Women and Politics

Walking up 16th Street, I came across a few people holding signs. I asked the two young Latina women what was written on their signs. They both said for immigration. They had taken a day out of school to march. This was clearly an important issue for them.

Celeste and Edith seemed politically active and aware of current events. I have to give credit to the their social studies teacher, who had taken the whole class to march. The two high school students had not heard any of the speeches during the convention, but they had issues that were important to them. Listen to what these youth had to say about women and political issues:

[Update: Video Added]

Getting into Pepsi Center on the day of the Role Call Vote seemed easier than normal. Although the security was the same as any other day, there were not as many people entering at 3 p.m. I wasn’t sure if it was too early or if many people hadn’t realized the significance of the events of the day.

This day I was able to go behind the podium and watch the big screen, escorted, of course. I took pictures and video of the view, watching some states cast their vote. There were screams and cheers for both Obama and Clinton as the votes were cast.

Alabama was up first to cast 48 votes for Obama, Alaska followed suit, with Arizona the first to cast votes for Clinton. California, with 441 votes, passed on casting their vote. Everyone began to wonder what was going to be the outcome, with so many votes not included in the count. States were called in alphabetical order declaring which votes were going to Obama and Clinton. Illinois also passes on casting the vote. Michigan, a highly contested state, was able to cast their votes. Voting 125 for Barack Obama and 27 votes for Hillary Clinton.

The other states followed suit, casting each vote until Speaker Nancy Pelosi calls upon the State of New York, Mayor Daley. Several people moved to the front of the line. As you listened to Daley he moved slightly and you see Senator Hillary Clinton. The audience begins to chant “Hillary, Hillary, Hillary” after Sen. Clinton asks to suspend the procedural rules and suspend the conduct of roll call. She goes on to say,

“All votes cast by the delegates will be counted and I move that Sen. Barack Obama be selected as the nominee of the Democratic Party for President of the United States.”

Speaker Nancy Pelosi calls for the motion and accepts the nomination of Barack Obama. The whole event was moving and exciting. Many people around had been brought to tears.

I will be in the Pepsi Center live blogging the role call vote. I have spoken to several delegates and listened to Super Delegate Donna Brazile announce at the Women’s Caucus yesterday that she will be voting for Hillary Clinton.

Many of the delegates feel passionate about making history. A woman candidate that was the front runner in the race for President is a significant milestone for women. Delegates have told me that they are compelled to mark this moment in time for all to remember. The role call has been an historical message that began with the campaign of Shirley Chisholm for President. In the blog post at the Huffington Post, Adele Stan and I mentioned these facts in Memo to Obama: Let the Floor Vote Roll.

Look for the follow up of the live blog and profile of some of these delegates.

After live blogging Hillary’s speech I went to the streets of Denver around the Pepsi Center. I asked several women what what they thought of Hillary’s speech. I came across a young African American women waiting for a cab on her way to a DNC party. Catching cabs in Denver have been challenging for everyone; I knew I could talk to her while she waited. This is what Angel had to say:

[The content below is a paraphrased summary of the Clinton speech made at the DNC this week. It in no way is meant to express the political inclinations of the author or the WCFF.] [update: Video included]

After a video display of Hillary Clinton and her family. Hillary is introduced with excitement and grace by her daughter calling her mom her “hero.” After waiting for the cheers and standing ovation to stop, she reminds America that she is a proud democrat, a proud mother, a proud senator, and a proud supporter of Barack Obama.

“No matter who you voted for in the primaries, we have to vote as a united party.”

She talks about her 30 years in the trenches helping families balance workand family and fighting for women’s rights around the globe. Telling the crowd, We should not have to suffer through failed leadership.

“No Way, No how and No McCain.”

On the campaign trail she remembers important stories that made it possible for her to continue to campaign and fight to be President.

“You allowed me to become part of your lives and you became a part of mine.”

She remember the single mom that adopted two kids with Autism but had cancer. She walked up to Clinton with her name written her bald head asking Hillary to fight for healthcare.

Clinton shows respect for democrats that we have lost. Champions like Stephanie Tubbs-Jones. Stating that Tubbs-Jones wanted a fairer, smarter, stronger and better America. Merv, Tubbs-Jones son, stood up.

Clinton talks about the “invisible” [Americans], that have gone unnoticed by the government for eight years. This is why she ran and now supports Barack Obama for President. We need leaders who can help us and show us that there are no limits to what is possible in America. However, getting to see this America won’t be easy but it will be “impossible” if we don’t have a President that is a Democrat in office.

“If we do our part we will do it again with Obama as President”

She goes on to talk about the great team of Obama/Biden ticket but also the strong women they have for partners.

She talks about the economic stagnation and lack of alternatives for energy. The audience chimes no, saying no more to what has been plaguing American life. She talks about McCain’s economic policy and compares it to the Bush Administration.

“Ironic that they McCain and Bush will be together in the Twin Cities because they are awful hard to tell apart. “

She leaves the stage after evoking Harriet Tubman’s path to freedom.

“If you hear the dogs barking, keep going. If you hear them yelling after you, keep going. If you see the lights behind you, keep going. If you want a taste of freedom, keep going.”