Former President Bill Clinton still has it!!

I want to say that the reason this is a bit late is because I was at a very important event last night. My dear friend Barry celebrated his 60th birthday. What a wonderful celebration with friends and family. Des you did a great job and I thank you both for allowing me to be a part of it.

On to last night’s convention. I tivo’d it so it’s taken me a while to watch it. This will be very brief now, but I will (well may) fill in some thoughts later on.

I am very proud of Hillary. She made a gracious exit from the hard-fought presidential primary with a shortened, ceremonial roll call. When she called for an amendment it made him the official nominee of the Democratic Party. "With eyes fixed on the future and the spirit of unity, with the goal of victory, with faith in our party and our country, let's declare together in one voice right here, right now, that Barack Obama is our candidate and he will be our president." I can only imagine the mixed feelings (hey, she is human so give her a break!!), yet the determination to do what is best for the party she was going through. She also knew that every eye, and camera would be focused on her. She was sincere, and her commitment was evident. Let me say again, I am very proud of you Hillary.

Let it be said that Mr. Barack Obama is now the first African-American to get the nomination by a major party. His speech will be in about one-hour from now, so I’m also going to move on a be equally brief about former President Clinton.

I love Bill Clinton and I think that by the seven minute round of applause, so did everyone in the convention hall. If you didn’t hear his speech, please listen to it. We actually both attended the same school at Oxford, so we have a very special tie. His speech was on point and had the crowd on it’s feet almost the entire time. He promised like Hillary to do all he could to make sure that Barack was nominated. I actually believe that he will do that. Barack should remember that he IS one of the most well respected and liked former presidents still alive. There are things to learn from him (only the good things), so he should be open to learning from Bill Clinton’s experiences.

Joe Biden’s son didn’t leave a dry eye in the house and he gave a wonderful introduction to his father. How proud he must be of him.

Joe Biden was amazing. This was my first time hearing him speak and I thought he gave a passionate and very personal speech. Like the Republicans will do next week, there were some ‘suggestions’ by Joe that the way of the other party is not the way to go. Did he as a person convince me – yes to a certain degree. There is still a lot to learn about Joe, and Barack and we will in the following weeks. I can’t believe it’s only 68 days until the actual election. In 68 days, no matter what this election will be seen as historic.

What I want anyone who is reading this blog to do is to re-read and listen to the speeches of both tickets and hold who ever wins accountable. After all, you are voting for someone based on what they said they will do. Isn’t it time we made our government accountable?

In just a bit, Barack Obama will speak, accept the nomination of the Democratic Party. He is also speaking on the 45th anniversary of the “I have a Dream” speech. Like the day Hillary conceded 06/07/08, this is a special night for Barack.

Ok…Former VP Al Gore is just about to speak so I’m signing off until later.
Thanks to everyone who has taken time to read this – tell me what you think?

No Way, No How, No McCain...Hillary ROCKS the Convention

A WOMAN ON A MISSION

“She didn't become an astronaut, but she did reach for the stars, something she always will continue to do." This was my favorite line from the video presentation narrated by Chelsea Clinton. A colorful mix of photos, video clips of ‘Hil’ in action and remarks from some of her close friends “you really, really don’t want her to sing’ were warm, endearing and very personal. Unlike Michelle’s brother, who had a formal announcement slot time, Chelsea simply introduced her as "my hero and my mother". One can’t say anything bad about Chelsea. She is an accomplished hedge fund manager; has never been seen throwing a tantrum or being a brat; will say “Hi” if you pass her on the street (she did that once when I was in city); and is one of the best things (Bill and Hillary will agree) that has come out of their marriage. We share an Oxford education, love of our mothers and I’m hoping to see her at our next Oxford Alumni get together…she was a little busy the last 19 months. You’re forgiven Chelsea.

On to the main topic…

With that a deafening roar erupted from more than 5,000 their "Hillary" placards waving franticly, when the former first lady and Senator from my state, New York took the stage. When Hillary she walked onto the stage she looked radiant. There was a glow and to me at least, a look of peace on her face that I had not seen in a long time. It could also be that she wore one of my favorite colors that warmed her skin and put the extra twinkle in her eyes. In fact, during her speech she gave a tribute to "my sisterhood of the traveling pantsuits", she referred her collection of matching pants, jackets and tops. No matter what she wears, she look GREAT last night.

So you can read the tons of reviews on Senator Clinton’s speech. The reviews are definitely mixed but are mostly positive. Keep in mind I’m not a political writer – hey I’m just trying to be a decent writer period, but I did take some notes last night and am proud to say a lot of my points appeared in the NYT this morning, so here we go…

"No way. No how. No McCain.”
“Barack Obama is my candidate. And he must be our president.”
“The time is now to unite as a single party with a single purpose.”
“We don’t need four more years of the last eight years.”
“That is our duty, to build that bright future, to teach our children that in America there is no chasm too deep, no barrier too great, ­ no ceiling too high, ­ for all who work hard, who keep going, have faith in God, in our country, and in each other. That’s our mission, Democrats. Let’s elect Barack Obama.”

I believe her, and it seemed 95% of people I've spoken to today feel the same. I think her message was clear. She is a true T-E-A-M player, and even if she spoke of what she did (“I”) and what she passionately believes, she has acknowledged a well run race and she is on the Obama team. She thanked her supporters, was gracious to the Obama/Biden ticket and then she asked her supporters to look beyond ‘team Hillary” and put all of their support – all 18,000,000 of them behind Obama.

Some would call it a ‘pre-2012’ speech…others say that because her presence was so commanding that Barack Obama needs to complete the unity circle and close the deal. Tonight I am attending a party for a friend but have the Tivo ready to catch former President Bill Clinton's comments. I'm sure once again the convention will be on it's feet. What Barack needs is to be as gracious to Hillary as she was to both he and Michelle. Maybe Hillary’s speech has created a fire that we will once again see in the Democratic Party. Remember it was four short years ago, when Barack was the Keynote at the last Democratic Convention. We all wondered “Who is this man?” Now we know.

SIDE BAR: I've been trying to get the transcript from the Gov of Montana Brian Schweltzer - he was on FIRE!!!

When you think about it, Hillary’s supporters have already said “she was my choice, I believe in her, and she TOLD me to vote for Obama so I’m going to do what she asks.” Barack are you listening?? This is yours to win. The support is there, last night you were given the entire olive bush (no pun intended) Thursday is your night. Thursday some 40+years after Rev. Martin Luther King’s Dream speech will be your time.

Barack Obama Time.

The ‘Dream’ speech has been referred to since I was a child. The dream when things seem impossible. The speech played from every mountain, by every person, who has ever faced adversity.


Thursday is the night – you only get one change to make this lasting impression.

My only advice, don’t blow it.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T...find out what it means to Hillary

Todays theme is "Renewing America's Promise." It's about 30 min until the convention starts....but I saw this and HAD to post it.
Comments, thoughts and reactions to Hillary tomorrow.

Being President is a tough job, but someone has to do it.

Oh, the race is getting closer. I've tried not to take a side yet. I'm watching, listening, and observing. It is in believing that the candidates will show their true selves sooner or later. Don't get me wrong, I did cast my vote in the primary and am proud to say, helped my candidate win our state.

I must say that as someone who supports strong, positive, and smart, my lean is toward anyone who reflects these qualities. This doesn't mean that it is 'All Hilliary All The Time', nor does it mean that 'Obama is the right person', because we share the same culture.

It really angers me when people ASSume that I'm voting one way vs the other based on sexism or race. People WAKE UP!! This country no longer has the strength that it once had. We are laughed at and ridiculed by countries that have 1/3 of the resources we have, simply because of this present administration. Now I know my ex - who is a republican will say that only the republican party can set the course for truth wealth. If that's the case, then why has the economy gone in the tank, and why is the US dollar worth less in the European market day after day. Pretty soon, the dollar won't be worth the paper it's printed on. The thing that concerns me...WHEN are we going to find Osama...I mean that's why we got into this war in the first place right???

But back to the candidates....

When I think about this Obama, I am struck by this good looks, voice, charisma and what I really like is "behind every strong man...is his wife (Michelle). Now that would be a race to the White House. Let's see Michelle Obama vs. Hillary Clinton race to the White House.

Barack Obama has proven that he can be a force to be reckoned with. He was this beautiful orator at the 2004 Democratic convention and lite that place on fire. He has the skill and the ability to draw in his listeners by the inflection in his voice. Is that enough to track down those that wish to do this country harm, I don't think so. This is NOT to say that he isn't smart, he is. He is a lawyer by training, and has to be smart enough to know that if he wins...he won't be in "Kansas anymore". It's not to say that no one knows everything before taking the office - that's obvious. I wonder if he didn't have the power of 'almighty 'O' if he would carry some of the states he has.

Look I'm not taking anything from Barack, nor am I saying that Hillary is perfect. I'm still listening, watching, talking to those who may not share my view. My prayer is that in the end, people vote for the man or woman who will lead this country to greatness once again.