DENVER DISPATCH: Perfect, and Now Ready!!

by Laura Spanjian, 2008-08-27

“No way. No how. No McCain.”

Last night was amazing! Being on the floor of the Convention was one of the best moments of my life. Senator Hillary Clinton really was perfect last night. Hillary gave one of the best speeches I have ever heard from a politician, in a moment that needed the perfect speech.

Of course, it’s no secret I love Hillary Clinton. But last night I also fell in love with Barack Obama. In the words of one friend, I am now not just an Obama voter. I am an Obama supporter.

I will be honest and say that intellectually I have been ready to support Obama, but my heart had a harder time running up that hill.

“Were you in this campaign just for me?”

And then Hillary told me to get over it … and well, yes, ok! Whatever you say. You are right again Hillary, I was not in this “campaign just for” you. I was in it to have a Democrat in the white house, a democrat who cares about us.

The country now knows Hillary Clinton just a bit better…she is a class act. And she will continue to be a leading voice for our country for years to come. I can't wait.

“If you hear the dogs, keep going.”

So let’s go! Let’s work … because the Republicans are coming … with all their lies and “four more years of the eight past years.”

Senator Clinton’s speech came after two other amazing speeches that you should go watch on YouTube, or at least read on-line. Governor Schweitzer from Montana gave a terrific speech about energy independence and renewables. And pay equity pioneer Lily Ledbetter was unbelievable … equal pay for equal work. Another reason to elect a Democrat now.

I wish I could bottle up the energy on the convention floor and take it home!

Other highlights from first two days of convention:

Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been everywhere at the convention and continues to inspire and to remind us that this is about ensuring we beat the Republicans … that is a message we can get behind no matter who you supported.

The Democrats are truly courting women … there are wonderful events almost every hour! One highlight was the Unconventional Women Forum on Monday. It was inspirational. Lots of focus on encouraging women to run for office and helping women break down barriers to running for office. And the Emily's List event hosted Senator Clinton, Speaker Pelosi and Michelle Obama together!

Go online now and nominate a woman to run for office! http://www.sheshouldrun.org

The LGBT luncheon was much fun and Michelle Obama gave the keynote … not only was she great at the convention on Monday night (isn’t the Obama family who you want running our country!), but she was amazing at our luncheon and hit home Obama’s commitment to LGBT rights.

And the LGBT caucus was very inspiring … at this convention we have the most LGBT delegates in history! Amazing … there are a third more than just 4 years ago. And we are so diverse. California is blessed with 63 LGBT delegates, the most in the nation. And a shout out to our own Mirian Saez who is the vice-chair of the caucus.

Our wonderful United ENDA team is in the house and all over the convention. Go John Newsome!

And the No on 8 team is also in the house. Go Shannon Minter and Yvette Martinez!

Check out Pam’s House Blend blog for videos and comments about our LGBT work at the convention and other convention insights. http://www.pamshouseblend.org

And check me out talking about Hillary to the press:

KQED Forum: http://www.kqed.org/radio/programs/forum/

MSNBC: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26413463/

NBC CA affiliate: http://www.ksby.com/Global/story.asp?S=8905628

Boston Globe: http://multimedia.boston.com/pub/m/20768068/speaking_out_laura_spanjian.htm?pageid=14155

More to come …

EDITOR'S NOTE: Laura Spanjian is a local San Francisco activist and Hillary Clinton delegate from California's 8th Congressional District.