Michelle Pearson
Hulstrom Options School
Adams 12 School District
The energy in Denver continues to rise as the delegations and participants in the 2008 DNC anxiously await the culminating event of the week, the acceptance speech of Barak Obama for his nomination by his party. But tonight held just as many special events, and some of the most critical business items to attend to during this week of caucuses, meetings, and events and was the first step in nominating a team of candidates for the election.
As the gavel dropped just past 3 pm, the Pepsi Center started to fill with press and participants. State signs were visible across the arena floor declaring where each delegation should sit, and the chairs slowly but surely filled. As Nancy Pelosi called the meeting to order and announced the official roll call, Gabi (our NextGen youth reporter) and I looked behind us to see crowds of people preparing to pledge their votes in support of their candidate(s). One by one the states were called and the delegates spoke proudly about their state and pledged their votes to the candidate of their choice. Opening with Alabama, and closing with Hillary Clinton pledging the votes of New York, Senator Obama was officially nominated as the Democratic candidate for the election.
Following the official nomination, a myriad of speakers stepped up to the podium to speak on a variety of topics with a common overall theme of change. Much like a painting, they provided the participants with an overall picture of the focus of the party in the election, and again reinforced many ideas on the platform including:
- The need to work with others around the world, not as a “bully” but as a leader and cooperator.
- The need to encourage peace and continue to fight terrorism especially in Afghanistan.
- The need to support our soldiers, both active and discharged; so that they can protect our country while in turn support their families.
- The need to support continued changes in legislation to protect women and children from violent relationships.
- The importance of affordable housing, lower taxes, lower fuel prices, and medical care for all Americans.
As the arena filled, anticipation heightened until former President Clinton took the stage. In an eloquent and passionate speech he praised “his candidate” Hillary Clinton, pledged his support for Obama, and spoke at length about Senator Biden and the qualities he would bring to the executive team supporting Obama. Flags waved furiously, and clapping spontaneously erupted time and time again throughout his speech as the crowd cheered at the different elements of his speech.
And then it was time—time to nominate Senator Biden as the Democratic candidate for Vice President. With a rousing affirmative vote, and loud cheers, the crowd placed Senator Biden on the party ticket for the election. After an informative speech by Beau Biden, Senator Biden’s son, Biden appeared on stage to goive his speech focusing on the importance of national security, cooperating with other entities, and exercising the right to participate in the political process. You could feel the excitement in the air as the crowds continually cheered during his speech, and affirmed the ideas he presented to the crowd.
As a culmination, Barak Obama broke with tradition and appeared to support Biden, and say hello to the crowd. The entire crowd went wild since this was totally unexpected. The families of the two candidates joined them on stage and helped to close the evening with the promise of change for all Americans. As they waved good night and filed off of the stage, we knew it would be a busy last day for participants on Thursday culminating with a speech which would go down in history.
- Gabi stands near the Colorado Delegation sign on the floor of the arena
- The crowd is excited as Biden speaks. Signs fill the arena with red white and blue.
Senator Obama arrives to greet Senator Biden as Biden receives the nomination to the democratic ticket and concludes his acceptance speech.
Senator Salazar ( D- Colorado) pledges his votes for Senator Clinton and Senator Obama during the roll call session of the assembly
