Women and Politics

Minnesota State Representative Kathy Tingelstad (R) was attending the Minnesota’s Progressive Republican Tradition event. Many of the Republicans attending this event considered themselves to be GOP progressives. Representative Tinglestad spent a few minutes of her time with me. Here is what she had to say about women involved in politics and what issues are important to women.

[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.

The most exciting thing about being on the ground at the Democratic National Convention is getting to know the people of Denver. I have talked to so many people about the Presidential race, how it feels to have so many people in Denver, or how politics affect there lives. The one thing I have yet to share is the compassion and energy that you feel while you are here.

There are Denver hosts that help you when they think you are lost. When ever I stop to look on the maps at 16th Street Mall someone comes up to offer their assistance. When I ask Denver natives how it feels to have so many cameras, reporters, police and supporters for Obama, they tell me how proud they are to have the Democratic Convention in Denver.

the hosts in denver

The stories of tears, emotions, excitement, screams and chants that is shown on the television does not compare to what it feels like to be behind the scenes moving through the crowds. I have been on the mall, at the Colorado Convention Center, the Pepsi Center, Invesco Field and riding the light rail and each day is exciting. I have more pod and vidcasts to show you and you can see for yourself.

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.”

As I continue to move with the crowds, following the energy of the night, I come across a hip red carpet event. Bouncers are at the door screening every person. Some are turned away, some are let in, some look at the long line and walk away. A few young women of color are scanning the scene, trying to determine if they should go in. They are young, around early twenties. They are dressed in a youthful hip hop cultural attire that is common in their generation. I stop them to talk about the events tonight and this is what Laura had to say.