head in our section turned around. President Bill Clinton had entered the hall and was taking his seat. More and more delegates turned toward him. Clearly he is popularity endures with the delegates. MN’s own Sam and Sylvia Kaplan were seated with President Clinton. I heard that Rick Stafford had been on the short list to sit with him. I would LOVE to know how that seating arrangement is decided.

Hillary’s presence electrified the hall. Clinton and Obama supporters alike stood and cheered with full voices and hearts. For me, an early Obama supporter, I was proud that my Party produced this incredible candidate. The historical significance that she stood there on the anniversary of woman’s suffrage added meaning to the moment. Even before she spoke there was the feeling on the floor that she would do the right thing and do it well. We all know that this is the second most important speech of this whole convention.

Her speech has been widely reported on elsewhere. I kept my eye on some of the hardcore Hillary people throughout the speech. You could see how thrilled and proud they were to see her standing there, a commanding and calm presence. A woman who could be President.

As Clinton talked of unity and support for Obama I wondered if her stalwart supporters’ enthusiasm would flail, their cheers diminish. They did not. The Clinton supports kept pace with the whole cheering crowd. They waved their Unity signs with the same vigor as they did their Clinton ones.

The effect of the speech on those assembled was, I can’t think of a better word, hopeful. Seeing this remarkable woman onstage, doing what she was doing, knowing she came so close to being our President, Commander-In-Chief and Leader of the Free world hit home that this high office is open to anyone.

At the arena’s exits the press swarmed to get interviews with delegates. I was interviewed by Japanese television. The reporter asked me three questions, “Will the party unite? Did I originally support Obama? What role did race play in my support of him?” The third question kind of surprised me.

My response, “I did not choose to support Barack Obama because of his race. I picked him because I thought he was the best candidate. But I do admit that I am pleased about my favorite candidate’s race.”

No partying for me after the convention tonight. Being a delegate is very tiring. And pleasing.