Ted takes the stage
Even the most conservative or most cynical American had to be moved when ailing Sen. Ted Kennedy took the stage on Monday night.
In what could be his last major speech and almost certainly his final Democratic National Convention because of his brain cancer, Kennedy’s emotional remarks had hundreds of people in tears.
“Nothing, nothing was going to keep me away from this special gathering. I came to stand with you to change America and to elect Barack Obama president of the United States,” he told the cheering crowd, many of which were holding Kennedy placards.
“And I pledge to you, I will be there on the Senate floor in January when Barack Obama is president of the United States.”
As the crowd roared “Teddy, Teddy,” Kennedy said Obama “will close the book on the old politics of race, gender against gender and straight against gay.”
“It will not merely be a victory for our party, it will be a renewal of our nation,” he said.
Missouri madness
Missouri’s delegation sits directly across from the main podium in the Pepsi Center, an almost perfect viewing point for history.
Because of the raucus crowd, some delegate members left their seats to listen to Michelle Obama’s speech on a television (and there are hundreds around the site) in a corridor.
But they weren’t alone. Dozens of people did the same during those speeches.
Suite stuff
As the first group of the Missouri delegation arrived back at the Embassy Suites outside of Denver, St. Louis County Executive was holding court in the atrium with former state Rep. John Bowman, state Sen. Maida Coleman and Alderman Steve Gregali.Coleman greeted former Gov. Bob Holden with a hug as he recognized the distinguished group and stopped to say hello.
Speaking of Charlie Dooley, he arrived in Denver last Friday, then had to return to St. Louis for County business. He returned on Monday, and arrived at the hotel with Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed and Mayor Francis Slay. They were greeted by none other than Lou Hamilton at the hotel entrance, and he helped the trio with their luggage.
Hill in the house
Actor and activist Hill Harper was on the suite level (where many stars of stage, screen and politics were hanging out) He told the American “this is an incredible historic time.”
“When Michelle speaks and she is joined by her daughters on stage, it will be the first time ever that an African American woman and her daughters have ever been broacast to so many people. It will be a transformational moment.”
He was correct.
As Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” played, the Obama women, including Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, waved at daddy and waved at the crowd. Like their mom, their dressing were stunning.
Anyone with children was touched and for people with daughters, incuding the American’s Alvin A. Reid, it was hard to fight back tears. He failed.
On the floor
Ken Franklin said “the excitement and energy level is incredible. There is a feeling of unity and the message is change.”
Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin said “hello” to her many friends in St. Louis and said she is excited “by the cross section of people that are here.”
“There are governors, senators and community leaders that never come to the convention here. There are people here who have been to many.
“But we have to remember that we must go home and work to win this elelction.”