Day 3: Democratic Convention 2008

High drama Wednesday! Entering into the convention, I would have never guessed the suspenseful events that would unfold. It was absolutely astonishing. The day started off with a bang, we went to breakfast and we cast our delegate ballots in the name of the candidate we were supporting. There was some discussion among our North Carolina delegates, as to whether the Hillary Clinton campaign had released her delegates to support the presumed nominee, Barack Obama, or not. It wasn't an issue for me though because I was elected to support Barack Obama and that is who I cast my ballot for. For the Clinton supporters, it was a little more difficult. They were pretty much forced into making a decision at that moment: Continue to support the nominee that you were pledged to support or support the presumed nominee. The decision did have political implications and I did not envy those who were in that position. Little did I know, it was mere foreshadowing of what was to come.

Speaking this morning was the Governor of Kansas, Kathleen Sebelius, whom I introduced when she was in North Carolina earlier in the year. It was a great honor to have an opportunity to take another picture with her. She has been such a staunch supporter of the Obama campaign.It was a wonderful start to a day that would end in spectacular theatre.

Going into the Convention Center, I was filled with anticipation knowing that former President Bill Clinton would be speaking. He would be following up his wife's speech from the night prior, and it was a hard act to follow. Little did I know that the the real show was soon to begin. Before he spoke that evening, there was a litany of other speakers and the business of a formal roll call to determine the Democratic nominee set to take place. As each state was called, a representative of that state's delegate contingent would stand up to the microphone and say something profound or witty about their state and proceed to announce the delegate votes. When it was time for Arkansas, they announced all of their delegate votes for Obama. How odd I thought. How could Hillary Clinton's adopted home state cast none for her? I should have recognized something different was going to unfold, but I didn't. Next, California decided to pass their votes when it was time for them to announce their delegate count. I had never seen anything like this and I started asking around what that meant. I was assured that it was a normal practice for California, since they have so many delegates at stake. It still struck me as weird. The rest of the states cast their ballots for the two nominees, Clinton or Obama. Then Illinois, Obama's home state, elected to pass on their votes as well. What was going on? It was turning into a chess match with the states acting as pieces on the political chessboard. It continues until New Mexico yields all of it's votes back to Illinois and at that point I'm figuring that this is really a chess game. Then, Illinois yields the combined votes to New York. Then Bam! Hillary Clinton enters the convention floor and we don't know what is getting ready to happen. Is she going to claim all of the delegates for herself?! Is it a coup?! The crowd is buzzing and going nuts! Then, in the spirit of unity, she moves to suspend the rules and the roll call and requests by voice acclaimation to nominate Barack Obama as the Democratic nominee. And so it was, absolutely stunning, absolutely unbelievable! The crowd inside of the Pepsi center goes bananas!!!!! The drama was so high that I had to go outside when the nomination was secured. On my way out, I just happened to run into Illinois Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. who allowed me to take a picture of him. Also I had an opportunity to take a picture with Senator Dennis Kucinich of Ohio. Personally, I thought Senator Kucinch gave one of the more entertaining speeches of the whole convention up until that point. It was a great honor to be photographed with him as well.

Bill Clinton electrified the arena with a rousing speech to the Democratic delegation.

He was most impressive and received a hero's welcome when he stepped on stage.

I truly felt like I was witnessing the passing of the leadership torch of the Democratic Party. His perception of the failures of the current administration offered clear reasons as to why America's future hangs in the balance with this election. He pressed the issues of job losses, the housing crisis, the shrinking income of the middle class and health care. He did a masterful job in leaving no doubt as to why we have to support the Democratic nominee for President this November. After his speech, everyone was primed to hear Vice Presidental nominee Joe Biden accept the nomination. When Senator Biden was done, there was a surprise guest appearance by Senator Barack Obama which left the crowd in a frenzy! The night was absolutely unforgettable! We all left anticipating what the final day would bring when Senator Barack Obama accepted the nomination for President of the United States.