Democratic National Convention Begins Today

Posted on August 25, 2008

The Democratic National Convention began today and so far the highlight was the surprise, live appearance by Senator Ted Kennedy. Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg introduced a tribute film to the senator, and he appeared when it ended. He looked quite well, actually. He gave a speech echoing famous speeches he has made in the past, including the theme that all Americans have a right to healthcare, that it is not a privilege for the wealthy. He talked about passing the torch to Obama as a new generation and echoed Obama's general campaign themes. He also promised to be on the Senate floor in January.

California's first lady, Maria Shriver, was crying during the speech and Caroline looked pretty misty too. Clearly they were all wondering if this is the senator's last major speech. It was a moving moment. After a few more speakers and two breaks, Michelle Obama will speak. The released text of her speech indicates a very mild, generic speech. It's sort of the "Michelle as Soccer Mom" speech -- no fiery rhetoric, no telling Americans that Barack won't let them sit home and be complacent. Will she add some punch to the prepared text? We'll see.

Update: Claire McCaskill's three kids are urging everyone to text "change" to 62262 to be sure to get all the updates (at 3 a.m. or otherwise) from the Obama campaign. Now they're introducing their mom.

Update: Michelle Obama is now speaking. She looks fantastic, but why in the world didn't her stylist fix that bra strap that's showing? It's a wide necked turquoise blue dress: the strap should have been secured. Someone needs to get fired for that. Ok, I'm trying to ignore the white bra strap peeking out, but it's driving me crazy.

She's the best speaker tonight, next to Ted Kennedy. I've seen the text of this speech and she's really selling it: it sounds unscripted. She's so much better as a speaker than Claire McCaskill. The video and the speech were carefully crafted to make her seem softer, focusing on her role as a mother. She gave a shout out to Hillary Clinton for putting "18 million cracks in the glass ceiling, which will inspire our daughters and sons." She also talked about how she loves the country. Her daughters Sasha and Malia then came out and talked to Barack via videofeed. Sasha stole the show saying hello to her dad, telling him she loved him and generally being adorable.

Overall, it was very well-done. I can't help but compare this speech with the disastrous self-centered diatribe given by Teresa Heinz Kerry at the last Democratic convention. The Obama campaign will be happy with her performance.