The Democratic National Convention got underway yesterday and Murfreesboro’s own state Rep. John Hood is there as an observer.
Democrat from across the nation converged on Denver yesterday to formally nominate presumptive Presidential nominee Barack Obama and vote on the party’s platform in the run up to the November election.
Hood said the highlights of yesterday’s opener were Caroline Kennedy’s introduction of her uncle Sen. Ted Kennedy and Michelle Obama’s speech about her husband.
“Caroline Kennedy had one interesting statement, ‘I’ve never been as influenced by anyone as people as they were influenced by my father,’” Hood said, adding she was very young when her father John died.
Caroline made the statement in an introduction for her uncle Ted, who made a dramatic, surprise appearance at the convention, even though he’s battling brain cancer and going through treatments.
“People were very impressed by Michelle Obama,” Hood said.
Michelle Obama spoke of her husband’s life and his work as a community activist in Chicago, before the couple’s daughters joined her on stage for a touching family moment.
Former First Lady and Presidential primary candidate Hillary Clinton is the keynote speaker tonight, along with Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell.
Rendell is a staunch Clinton supporter who is expected to encourage other Clinton supporters to back Obama.
“Ed Rendell spoke to the Tennessee delegation and told us to get over it and move on,” Hood said, adding Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN) spoke to the delegation as well.
“He talked about the opportunities for the Democrats for this particular time to get candidates elected, not only at the national level but at the local level,” Hood said.
Hood said he’s having an interesting time, “roaming around on the floor” and talking to Democrats from across the country, like Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY).
He said security is very tight. He has to take a shuttle from his hotel because no parking is allowed near the Pepsi Center, where the convention is being held.
Come back tomorrow for John Hood’s impressions of tonight’s activities.
Michelle Willard can be contacted at 615-869-0816 or mwillard@murfrresboropost.com.
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