Local Delegates From the Floor

Thursday, August 28, 2008

For those of you watching on television, I can't express the feeling inside the Pepsi Center yesterday when Senator Hillary Clinton made the motion to suspend the rules and vote by acclamation that Barack Obama be Democratic presidential nominee.

I was outside the hall when Senator Clinton began to speak, and all you saw outside the arena, myself included, was people running to get into the arena.

It was madness -- the energy was like nothing else I have ever experienced.

Security had to clear the stairs and halt entry because people were so excited.

Throughout this week the convention has been overcast with the concern that Clinton delegates would not change their vote. There have been rumors that a surrogate for Senator Clinton might make a motion, but no one expected that Senator Clinton would do it herself.

The arena was buzzing with excitement. I can report from the floor that this was a total surprise.

-- Jeffre y D. Richardson, the District

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/dc/

The National Leadership Council, the Hispanic fundraising arm of the DNC, held its reception at the Four Seasons private residences in downtown Denver.

More than 100 members were in attendance, including National Council of La Raza President Janet Murguia, former HUD secretary Henry Cisneros, national co-chairs Frank Sanchez and Manny Sanchez, and Ralina and Gayle Cardona, a mother-daughter team from the Bronx. Frank, Manny and Henry encouraged the group to continue to fundraise in an effort to reach the $10 million goal by October.

The Latino Leaders Network honored Federico Pena, former mayor of Denver, U.S. secretary of Transportation and U.S. secretary of Energy. The program included Senator Ken Salazar, Governor Bill Richardson, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Senator Leticia Van de Putte, Senator Kenneth McClintock and Janet Murguia. Secretary Pena gave a rousing and inspirational speech.

-- Katina Rojas Joy, Maryland

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/ http://

I'd have to say Michelle Obama's speech was my favorite moment so far.

She really showed who she was, both as a mother and wife, and also as a potential first lady. Her ability to unite women to the Democratic cause is paralleled only by Senator Clinton in her ability to bring together delegates from all sides.

Michelle is an amazing role model for women all over the world, and I was excited to see her in person, finally!

I can see why Barack calls her his "rock."

-- Chrisi West, Virginia

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/

http://virginiapolitics