Day 4 - Back to the Future

This morning came much too early after a late night of convention, convention parties, and blogging. But it's a tough job that somebody has to do, and I'm up for the task!  After a quick breakfast this morning, it was off to another fantastic Bloomberg Link event. This morning was a discussion with former Sec of State Madeleine Albright on foreign policy and national security. All of us got an autographed copy of her new book about her upbringing in war torn Europe.  It was an honor just to be in the same room.  Finding these events has been the find of the convention. Great speakers/guests, great topics and great discussion.

I also made a new friend today and have to give a shout out to Marlys Shulda.  Marlys is a smart, articulate progressive mom who's running for State Representative in Kansas.   She's doing the hard grassroots work, knocking and doors and shaking hands and is running in a very competitive district that's about 50/50 split registration.  If you can find a few bucks to help her be a voice for progressives in Kansas and push back on the extreme conservative agenda of Sam Brownback, you can go to www.marlysshulda.com to make a donation.

We got word this morning that the DNC has decided to move the acceptance speech and associated activities indoors tomorrow night due to the threat of inclement weather.  I feel bad for all the community credentialed people that won't get to hear Barack in person.  I know he's going to do a phone call with them tomorrow before the speech, and maybe he'll do another event in Charlotte before the election. 

Maybe it's the lack of sleep, or maybe just an incredible feeling of patriotism and pride being a part of the whole process, but I have to admit that between Gabby Douglas leading The Pledge of Allegience and Winton Marsalis playing the National Anthem I was a little choked up.  Too many great speakers/speeches to mention all of them tonight, and much has already been written about Elizabeth Warren and President Clinton, so let me highlight Emanuel Clever (D-MO), head of the congressional black caucus.  WOW, did he bring the house down with a very impassioned speech.  He turned the whole TWCA into something like a Baptist Church on Sunday morn.  Everybody was Fired Up and Ready To Go!

I think Clinton gave the speech of his life.  He made a great case for a second term for POTUS, what's been done, what's working, where we're going, and why now is not the time to give up...as only Bill can do. And all without the help of an empty chair!

The official business of the night was voting on the nomination of Barack Obama to be the party's candidate for POTUS.  In a deliberate move, Mississippi deferred to Ohio (sorry Michigan) so that they could cast the deciding votes to nominate Barack Obama. As Mississippi said afterwards, now Ohio has the responsibility to deliver the state, and the election, for The President in November.

The night (or morning) ended with the CA delegation bash at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.  Coolest part of the night was driving a simulator "around" the track.  I can't talk about my time, but the guy did compliment me on my nice spin out to finish the sim.  I think I'll stick with my day job!

Thursday is the last day.  Even though the weather isn't cooperating and we're moving indoors, I'm sure it's still going to be an amazing day.   And then it will be time for all of us to go home, get a good night's rest, and then get to work for the next 60 days to re-elect Barack Obama.