DNC08

How did Dr. Mary Washington sleep last night?

CEM — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:57:53 -0700

My nephew, Logan, was born in March of 2007, just about a month after Barack Obama announced his candidacy for the Democratic Presidential nomination. I desperately want to use his 17 months on the planet as a metaphor for this 2008 primary season. But I won’t. Instead, I will simply say that after hearing Barack Obama’s acceptance speech, I slept like Logan.

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My sister tells me that last night, Logan watched the entire speech, mesmerized. He hasn’t really gotten into TV so it rarely holds his attention, but last night he pointed at the screen, talked and looked back at her and my brother-in-law and smiled. I’d like to think that in looking at the face and eyes of the man that would dare to be president, Logan saw the same bright future that I and his parents wish for him and his sister, Ryann. When Logan fell asleep, he was grinning ear-to-ear and so were we.

I slept like Logan last night, not because I think Barack Obama has this election in the bag. Indeed, quite the contrary. The Obama campaign and its allies will have to work even harder because, as Obama made clear in his speech, the 2008 election is not just a competition for the White House, but is more importantly and more lastingly a competition for the hearts and minds of the American people and our way of life. Last night, in just under 40 minutes, the improbable reality that the Democrats could very well win this thing became very real for a lot of Bush Republicans. They will not take this laying down.

I slept soundly, despite the fact that I know that the Rove machine will redouble its efforts and that the McCain campaign will seek to galvanize the too many people in our Nation, who are reliably swayed by their fear and prejudice, their self-interests, and their out-dated world views. That they, in sharp contrast to Barack Obama, will appeal to the basest of instincts that inspire a narrow-minded cronyism and simple unwillingness to truthfully engage the real threats to American security that has destroyed our moral authority in global arena.

I spoke to many of my friends and family and they also reported sleeping well last night, despite knowing that there is so much to do and so little time to do it. With the stakes so high it would seem natural like-minded Democrats, Independents and Republicans committed to Obama’s election would feel anxious about making the personal sacrifices necessary to conduct massive voter registration drives, raise tons of money, volunteer thousands of hours to go door-to-door canvassing and being a part of a Get Out the Vote effort like no one has ever seen in electoral history.

And yet, millions of us went to bed with a smile on our faces because for the first time in a very long time we stopped holding our breath and exhaled. We relaxed because once again, the Barack Obama campaign demonstrated in the acceptance speech and throughout the Democratic Convention, the temperament, judgment and leadership needed to win this election. We just have to believe and follow. Not a hard thing to do on the 45th Anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. We slept peacefully, because we knew our candidate and campaign was ready. No more preparation was needed. It was time for a good night’s rest because in the morning the real work would begin.

Mary

Marc, Blogging live from Invesco Field!

marc — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:40:03 -0700

10:14

This stadium is hushed during this documentary about Barack
Obama. His is an American story. Yes, there are many things from
FISA to his lack of willingness to take on the financial industry but
his story is the American story. I look at my three daughters age 40,
38 and 11 and how much they are moved by him. My two oldest are women
of color who are Obama. My youngest is enthralled by him. He looks
like so much of her family.

America is changing. The mythology of America was blown up in the
fifties and sixties with the battle to end segregation, and Vietnam War.
Now, it is seems they want the dream of America to be its reality.

So, no matter who wins this election, America has made a turn. I
only hope we can redirect ourselves to save this nation, this earth
and life for my children. We can't give them a heaven on earth but we
can't leave them with this hellhole of environmental and human disaster for them to wade through. `

He is walking on stage ...let's see ... we will talk together later

9:31 I guess most of you who are reading this have been watching or
listening to all of this. I am curious about your thoughts on Gore's
speech. I thought he told it like it is. I want this planet to
survive for my kids and grandkids and their kids w when they get here.

Gore like Bill Richardson who attacked the integrity, honesty and
capability of the administration of the last four years. It is one of
the keys to there ability to win.
gotta save the power for Obama and later...

8:41 It is amazing I am not sure if I am concert or a convention ... actually it is a celebration of Democrats. This is one joyous diverse smiling crowd. Stevie Wonder is singing.

Crowd on its feet ... hard to move around and will be almost impossible for me to call into the show tonight on WEAA. So, I will blog for as long as the computer holds out. No outlets here, just people ... lots of people ...

You know if Obama wins Maryland could make out like a bandit. Two Marylanders would have serious access to the President, Congressman Elijah Cummings and Attorney General Doug Gansler. They came out for Obama early and it is remembered.

If you go to DNC on this site you will be able to hear the interviews we have been doing in Denver, some of which were on WEAA. I think my interview with Elijah is up now. It is moving and telling ... I asked him what he wanted to get out of this if Obama wins. He said "to be able to pick up the phone and call the President and say this is what Maryland needs, this is what the city needs, this is what America needs."

Well, more later ... hope the computer holds out .. forgive the typos .. writing fast and furious as Stevie Wonder jams

write back .. what do you think of all this?

at mile high, we're on the air!

justin — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:13:50 -0700

We're live on the air from Mile High Stadium, home of the Broncos, and home of Obama for tonight. Trying to put up a picture of our view, but my wireless connection is sooo slowww that I don't think that's gonna happen. Sitting next to Lea Gilmore, while she broadcasts via cell phone. Marc is down on the field with the Maryland delegation, or might be actually looking for a quieter place to be on the air from. Someone is giving a speech, but it's hard to tell who from here. You have a way better view from home, I'm sure..

So, tune in on WEAA 88.9FM. We'll be on from 8-11pm EST, the last night of our week of DNC coverage, culminating with Obama's speech.

Marc Steiner on this historic moment, and the power of big business

marc — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:06:54 -0700

A Historic Moment

On August 28th, 1963, I was among the hundreds of thousands on the mall in Washington marching for "Jobs and Freedom Now!" I will never forget the exhilaration of that day. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s speech brought all of us to our knees.

We have parsed his speech from that day down to four words: “I have a dream.” His speech was so much more than that. That day was the culmination of a hundred years of struggle. It was a moment built on the back of three years of sit-ins, freedom rides, community organizing and voter registration. It came after thousands had been jailed, beaten, killed and injured in the struggle to end segregation in our country. It was the most amazing moment of my young life as a teen-age civil rights activist.

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Tonight I will see a black man, an African American, be nominated for President of the United States. It is an amazing moment. It is numbing. I just think how far we have come in a generation. This is a very emotional moment. Every time I interview an African American about this moment their eyes well up and voices become choked with emotion. After 400 years of slavery, a hundred years of segregation and intimidation and forty years of struggle for a seat at the table in an America based on equality, Barack Obama is going to be the nominee of the Democratic Party and may be the next President of the United States.

When he stood up on stage I broke out into a huge grin. He is standing there on the shoulders on all those who sacrificed to create an America that brings truth to liberty and equality that our nation was founded upon.
I think about my friends who died in the struggle for freedom and those who sacrificed their well-being to fight for human rights. I think about my African American and white children and grand children. This is their moment. We fought hard and bled to see this moment.
Tears are welling up now in my eyes as I write. It is so difficult to convey in words how powerful and wonderful a moment this is not just for me but also for all of America.

Two Conventions

There are two conventions going on here in Denver, as there will be for the Republicans in Minneapolis. One is for the well connected and the well off, and another for everyone else.

Lobbyists are everywhere. They are having private receptions for all kinds of political figures and their wealthy patrons. Now, I have nothing against wealthy patrons and supporters of good work in America but what is going on here is unseemly.

An ABC reporter was arrested and really roughed up by Denver police when he tried to film and question guests going to one of these events. He was grabbed around the throat and manhandled. Other reporters have been threatened and roughly pushed by private security guards and police offices for trying to report this news.

DNC delegates are given bags with the logo of AT&T emblazoned on the side. AT&T threw a huge party for the Blue Dog Democrats on the first night to thank them for voting for FISA and ensuring that corporation could not be sued for eavesdropping. Democracy Now! reporters were pushed around by private security for trying to talk to people walking to the entrance.
Barack Obama and John McCain have profoundly different visions for America. The elephant in the room is the corporate political alliance that has access to power that the citizens of this country could never imagine.

The Democrats should be leading the charge against this. Perhaps if Obama is elected the other part of this democracy, the community and political activists who believe in a more open government will have a voice.

We have to hope so.
Talk to you all tonight...
-Marc Steiner

Police Parade

justin — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:34:20 -0700

Looks like the police are having their own protest, doesn't it? Top one is just outside the security perimeter around the convention last night, bottom two are just outside of it. Can't get through without credentials.. which we've been lucky enough to have one or two of a day..

Dr. Eric Durham On What Obama Must Do To Win

CEM — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:32:57 -0700

The speeches of Day Three's DNC were good. Bill Clinton, and Joe Biden, and John Kerry did well at setting the stage for Barack Obama. But, it's time for some "fighting words." As a registered Independent, who has consistently voted Democrat in presidential elections (voted for Ralph Nader in '04), I grow weary of Democratic candidates taking the high road...especially when more aggressive speech is appropriate.

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People are hurting! ...and we have been hurting for the last eight years. I moved to Washington, D.C. in the Fall of 2001 (at the age of 23) to pursue graduate education in the Nation's Capital. The attacks of September 11th occured one month after I moved to the city. From that time until now, I have lived on meager income...and struggled with poverty. Of course, most of that time I was in graduate school...but in the two years since I finished my graduate education, decent salaries and healthcare have still been hard to come by.

Now, consider this, I have more education than most people on the job market, and yet I've endured (and am still enduring) tough times in the job market. I can only imagine what those with less than me are experiencing. It truly baffles me. Truly. What is a person supposed to do to survive? ...and that's a particularly sad question, because aren't we supposed to be more concerned with THRIVING? But, instead, we concentrating on SURVIVING. ...and it goes beyond John McCain's housing lapse. Because you know that Bush and Cheney...and all the other cronies have made just as much money over the last eight years through manipulating the system to their favor. It is a tragic situation...that continually breeds frustration, distrust in government, animosity, and apathy among the masses.

These feelings are very real to the majority of Americans. So, Democrats, SAY THAT...and you don't have to be so polite about expressing this sentiment, either. You do not want "regular folk" to miss your point. Trust me, if you can connect with Americans on these real issues...then the White House will be yours. Make it plain! We have been duped by Bush-McCain Republicans...we have manipulated by color-coded terror alerts...we have been misled into supporting wars of "profit for the few"...we have been prostituted...we have been lied to...we have been abused....we have been incarcerated...we have been cheated out of the wealth that America has gained. Make it plain! Make it plain! Make it plain!

Barack, assume the position of the warrior...and we will fight to get you to the White House...and keep you there! Assume the position of the triumphant Muhammad Ali poster that hangs behind your Senate office desk! Assume the position of the President who will aggressively shape America into the country that is SHOULD be instead of the place that it is. We have too hungry to accpet anything less.
God Bless....

-Dr. Eric Durham

Dr. Durham is a Professor of Communications at Morgan State University. He blogs as the Good Doctor at http://drericdurham.blogspot.com/ .

Dr. Eric Durham on "Hill and Bill; The Clinton Factor'

CEM — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:16:28 -0700

People like Hillary Clinton!

This is obvious based on crowd reaction during her speech last night, and the reaction of the punditry as well. I both enjoyed and appreciated the fact that it was a TACTICALLY sound speech. She illustrated a sincere disengagement from the politics of the McCain campaign; she was clear about her unwillingness to be used as a pawn by the McCain campaign to draw votes away from Senator Obama. Her acknowledgment of the hard work of her campaigners, her acknowledgment of Susan B. Anthony (and the Seneca Falls Convention), and her reference to Harriet Tubman, signaled a Senator who understood her contribution to American History. ...and at the same time, she expressed her unwavering support for Senator Barack Obama. This was the magic of Hillary Clinton's address!

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People like Bill Clinton!

Yes, Bill is still a favorite among the electorate. He is still regarded as one of the better presidents of the late 20th century. ...and yes, Black people still like Bill. As an African American, myself, I did not feel betrayed by Bill during primary season. I feel that he was victimized by the mass media....hungry for a dramatic story. His linking Obama's campaign to that of Jesse Jackson's campaign in South Carolina was not racist...and I believe the media played racism up. Honestly, I don't remember what his remarks were...but I know that as I watched them, I didn't feel anything racially disparaging was being said.

Now, are there some pride issues at play between the former President and the newcomer (Barack Obama). I'm sure it might be. I heard two radio pundits suggest that some "Alpha Male" issues were at play. I believe this to be true. But, Bill Clinton will prove himself to be an even more stellar public figure if he is able to tap into that charisma...and deliver the speech no one believes he can. Personally, I enjoy his speech making abilities more than I enjoy Hillary's...so if he can conjure up the 1990s swagger that coaxed the American people into falling in love with him....he'll not only do the Democratic party a favor...but the Clinton legacy a favor as well. Sure, it tough....and pride will have to be put to the side...but it is achievable. ...and I believe he can do it.

-Dr. Eric Durham

Marc, liveblogging Wednesday night at Pepsi Center!

marc — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:13:26 -0700

9:13 pm Clinton is here. This is wild-pandemonium. People are cheering louder and longer and madder than ever .. screaming yes yes yes" " .. waving American flags …

"I am here first to support Barack Obama" ... wild cheers ...

Clinton is amazing. Love him or hate him, he engaged at once.

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He smiles and bites that lower lip and the crowd swoons ..

Offered Obama their 18 million votes … that we will see if they come through with a commitment after Labor Day.

He is talking about Obama being the leader the world needs ..

OK OK Bill .. where you gonna take this?

His subtext is Hillary did want to be VP ... this is a stronger endorsement than Hillary gave him ...

10:07 pm "People are more impressed by the power of our example than the example of our power"... great quote from Bill Clinton.

Well he is not equivocating .. and Bill is lapping it up ... but folks

people yell yes he can and he says "first we have to elect him"

He is outlining all the beliefs of the Dems and how to wage the
battle against the Republicans. The question is can the Democrats get
this message with this passion and succinct specificity to the people
of America ..

WOW ... during the primary they said Barack was too inexperienced
but now he says that what he says that it wrong to say that about Obama
as it was when it said about him in 1992 ...

He is undoing or seeming to undo all the negative things he said and did during the primary ...

BUT WHY HE IS NOT STAYING ON THURSDAY ...

double message?

OK, he did it short sweet hard and to the point ... these Democrats can't be more pleased ...

WHAT DO YOU ALL THINK .. Write BACK

10:30 pm First, the military speakers were good and effective especially
Tammy Duckworth who was shot down in Iraq while piloting a Blackhawk
helicopter. She was real, not canned. Someone who had seen battle,
been badly wounded, met Barack Obama while wounded and made the
decision that as a military person the nation needed Barack Obama. As
Bob Sommerby said tonight on our radio show, the Democrats have no
shortage of stars. But can they do the trick after Labor Day. We will
see.

Beau Biden really did a job introducing his Dad. Here he comes.
THey just hugged and kissed. So, now we have the best Dads in the
world ticket.

10:49 pm The state of deleware ... the state of corporate America ..

When he introduced his mom and her face came up .. the crowd around me just said aww .. this is an aww moment ...

They’re preaching, these speakers .. everyone is equal and no one is
greater than me ... these guys are going to run on the American dream.

I never really heard Biden speak before but he does really know how to relate to hard working Americans.

But Joe, then why did you kowtow to MBNA in Delaware to support and
work for that bankruptcy reform bill that screwed millions of working
people, blue and white collar, in this country? Why did this son of the
working class from hardscrabble Scranton let himself be bought by the
corporate state of Delaware?

Everything he is saying about making this country right for working
people is right. Hope it is true from this man from the state of
Delaware ... the state of corporate America.

He is on the attack .. More of the same is the campaign theme...Will it work? Does it work for you?

Barack Obama will cut taxes for 95% of the people ... that is the
change we need. Is there a contradiction here talking about all this
investment in our country for alternative energy, for schools, for more
cops on the street, social security ... and cut taxes ...

The dream is great and McCain's plan will drive us into greater debt than Obama's but change cost change ..

Rumor has it that Barack is back stage...you heard it here

10:52 All the cameras have turned in the same direction and all the media studios below us are a buzz ...

If he is here what is left for poor Bill Richardson to say

10:55 pm There he is ...

10:59 I am smiling. I know I shouldn't be, I am supposed to be objective ... but there is something about this guy, about this week. Unity is what they want and they are working for it... diversity, working people, jobs,health care and new energy free of
oil ..

And there is a poor stadium guy trying to clear people off the steps and out of the arena .. good luck ... poor guy .. let it go

11:04 'We are family' is playing it is over poor bill richardson has been pushed till the morrow

night you all

-marc

Ladies First, by Ronnie Djoukeng

CEM — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:56:54 -0700

The Democratic National Convention is steamrolling the competition with women at the vanguard.

I believe Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton have provided a sturdy foundation for men to take it to the next level. On Monday night, Michelle discussed her roots and upbringing reminding and informing everyone that she’s American as apple pie. Women were allowed to see the construction of her pie’s latticework—motherhood, sisterhood, and marriage. These attributes that make her who she is reminded women that you can be all things and be proud to be all things. The affirmation of womanhood was a theme that ran through Michelle’s speech as well as Hillary’s.

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Hillary was steadfast and resolute-unequivocal in her position, unforgiving in her statement, and unapologetic in her support for Barack Obama. There was so much history imbued in her speech—civil rights and women’s rights— reminding all Democrats that this moment is monumental. Her speech reunited two important constituencies—blacks and women-- of the Democratic party.

Tonight, we will hear from vice presidential nominee, Senator Joe Biden and former President Bill Clinton. Biden’s speech should discuss foreign policy and undermine John McCain. President Bill Clinton’s speech needs the same gravitas as his wife, yet the focus should be on attacking McCain and raising the profile of Barack Obama—thereby passing the baton. As the Democratic National Convention reaches its peak on Thursday with Barack Obama’s speech, Democrats should feel invigorated to push forward for the remaining 10 weeks.

The women have done their part and men need to seal the deal. It is now Act II of the Democratic National Convention, men it is up to you to make the women proud.

I’ll be back tomorrow to evaluate tonight’s performance. Stay tuned…

-Ronnie Djoukeng

Ronnie Djoukeng is a Maryland blogger who can be found at her group blog, http://5andapossible.blogspot.com/ .

The Divides That Bind Us, by Dr. Mary Washington

CEM — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:50:26 -0700

What is Unity? It seems that the theme within the convention is “from many one.” And yet do some in both the leadership and the rank and file of the Democratic Party find an uneasiness seeking to place us behind a candidate that embraces the diversity of opinion and strategies that is characteristic of a progressive and dynamic constituency? Do we deep down in our hearts believe the pundits and naysayers that see this cacophony of voices as a failure to stay on message and that we are fool hearty to have the audacity to speak of unity at the foot of the Tower of Babel?

Denver must come to symbolize the big tent and yes, we must learn to fight together toward many goals. Does the Democratic Party contradict itself to claim America to be “One Nation.” I think the answer is “Yes” and it should be as Walt Whitman put, “Very well then I contradict myself, (I am large, I contain multitudes.)”

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I think the Democratic Party, indeed this country needs to become more
comfortable with the simple fact—that we don’t always agree—that its
not always pretty, but we must keep it together enough in the face of a
common enemy to prevail in the name of our common good.

Monday night Michelle Obama said it this way . . .

He'll achieve these goals the same way he always has - by bringing us
together and reminding us how much we share and how alike we really
are. You see, Barack doesn't care where you're from, or what your
background is, or what party - if any - you belong to. That's not how
he sees the world. He knows that thread that connects us - our belief
in America's promise, our commitment to our children's future - is
strong enough to hold us together as one nation even when we disagree.

Democrats must not allow McCain to use our strength against us. I’m
grateful that everyone appears to be down-playing the “rift” between
Obama and Clinton delegates and supporters (everyone but the media),
but that means now more than ever Hillary has got to be convincing;
even more convincing than Michelle Obama—whose shares the ambivalent
Patriotism that many African –Americans know all too well. So while an
unfortunate gaff for some—I think it was just that it is hard to convey
the complexity of her relationship to this country. But she did her
job and she did it very well.

“Ah Michelle, Michelle, ma belle. Sont les mots qui vont très bien
ensemble, Très bien ensemble.I love you, I love you, I love you.
That's all I want to say.”

Until next time,

Mary

Dr. Mary
Washington is a former candidate for delegate in Maryland. Dr.
Washington received her Ph.D. is sociology from the Johns Hopkins
University. She lives in Baltimore City and works as an Assistant
Director for a Baltimore-based environmental education, stewardship and
community revitalization organization She also helps people buy and
sell their home as an agent for City Life Realty (www.cityliferealty.net).