WHEW! What can I say? The 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, NC was all that and more! Speaker after speaker drove home the importance of this election and why it is ever so crucial to get out the vote!
Former President Bill Clinton was the hit for Day II of the convention. Methodically, he took his time and point by point confirmed for us his commitment of support for the re-election of President Obama. The crowd went wild when at the end of his speech, President Obama joined him on stage. What a sight to see! Two great men of vision and distinction sharing the platform.
Sadly however on Day II news came that due to the threat of a thunderstorm, the venue for Day III had been changed from an open air stadium to the Time Warner Arena which was considerably smaller in size; 75,000 seats as opposed to 17,000. Needless to say, a lot of supporters were going to be disappointed. I am happy to say that I was not one of them! On Day III I had the pleasure of witnessing President Obama accept the party's nomination and that was truly something to see! By the way, the decision to change venues, was a good call, the storm did come...
Day III began with breakfast with the NJ Delegation at their host hotel. Arriving with just eight minutes to spare, I scurried downtown to get my pass for the evening's event. It was the hottest ticket in town and a long shot, to say the least. Although I'd received tickets for the previous two nights, with a change in facilities, all bets were off. Beyond delegates, there was uncertainty as to who would receive the coveted passes for Day III. Needless to say I was thrilled and walking on a cloud with ticket in hand as I floated down College Street to the convention center to attend the Women's Caucus. Much to my delight, among other women of noted distinction, First Lady Obama and Dr. Biden were scheduled to speak.
The ballroom, packed with mostly women, was in for a treat. The audience was energized with tales of triumphs and inspired with chants of female empowerment. The First Lady, in her usual graceful and dignified manner, re-enforced the importance of this race and the critical roles women can play in these last days of Campaign 2012. She reminded us of the power of women and charged that each of us roll up our sleeves, buckle down and get involved. If able, she encouraged that we get to the battleground states and work endlessly to help get out the vote. Back in our own communities, she encouraged that we get folks registered, make contributions, phone calls, knock on doors, whatever we could do. At a minimum, she challenged that each f us commit to getting no less than five people registered to vote and then encourage those five register five more!
While certainly I was moved by the energy created by the First and other ladies that morning, what stands out to me is the grace and confidence of First Lady Obama. Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden were introduced as the "First and Second Ladies". Dr. Biden spoke a bit and then introduced Mrs. Obama. After thunderous applause and uncontrollable shouts of joy, First Lady Obama thanked us for our love and support and right away corrected that there was nothing second about her Friend, Dr. Biden. True to grace, she stood up for the honor of her Friend and left no doubt that she is comfortable enough in her own skin to share her spotlight. I would expect no less from our confident and gracious First Lady!
Although the event was not scheduled to happen for several hours, the focus was on getting there early to secure the best possible seating. So after a quick lunch with Friends at the Epic Center, which was packed with joyful people basking in the rays of the warm sun, being entertained by live music and randomly interviewed by roving reporters who were mostly broadcasting live, my good Friend and NJ Delegate, Joyce Walker, and I proceeded to the arena. It was only 2:30 pm and the event was not scheduled to start until 5pm, so we were in for a long wait. Our decision however was quite timely. Within minutes of our entering the arena, the sunny blue sky opened up and drenched the happy revelers with sheets of rain for about 30 minutes. These sporadic and sudden down pours had plagued us all week. So the decision of caution to change venues was well advised.
Because we were early we observed the "behind the scenes" preparation for the evening. Unexpectedly, we were entertained with Marc Anthony's sound check for the national anthem. That was a special treat and he did a spectacular job! Arriving early also affords one the opportunity to get to know the fellow attendees with whom you will share the evening. Our group was pretty lively and from all parts of the US and even one woman from Wales who has a relative named Nia Higginbotham. My last name is very British. She and I joked that we could be cousins. Spirits were positive as we buckled down for what was to be a long but energy packed night.
We were not disappointed. From the entertainment of James Taylor and Mary J. Blige to the President paying respect to his beautiful wife and family and accepting the nomination, the night was captivating. We were especially charged with the fire and energizing brimstone of former Michigan Governor, Jennifer Granholm. The entire audience came to life and cheered her on as she spell bounded and reminded us of the rewards and thousands of jobs saved by President Obama’s decision to save the American automobile industry. Congressman John Lewis reminded us of the struggles and great sacrifices he and others endured to move the country forward and vowed that we will not move back. I felt tears of pride and joy roll down my face as I was filled with memories of the spirit of the 2008 campaign and again inspired by a video featuring Ms. Edith S. Childs, the mastermind of the "Fired Up, Ready to Go!" slogan.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhWDFgRfi1Q Watch it and be moved by the will of one woman and the humility of a great President who recognized and valued the support of even a small group of campaign supporters in Greenwood, SC. It is his kindness, his humanity and his appreciation for ALL people that so endears him to so many around the world. FOUR MORE YEARS!!!
As in 2008, I am happy to have been able to attend another historic and record breaking convention. In 2008 I was quoted for saying that we were going all the way; Helen Higginbotham of New Jersey says,” It’s not going to stop - we're going all the way! We WILL be in Washington IN THE White House and IT'S FABULOUS!"
http://rochesterhomepage.net/fulltext/?nxd_id=28641 I knew it then, I know it now! I am FIRED UP, READY TO GO and look forward to seeing you at the polls!!!
Each One Register One!!!
