"I’m no longer just a candidate. I’m the President."
- President Barack Obama
Four years ago, I had the honor of attending the 2008 DNC Convention in Denver as a credentialed member of the "blogger corps" on behalf of WVaBlue.com. It was an awesome experience being on the floor as Sen. Ted Kennedy gave his inspiring keynote speech, and being in the stadium at Invesco Field for Barack Obama's acceptance speech.I am envious that I did not get to attend this year's convention in Charlotte. By the way, my choice not to go this year was based on final arrangements for our state child abuse prevention conference next week, not a lack of enthusiasm for the Obama-Biden ticket. As opposed to Sen. Manchin, Governor Tomblin, and Rep. Rahall, who I am disappointed have chosen to stay home instead of standing with their colleagues in the Democratic party.
Earlier tonight, President Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination for President in a powerful speech to conclude the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte. His speech emphasized the choice facing our country in November as we choose the direction of our nation for the next 4 years. President Obama emphasized the importance of working together to ensure that everyone has equal opportunity for success.
But we also believe in something called citizenship – a word at the very heart of our founding, at the very essence of our democracy; the idea that this country only works when we accept certain obligations to one another, and to future generations.He also used humor to challenge the Republicans' standard answer to cut taxes in response to every problem.
Now, our friends at the Republican convention were more than happy to talk about everything they think is wrong with America, but they didn’t have much to say about how they’d make it right. They want your vote, but they don’t want you to know their plan. And that’s because all they have to offer is the same prescription they’ve had for the last thirty years: “Have a surplus? Try a tax cut.” “Deficit too high? Try another.” “Feel a cold coming on? Take two tax cuts, roll back some regulations, and call us in the morning!”The President also emphasized his foreign policy credentials and the choice compared to "his opponent."
So now we face a choice. My opponent and his running mate are new to foreign policy, but from all that we’ve seen and heard, they want to take us back to an era of blustering and blundering that cost America so dearly. After all, you don’t call Russia our number one enemy – and not al Qaeda – unless you’re still stuck in a Cold War time warp. You might not be ready for diplomacy with Beijing if you can’t visit the Olympics without insulting our closest ally. My opponent said it was “tragic” to end the war in Iraq, and he won’t tell us how he’ll end the war in Afghanistan. I have, and I will.I thought it was a very strong speech and the Convention as a whole seemed to be very well handled (aside from yesterday's "Jerusalem" snafu platform snafu). It certainly showed stronger enthusiasm for the nominee than last week's RNC Convention did for their nominee.
Governor Romney didn't receive any discernible "convention bounce" in the polls, but I think President Obama will get a bounce after the powerful speech by President Clinton Wednesday night, Michelle Obama's speech on Tuesday night, and tonight's speech by President Obama. It was a very well aligned Convention with each night building on the previous one.
There are 60 days until the election. Are you "fired up and ready to go?"
Update: One other thing that I failed to mention. During the DNC produced video introducing President Obama, WV State Senator Erik Wells (husband of WV Secretary of State, Natalie Tennant), is featured getting a huge hug from their daughter Delaney upon his return from deployment in Afghanistan less than a year ago. They appear near the conclusion of the video as the narrator says "with every new beginning, every homecoming, every step forward we remember who we are..."
No matter how many times I see that footage, I am touched by Delaney's reaction as she is so thrilled and relieved to be reunited with her Daddy. I thank Sen. Wells for his service to our nation and share Delaney's happiness that he is back by her (and Natalie's) side.
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