DNC Parties Hearty!

Tonight, the official work of the Democratic National Convention is almost done. There is only one major thing to do, Barack Obama's acceptance of the Democratic Nomination for President of the United States, but there will be remarks, salutes, and entertainment preceding that.

One important presentation is a salute to the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior, as today is the 45th anniversary of his 1963 "I have a Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. One line is that speech is, "Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado."

Tonight's venue is the open stadium at Invesco Field at Mile High, which can seat about 75,000. The agenda highlights includes (all subject to change, not in order of appearance, and times are EDT):

(7 - 8)
Video & Remarks - Howard Dean (former Governor of Vermont) and Chair of the Democratic Party; Tribute to the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior, featuring his daughter Bernice and oldest son MLK, III; remarks by Governor Bill Richardson (NM); and live performances by will.i.am, accompanied by John Legend (piano), Agape Choir, and band; and singer / songwriter Sheryl Crow.
(8 - 9)
Remarks by U. S. Representative Mark Udall (CO), Governor Tim Kaine (VA); and Albert "Al" Gore, former Veep. Plus, a live performance by Stevie Wonder.
(9 - 10)
Retired Generals Tribute by Air Force Maj. Gen. J. Scott Gration (Ret), accompanied by additional generals; remarks by a wounded Iraq veteran, John Kuniholm, granddaughter of late President Eisenhower, Susan Eisenhower, and Senator Dick Durbin (IL); plus something called, "American Voices Program" with a list of people.
(10 - 11) Video / Remarks -
SENATOR BARACK OBAMA
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
And, perhaps, some unannounced tributes to Obama and Biden.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi who is Permanent Chair, Democratic National Convention and who opened the Convention, will adjurn the Convention.

TONIGHT'S FULL SCHEDULE. For official Obama / Biden Web site, click title of this post.

Last Night, former President Bill Clinton set the agenda for the 2008 Democratic Electoral Campaign, which will launch officially tonight with Senator Barack Obama's acceptance speech. Clinton wrote his own speech. He presented the two major things that must be restored in the next four years to keep America moving forward, not slipping backward as it has in the last eight years, assuring: (A) the American Dream for every American regardless of race, gender, religion, physical or mental abilities, or sexual orientation, and (B) America's political standing among the other nations in the world.

He emphasized that we must keep our military superiority, but it is more important to lead through the example of America's principles of democracy than to use our military might as the solution to international problems. His words: Lead through example, rather than as an example.

I like to lay it out this way in broader terms. Under our unique Constitution every American is guaranteed individual freedom (vote, live, work, earn a sufficient wage, own private property, marry, procreate, travel, move, to be religious, or not, etc.) without governmental interference; a judiciary grounded in the Constitution (interprets rather than legislates); a legislature that makes laws for the benefit of all, not the few, and sets policy based upon Constitutional rights, not upon a legislator's individual values; and a Chief Executive who upholds the Constitution, setting the ultimate example for other nations based upon the overreaching A and B main points above. For the Commander in Chief, Clinton emphasized not allowing any torture, unlawful imprisonment, or denial of Habeas Corpus to any individual, citizen or not, who is connected to the U.S. in any way. By default, that includes those at Guantanamo Bay, but Clinton didn't specifically mention Gitmo. He emphasized no abuse of military personnel.

Also, last night, Senator John Carey took care of some lingering "what ifs" from the 2004 campaign, and former President Clinton confirmed former First Lady Hillary's remarks from the previous night.

I was thrilled at the reception Senator Clinton received the night before, but her husband's was stupendous. To put it bluntly, the delegates showed that they still love him, and probably wish he was their candidate this year. Using a baseball metaphor, the former President hit the ball out of the convention center many times. Way out.

Most importantly, he reaffirmed his and Hillary's overwhelming support for the nominated candidates, Senators Barack Obama and Joseph Biden. Shortly afterward, Senator Biden accepted the nomination for Vice President, and gave his acceptance speech - - good and solid just like him.

DNC: Bill Clinton and Joe Biden in Spotlight Tonight

The Clintons - Former President and First Lady.

WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE

Last night at the Pepsi Convention Center in Denver, Hillary Rodham Clinton commanded the attention of everyone in the center for over 30 minutes. She gave one of the best, if not the best, speeches of her life.

Daughter Chelsea introduced her mother, and when Senator Clinton appeared the delegates rose in a solid standing ovation that lasted almost five minutes. To break the underlying tension she referred to her supporters as, "The sisterhood of the traveling pantsuits," and made it crystal clear that her wish is for them to file the primary away, and solidly unite behind Obama and Biden in the national election.

Convention delegates have been clamoring for more "red meat" in the speeches, and they finally got it last night. Her mantra was, "No way. No how. No McCain," admonishing the delegates that the most important task before them is to insure that Democrats are in the White House come January 2009. The consensus afterward by the media watchers is that she came across strong, positive and sincere.

I was watching Bill Clinton closely. Early in the speech he encouraged his wife by mouthing, "I love you" at least three consecutive times while the camera was on him. Genuine love and pride oozed from his eyes as they almost filled with tears.

Delegates have not seen this between Barack and Michelle Obama, so far. Some have suggested the couple is "too business-like" toward each other.

Last night was ladies night. Tonight will be gentlemen's night.

Former President William Clinton will also speak in prime-time (top of the hour, 8 - 9). The headline prime-time speaker tonight is Vice Presidential Nominee Senator Joseph Biden (9 - 10 hour, CDT).

There is no doubt that Bill Clinton has been angry that Barack Obama, considered by many as a young upstart indorsed early on by the powerful Kennedy family and media mogul Oprah Winfrey, out boxed Hillary to win the nomination. Can Bill take his wife's advice? Has he left anger behind? Can he genuinely support Obama? We shall see tonight.

Some of the other men expected to speak today and/or tonight are: Former Senator Tom Daschle; Governor Bill Richardson; Senators Evan Bayh, John Kerry, Jay Rockefeller, and Ken Salazar; House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn; and Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL) along with Chicago Mayor Richard Daley. Representative Patrick Murphy (D-PA) and Iraq War veteran Tammy Duckworth will lead a tribute honoring those who give so much to secure our nation’s future - - veterans, active duty military and their families.
See previous posts for more info, times, etc.

DNC: Hillary's Night Tonight

Candidates John Warner and Barack Obama earlier this month in Virginia.

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton will be in the spotlight tonight at, or about 9:00 local / 10:00 Eastern, in the Pepsi Convention Center, Denver. She will receive a video tribute and will speak. During this time, the delegates are expected to give her a rousing standing applause in appreciation of her campaign.

She will be the star tonight, but please pay some attention to an ascending political star delivering the Keynote Address at or about 8:00 in Denver. He is former Virginia Governor Mark Warner, who is now running for the U.S. Senate.

I met Warner when he was governor of Virginia. He came to a nearby Missouri town with, and to support, the then U.S. Senatorial candidate from Missouri, Claire McCaskill, who gave the Keynote Address last night as U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill (MO). Both she and Warner threw their hats into the ring for Senator Obama almost at the start of the primary.

As a student at American University (DC) in the late 1950s, I was very active in the Civil Rights movement. Our sister university was Howard University (DC). I was good friends with Dr. Mordecai Johnson and his wife, Anna. The students from AU jointed the students at HU and protested the policy of the Hot Shoppe restaurant chain in DC of not serving blacks, and it eventually welcomed black customers in the early 1960s.

I also helped with the election of the first black partner in Price Waterhouse, now PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). His name is Frank Alston, who subsequently became head of PwC's Government Contracts Office in Washington, and is now retired. He supports Obama, too. See his contributions.

I was in the Los Angeles Office, which was the home of the main Government Contracts Office until it was later moved to Washington. It is interesting to me that the head partner in that office (a division of the audit department) prior to Alston was also named Johnson. Frank Johnson is also retired now, like myself.

Although I originally supported Senator Clinton, true to my gender and admiring her abilities, and was devestated when the Democratic political machines in Boston (Kennedy) and Chicago (Daley - Winfrey) rolled her out, I was thrilled to watch and listen to Michelle Obama last night.

I have worked all my life for tolerance and equal opportunity for all. I am so proud to have lived to see an African-American man nominated for the highest office in the United States of America. Unlike the current man in the White House, whom I have never and never shall, honor with the title of President, I shall be proud to call Barack Obama, President Barack Obama!

Access the DNC Web site by clicking the title of this post.

DNC Makes Deal With Senator Clinton?

Inside the Pepsi Convention Center, Denver, Colorado

The speculations running through the news services today are:

(1) Senator Clinton will give a prime-time convention speech Tuesday night, and the following day she will meet with her delegates as a group. She has insisted that she will not tell them how to vote, but she is expected to release them from their pledge to her and urge them to support Senator Obama.

(2) The roll call vote is still scheduled to proceed Wednesday, but the expectation now is that when the New York State delegation is called, Clinton herself will move to elect Senator Obama by acclamation.

(3) The chair should then put the motion on the floor, call for a second and a voice-vote by the entire delegation. I expect delegates to respond, "yes" en mass. Then, Senator Obama will have the nomination without question.

Of course, one big question remains, "Will all those die hard delegates of Senator Clinton accept reality and unite for the good of America, or will some continue to sulk?

- - - - - - - - - -
To watch the convention on your computer in HD, full schedules, special events, etc., click title of this post.

For full Prime-Time TV Coverage, beginning at 8:00 PM EDT, check your local PBS station, or click here to find nearest station. Check your local stations.

HINT - The Convention Prime-Time begins at 8:00 EDT / 7:00 CDT (Denver time), and ends at 11 Eastern / 10 Central. The Keynote Address is usually in the 8 - 9 / 9 - 10 hour, and the "major segment" address (Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, etc.) are scheduled for the 9 - 10 / 10 - 11 hour. Of course, the schedule is subject to change, but they should be at the top of those hours, so don't tune in late.

Will Angry Clinton Supporters Accept Divorce?

Hopeful Hillary Clinton

Will American Women Vote Their Own Principles?

The question most often being asked by the hosts of the "talking heads" on the television / radio political shows is, "Will Senator Hillary Clinton's supporters vote for the Obama - Biden Democratic ticket?" The response was basically, "Let's wait to see what Hillary says in her speech at the National Democratic Convention on Tuesday night."

There are many organized groups of women who are damn angry about Senator Clinton's miss, and jump to place blame on anyone or anything they possibly can. You know what all this reminds me of? A group of divorced middle-aged hate-all-men-in-the-universe women screamers. I know the type because I have been there. Thankfully, I have passed that stage in my life. I accepted my divorce and moved on years ago, making my own and my children's future my utmost priority.

Psychologically, I think these women are bashing Obama because they can't accept the fact that he dumped Hillary for Joe, i.e., emotionally "divorced her." Come on, ladies. Get over it.

Also, I am one of those older middle-class women who lives in a rural area. Nationally, three out of five such women say they will move from the Democratic Party and vote for John McCain. I am not among them, even before Hillary speaks. I was born a Democrat and I shall die a Democrat. There. Now, you know from where I come.

One of my earliest dreams was to see a woman elected President of the United States in my lifetime. I hoped the bravery of Senator Clinton might make my dream come true. Unfortunately, that dream has been dashed, but I still have a dream, an immediate dream - - to see any and everyone associated with the Bush Administration out of Washington in January 2009!

I do not want them out simply because they are a Republican administration. It is because of the (insert your own expletive) mess they have gotten our country into. The only way to accomplish that dream is to elect as many Democrats (national, state and local) as possible in November, especially the two at the top of the ticket - - Senators Barack Obama and Joseph Biden. This is no time for sulking women to break ranks.

There are a number of Web sites and blogs where women are doing all they can to undermine the Democratic Party with anti-Obama rhetoric, so much so that many have been accused of Republican sponsorship. I checked one of those this morning, "Just Say No Deal," and the venom is still spewing as their representatives head to Denver. Their invitation to those who view their Web site is "Our readers - simply weave the copy: Just Say No Deal or No Deal into the body of your blogpost [sic] or title and submit to blogs@justsaynodeal.com."

Whoa! They just flunked English 101, and they call themselves capable of making decisions for the women of America? Not! Anyway, I shall send them the link to this post. I doubt they will post it.

I, myself, cannot let any disappointment or anger about the Democratic Primary results dominate my judgment. I have always made my own decisions based upon what I know and not upon what someone tells me.

For the future of all Americans, I must trust America's women, especially mothers, to make their own decisions without succumbing to brainwashing by any group. For instance, I think Senator Obama's choice of Senator Joseph Biden (Delaware) for his V.P. could not have been surpassed by choosing Senator Clinton. I have watched, paid attention to, admired, and agreed with most of Senator Biden's policy decisions. I think that team in the White House is best for America.

Senator Clinton and her husband bring too much baggage to the race. In other words, too much negative ammunition for the Republican smear machine. It is a safe bet that Karl Rove is again involved in some way, and he is the propaganda Master of Mean.

Therefore, my decision is to MAKE THE DEAL. At every national election, I always think what President John F. Kennedy said at his inauguration, "Ask not what your Country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your Country."

This November 4th, our Country needs each of us more than ever. That's the AMERICAN way.

Hillary Clinton's name will be placed in nomination!

Senator Hillary Clinton's name will be placed in nomination for the roll call vote at the Democratic National Convention, in Denver, CO, 25 - 28 August. The announcement was made earlier today.

I watched the 1960 Democratic National Convention very carefully, and I witnessed what Bobby Kennedy and the Kennedy machine did to upset the apple cart of "pledged delegates," and obtain a majority vote for his brother John (JFK). It was either on the second, or third ballot.

Delegates can change their minds. The delegates are "pledged," but they are not bound to cast their vote for the candidate to whom they are "pledged." Their votes are not carved in stone. It's not over until the final roll call vote, and I have seen conventions where two, or more, roll call votes were necessary to get an actual majority for the "presumptive" candidate, thereby declaring an official winner.

Senator Clinton will speak the second night of the Convention, Tuesday, 26 August. The keynote speaker that night will be former Virginia governor Mark Warner, currently running for the U.S. Senate from Virginia.

Some speculate Mark Warner is at the top of Senator Obama's VP shortlist. I have met him when he was Governor of Virginia, and I have a very high opinion of him. My dream ticket is Clinton - Warner. You know, it could still happen.

It ain't over until the lady in the pant suit says it is!

Related article: "Clinton backers to make noise at Dem convention".