Steve Packer's blog

Click here for Day one photos. Or here for the slide show.

Day 2 photos.  Slide show.

Day 3 photos.  Slide show.

Day 4 photos.  Slide show.

Day 5 photos.  Slide show.

Sunday August 24

(Click "Read More" below for more photos)

I watched the MSNBC coverage of Thursday night and found they cut out some of the more inspiring speeches.  I hope someone recorded the CSPAN version so we can all see the speeches from workers affected by 8 years of Bush.

The event and the speech by Obama are a lot more emotional on the floor than it seems from the replay of the coverage.  It was an imazing experience and not likely to be repeated.

When I get home this weekend, I'll make one last post of photos. 

Today we heard speeches from General McPeak, Steve Novick, Mark Parkinson, and Matt Morrison (National Political Director for the AFL/CIO) and Jeff Merkley.

Mark Parkinson is the Lieutenant Governor of Kansas.  He joined the Republican Party in Kansas and eventually became the state chair because it was the progressive party, at least historically.  But, the parties shift to the right left him behind and he quit public life.  Governor Sibelius recruited him to run as a D to help build a bi-partisan government in Kansas.  He was one of 9 she recruited.  He is an incredibly dynamic speaker and we should see more of him than this current job.

He gave up an offer to run for Governor becasue he was asked to change his position on pro-choice.  He quit the party instead.  And, now he is a very proud Democrat because he believes this new party in Kansas represents his progressive views and he does not have to change his positions just to be elected.

I'm sure you have all been following the discussion of the convention role for Hillary. After the event I now understand what they were doing. We all lined up to vote even though the rumor mill indicated that the roll call would never get to Oregon. You all know what happened but it was masterful that it honored both tradition and Hillary with the masterful organization that let Hillary cast the decisive vote. I was impressed. And, on cannot describe the emotion in the center and I doubt it came through on TV but it was a wonderful experience to be there.

Hillary called all her delegates to the convention center a few hours before the roll call.  She released her delegates to vote as they wished, but she told them she had already cast her ballot for Obama.  This was clearly an emotional time for the delegates and Hillary handled it with sensitivity and still communicated unity.  She reminded us of why she was a contender and truly demonstrated her statesmanship.  I’m glad I attended this meeting.

And I liked her statement:  "Those who say that the President does not make a difference have been disabused of that idea by George W Bush."  We must not elect McCain!

Wow!

We heard from Peter Defazio, Senator Amy Klobuchar, and Mayor Ray Nagin. and they were all great. 

Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota was and inspiring and entertaining speaker in the style of Garrison Keiller.  She told us that the women in Minnesota are smart, the men good looking and the voters above average.   She spoke of the barriers created in the last session because of the filibuster, and the vote margins needed for passage.  Most will be be passed next year if we pick up the 5 seats where the Democrat is leading.  These are Virginia, Colorado, New Mexico, Minnesota, Kentucky, and Alaska.  We are going to hear a lot more about this senator in the future.Mayor Ray Nagin of New Orleans spoke about the challenges still facing the rebuilding of New Orleans.  On the third anniversary of the storm, the levy system is still not rebuilt, rental housing is in critically short supply, and healthcare facilities have received inadequate support for rebuilding.  FEMA needs competent people appointed who are willing to help.   It was a privilege to hear both these speakers.

Wow!

I was prepared for something good but we got great and the audience’s energy was incredible. We were packed in and the isles were full. And, we heard the building was at capacity which kept late comers from getting in. Still photos cannot capture the dynamic of the speech and the audience response, especially from the Oregon seats!

Michele’s brother, the new OSU basketball coach, joined the delegation for a cameo visit. The Merkelys also attend Hillary’s speech and we made room for them.

I was disappointed that we could not hear the many speakers during the day. Some of the speakers I would have paid to hear but it was almost impossible to hear over the rude and disinterested crowd. I wanted to kick them all out and invite all of you who would have enjoyed hearing from people of national stature.

On the other hand, the speeches were mostly standard format: blah, blah, blah, elect Obama, cheer, loud music, repeat. Some of the speeches were exceptional but you all could see them on TV. Kucinich was entertaining but Schweitzer was a pro with the audience. I want a governor like that!

Police presence is everywhere and you cannot see areas with delegates without heavily armed police.  And, we see bike squads, horse troops, and SWAT teams.  It's impressive and every one of them are polite, and wave back, and talk to people. 

It is still an overwhelming demonstration of the culture of fear we have created in the past 7 years.  I suspect we will never return to a time when they are not needed?

Getting in and out of venues is easy with the delegate badge.  We have shorter lines for the convention center where we find the caucuses.  At the Pepsi center for the convention itself, think "airport security".  However, we have short lines for checking our bags and there is little wait.  And, we are not required to remove our shoes!