DNC Blog: A Superdelegate Perspective

The fun continues

Tuesday was a very busy day for all of us.  I moderated the DNC Youth Council meeting and was happy to see a large turnout.  The enthusiasm of the audience was evident by the numerous questions they asked the panel.  It’s great to see young people so interested and willing to be involved in public service!

The second night of the convention was even more energetic than the first.  The Pepsi Center was filled to capacity as delegates and guests anticipated memorable speeches. They were not disappointed.

The day kicked off with speeches with from various politicians, including Governor Jim Doyle and Representative Tammy Baldwin.    Wisconsin delegates gave both hearty welcomes, cheering and shouting as each came on stage. 

Eight women U.S. Senators covered the key issues of this election.  Each woman delivered a brief message about the importance of the issue, as well as the necessity to rally around Senator Obama. Their apparent dedication to the American people prompted enthusiastic rounds of applause from the Pepsi Center.

Keynote speaker Mark Warner delivered a powerful message of support for Senator Obama.  He was met by cheers and waving signs as he reiterated they key issues of the campaign.  His message of unity was one that was echoed by most of the other speakers.

Senator Hillary Clinton was undoubtedly the highlight of the evening.  She was introduced by her daughter, Chelsea.  Former President Clinton was in the audience showing his support.  Senator Clinton thanked her supporters and called for everyone to throw their support behind Senators Obama and Biden.  The crowd was on their feet throughout most of the speech, cheering wildly and waving signs reading “Hillary” and “Unity.”  At the end of the speech, the Senator could not leave the stage because the roar of the crowd was so loud!

After the Convention, we went to a party for DoSomething.org and GlassBooth.  Our excitement from the Pepsi Center carried over into the party and everyone was pumped up.  We met Jorja Fox (Sara from CSI), which was very exciting.  Then off to the hotel for just a few minutes of shut eye before we do it all over again tomorrow.

The first day in review

Just a quick post on the first day...

The opening night in the Pepsi Center was full of energy and set the stage for an exciting week to come.  The floor was a sea of cheering delegates waving blue banners.  The level of energy in the building was through the roof. 

We were addressed by numerous state officials and US Senators and Representatives, all of whom conveyed strong messages of support for Senator Obama.  A number of everyday Americans shared stories about how Obama has made a difference in their lives and how he shares their American values. 

One of the highlights of the evening was Senator Ted Kennedy’s surprise address.  He was preceded by his niece Caroline Kennedy and a tribute video.  His appearance brought everyone in the house to their feet chanting “Ted-dy, Ted-dy” over and over.   Many were moved to tears by his speech and presence. 

The keynote speaker for the night was Michelle Obama. She was introduced by her brother, Craig Robinson, who praised her and recalled memories of their childhood.  A tribute video described her early life and shining personality.  It also detailed the beginning of her relationship with Barack Obama, which drew chuckles and applause from the audience.

Michelle Obama’s speech resounded with not only the delegates in the Pepsi Center, but also undoubtedly with the American people as a whole. It was adorable when her two daughters came to the stage with her and they shared in the moment.

This was only the first night of speeches and the energy was running high! Every person was hoarse after screaming their lungs out for hours. Everyone’s arms were tired from waving the signs. But no one is tired themselves because the energy is through the roof. And this is only the first day.

The Convention Starts

Greetings from Denver!  Everyone is clearly excited to be here for the Convention.   The streets are filled with vendors selling Obama-Biden paraphernalia and almost everyone demonstrates their support through the buttons pinned on their shirts. 

My first day began with an early welcome breakfast.  We were addressed by Representative Tammy Baldwin.  Her speech inspired a visible increase in the energy and enthusiasm of the entire Wisconsin delegation which is sure to persist throughout the Convention. 

The Colorado Convention Center is charged with energy.  Everyone from the vendors to the delegates hurry from place to place.  Reporters abound, and every few feet we see TV cameras and reporters.

This afternoon I participated in a press avail for the DNC Youth Council.  The panel consisted of representatives from the numerous youth organizations.  Each representative echoed the importance of youth participation in the upcoming election and beyond.  They also reiterated the importance of continual involvement for the future. 

It’s only early on Monday and we haven’t even gotten to the Pepsi Center yet for the big speeches, but I tell you, we are going to have a great time. The energy is running high and all looks great for a fantastic week!

Under a month to go...

We are under one month until the start of the 2008 Democratic National Convention. And I can tell you, this month is going to fly by. Before I head out to Denver, I thought it might be nice to give a little background on myself and my experiences.

I'm a student at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For those of you who have never been to campus, you definitely should come for a visit. Milwaukee is a great city, especially in the summer.

In addition to being a fulltime student, I'm also one of Wisconsin's members to the Democratic National Committee. I was first elected back in 2004 at the age of 17 and was just re-elected to another four year term in June. I ran because I wanted to make sure that young people had a voice in the party.

I've also been involved with a variety of different things on campus, mainly focusing in student government. I've served as a Senator, Parliamentarian, and Legislative Vice President. It's through those experiences with my advisor in student government that I came to learn about NACA and the great work you do to help promote student activism. I'm excited to keep you posted on what develops at the convention next month. Until then, enjoy the rest of your summer!

Democratic National Convention Blog

Beginning in late August, Democratic superdelegate and Marquette University student Jason Rae will blog for NACA from the Democratic National Convention. He will be sharing his thoughts and opinions on the Convention and the upcoming election.

 To learn more about Jason Rae, watch this Current TV video or read a story about him in Details magazine.

•  Democratic National Convention official site