In a week that will be remembered for centuries, it was difficult to define the most memorable moments of the Democratic National Convention. But 10 stand out for the political, emotional and historic impact they had – and will continue having – on America.
1. Barack Obama’s nomination speech and the historic night at Invesco Field. More than 80,000 people packed the stadium stands and covered the playing field while another 38.4 million Americans watched on television. Obama details his agenda as president, challenges the antiquated politics of Republican nominee John McCain and reminds the world “we are a better nation than this.”
2. Before network television audiences join coverage of the convention, Hillary Clinton moves that rules be suspended and Barack Obama be nominated by acclamation. There is no roll call vote, and nomination is put to voice vote. As the “ayes” erupt in favor of Obama’s nomination, history is made at 5:38 p.m. Wednesday August 27. Hundreds of delegates and honored guests openly weep, many of them older African Americans.
3. Michelle Obama kicks off the convention with a rousing speech supporting her husband, her party and her patriotism. “I come here as a mom whose girls are the heart of my heart and the center of my world – they’re the first thing I think about when I wake up in the morning, and the last thing I think about when I go to bed at night. Their future – and all our children’s future – is my stake in this election.”
4. Michelle Obama is joined on stage by her daughters, Sasha and Malia, and together the girls say, “Hi, Daddy” to Barack Obama, who is in Kansas City. At this moment, more Americans are watching a non-fiction black family on television than at any point in the country’s history. It is true family values. This moment follows Michelle’s inspirational speech, which demonstrated to America she would be one of its most intellectual First Ladies.
5. Hillary Clinton uses the words of Harriett Tubman in her speech endorsing Barack Obama for president and pleading for Democratic Party unity. For the first time since a sometimes-bitter campaign ended in late spring, Clinton rallies the party to support Obama and challenges her supporters by saying, “Ask yourself, were you supporting me or the issues that we stand for?”
6. Though gravely ill, Ted Kennedy takes the stage after a video tribute and, in one of the convention’s most emotional scenes, vows to be at Barack Obama’s inauguration in January. “It is my pledge,” he thunders as the crowd roars and many people wipe tears from their faces.
7. Stevie Wonder has a packed Invesco Field moving to the music when he sings the Obama campaign theme song “Signed, Sealed, Delivered.” Music played a major role at the DNC, which included performances by Missouri natives Sheryl Crow and Michael McDonald. Melissa Ethridge’s American medley on Wednesday was also stirring.
8. It wasn’t just a moment – it was an entire week of diversity. Throughout the week, people of all races, genders and creeds were presented to the nation and world. Denver’s streets looked as cosmopolitan as any city’s on the globe.
9. Joe Biden delivers a tremendous vice presidential acceptance speech, and the Pepsi Center crowd goes wild when Barack Obama makes a surprise appearance. It sets the stage for Thursday night’s epic scene at Invesco. Obama invites the world to attend on Thursday, and the TV and attendance numbers show that the invitation is accepted.
10. Following a video tribute to slain civil rights leader the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., King’s friend and confidant Congressman John Lewis honors his legacy and all the sacrifices over decades that led up to Barack Obama’s nomination for president. Obama’s historic speech is delivered on the 45th anniversary of the March on Washington and King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
Honorable Mention – President Bill Clinton receives a lengthy ovation and must quiet the Pepsi Center crowd before he can endorse Barack Obama’s candidacy and unequivocally declare “Barack Obama is ready to lead.”
