Annabelle's blog

August 28, 2008

You know the drill. Up at 7:30 for credentials, breakfast and more speeches. The Clinton contingent met in caucus and unanimously issued a statement to the Democratic Party of Oregon that it would wholeheartedly support and work for Barack Obama/Joe Biden!

The contingent fulfilled its first ballot commitment and is ready to move on to November 4, 2008 and a united Democratic Party!

As in conventions passed, I accumulated political paraphernalia and couldn’t decide what to keep and what to discard. So I packed a box and shipped it home. Time to sort after November!

I arrived at Invesco Field (also known as Mile High Stadium) at 2:30 pm. By the time I got onto the field (where the state delegations were seated) it was a little past three.

As I claimed my chair in the Oregon delegate section, I looked around the 75,000 person-capacity stadium and finally felt the enormity of the event! The stadium was filling fast and at that moment was at least one-third capacity. Barack’s speech was not scheduled until 8:00! Although I intellectually knew this was an historic happening, I hadn’t emotionally connected until that moment.

Watching the stadium fill and the emotional buildup, I have to say incredible! I’ve attended four conventions in the past. And the stagecraft and oratory have always impressed me. I was not to be disappointed at Invesco Field!

The weather was perfect, the environment was celebratory, and there was unity! Governor Bill Richardson (New Mexico), a favorite of mine, began firing up the crowd. Vice President Al Gore, with his usual-policy wonk demeanor, added his “cheerleading” style. Remember the 1992 Convention when Al Gore “danced” the Macarena stone faced? At Mile High, his “punch” was indeed powerful. No one can expound on “inconvenient truths” as well as Gore – and it played well with Democrats!

Then it was time for the nominee! Against a backdrop of the West Wing of the White House, Barack Obama, in his extraordinary style, made his case!

He told us who he was, defined by where he came from.
He expounded on the failures of the past eight years and the challenges our country will face in repairing the damage.
And he laid out his plan and promises.

. . .a remarkable accomplished in about 40 minutes.

And be stepped forth to challenge Senator McCain to meet him toe-to-toe!

The Denver Post estimated attendance at about 82,000 (counting all those on the field, I being one on them!). The emotion was high and palpable – and I think I can speak for most if not all of my fellow delegates; we were in awe at the energy in the stands!

As our nominee basked in the resounding admiration from 82,000 souls, the confetti and fireworks punctuated the historic nature of the event. An African-American had been nominated by a major party for the presidency of the United States of America.

There are defining moments in history – this was one of them!

I know, as I reflect on the events of this past week, I will want to add postscript after postscript! I hope dear reader that you will indulge me!

As I promised earlier, I will be posting photos on this site. I’ve requested photos from some of my close friends on the delegation. I think those photos will illustrate what a remarkable week it was for all of us.

Signing off for now!

August 27, 2008

Today was a big day. Credentials at 7:30 am and more pep rally speeches at breakfast!

Loyd Henion (Linn Co. Chair), Judy Sugnet (Salem) and I hitched a ride to downtown with Senator Ben Westlund. Hillary Clinton was meeting with all her delegates at 1:30 and we wanted to be there.

What a crowd. There was standing room only, but the wait was worth it. Again Hillary repeated some her previous night’s message. She was grateful for our support; however, she hoped that we supported her efforts because of her commitment to ideals and principles we all care about; not just about her. She released her delegates to vote her/his conscience and sent us on our way. What a lady!

The first order of business at the convention was the nomination process which included the nominations of both Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama.

The roll call of states began. The first state to pass (defer its vote) was California with it’s 400 plus delegates. My guess, California didn’t want to overshadow the process. The roll call continued with Senator Obama garnering large majorities.

It appeared that Oregon might get to announce its vote. Many of the delegation starting jockeying for position to stand behind Senator Ron Wyden. I had a good seat – I held back. I had been to four prior conventions, and I was convinced that the nomination of Barack Obama would be clinched before they got to Oregon.

Illinois passed. In my experience, it has been tradition that when the tally gets close to putting the nominee over the top, a state farther down the list will yield the floor to the candidate’s home state. I was a little puzzled when New Mexico yielded to Illinois. The majority tally was not yet in sight. In the meantime there was a flurry on the floor on the way to the New York delegation. Amid a large security contingent, Hillary Clinton had entered the hall.

August 26, 2008

What a flurry of events! Beginning with credentialing at 7:30 am to an event at Union Station (in some very old refurbished Union Pacific club cars), it was indeed an exhausting day.

These reflections are getting to you a little late, nevertheless, here they are.

Transit to the Pepsi Center has been a challenge. The shuttle buses are doing their best; however, traffic and closure of some freeways (for security reasons) have made bus rides long and tiring. Getting to the Pepsi Center has been less cumbersome (the shuttle picks us up our hotel). It’s the return home that is quite a trip to say the least. As you know convention goers load up on mementos and political signs (those you’ve seen on all the networks). Once you get on the bus, you are more cramped than usual.

I try to get to the Pepsi Center early (to get a good seat; and to avoid the crowd). It does make for a long day. The plenary sessions are 6 hours long (or did I mention that already?)! The first three hours are spent by luminaries from the states – usually Members of Congress, Governors or candidates for these offices.

When “prime time” TV kicks in, all the big guns get to speak.

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s extraordinary speech was the highlight for me. As a long time admirer and supporter of the Clintons (I was Oregon Political Director for the Clinton/Gore re-election campaign in 1996) I was especially moved by her grace, her commitment to all the ideals I support, and her ability to connect with everyone in the hall. It was a bitter sweet moment for those of us pledged to vote for her on the first ballot! Nevertheless, it made us very proud. It re-affirmed why I had chosen to support her. Even some of her detractors admitted that it was a 500 foot hit out of the ball park! I am confident that her commitment to work for Barack Obama’s election will help unify the party for this very important election year!

August 25, 2008

We reported for our convention credentials at 7:30 am. Delegates and alternates are issued credentials daily. Credentials are electronically scanned when entering the Convention. Delegates have “Floor” passes allowing them to mingle with other delegations and to their own state’s official seating section. Alternates and guests (very few passes issued) have “Hall” or “Special Guest” passes.

The Convention was gaveled into session by Democratic National Committee Chair, Governor Howard Dean. Convention business lasted 6 long hours (3 pm – 9 pm)! Speaker Nancy Pelosi was appointed Convention Chair.

Although there were numerous well known speakers, I’ll only highlight a few!

Especially moving for me was the presentation of colors by four Navajo Code Talkers. For those interested in history, The Code Talkers, whose ranks exceeded 400 during the course of World War II in the Pacific Theater, have been credited with saving countless lives and hastening the end of the war. The Code Talkers served in all six Marine divisions from 1942 to 1945. Their primary job was to transmit information, in their native dialect - on tactics, troop movements, orders and other vital battlefield information - via telegraph and radio. The Navajo unwritten language was understood by fewer than 30 non-Navajos at the time of WWII. The size and complexity of the language made the code extremely difficult to comprehend, much less decipher. It was not until 1968 that the code became declassified by the US Government.

Senator Ted Kennedy brought the house down. He received a warm welcome, and in usual Kennedy fashion called convention participants to action. From health care to the war in Iraq, Senator Kennedy reminded us of the high stakes in this election year: 8 more years of failed policies or passing the torch to a new generation of leaders.

The convention rewarded “Teddy” with an enthusiastic floor demonstration and cheers. I am never (and I rarely use absolute words) disappointed when a Kennedy takes command of a podium!

Michelle Obama concluded the evening with a moving account of her formative and young adult years. She was introduced by – you guessed it – her brother Coach Robinson of the Oregon State University basketball team! The Oregon delegation went wild!

Ms. Obama introduced her two children and then the convention through satellite video heard and saw Senator Barack Obama applaud and commend his wife!

The Convention recessed on a high note!

Oregon delegation was off again to an event at a jazz club in downtown Denver.

Well all for now! I’ll sign on again tomorrow.

-Annabelle

August 24, 2008

I checked in with Democratic Party of Oregon (DPO) staff and received convention materials, including additional invitations to forums, events and other activities (I had already received at least two dozen my snail mail and email). Since the only official shuttle service will be to the Pepsi Center for the convention, I’ll be very selective on attending events. Too many $36 cab fares ($76 round trip) will “break the bank.”

Convention festivities began with a commemoration of Katrina sponsored by Louisiana. All convention delegates and guests were invited. With good jazz and food – all had a good time. We returned to our hotel for a reception for Oregon, Washington and Arizona (all three delegations are at the Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center).

August 23, 2008

The flight to Denver was uneventful. I don’t like flying in to Denver International – very bumpy in the descent.

There was much confusion at ground transportation location. I was directed to the wrong hotel shuttle. Guide sent me to Hyatt Regency in downtown Denver instead of the Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center (out in the “burbs”). After spending $36 on a cab, I’ll make certain that I’m on the right bus/shuttle.