My Last and Best Day in Charlotte

This day started off feeling bittersweet about the whole experience. On one hand, I don’t want to end….on the other hand, we have work to do now in California and all over… just not sure with all the screaming, yelling, cheering, and crying my voice could handle another day!

At our daily delegation breakfast, I was particularly interested in what Congressman Mike Honda had to say. He spoke about diversity and understanding. He talked about the fact that there were 26 delegates in California’s delegation from the Sikh community. This truly represents the diverse cultures of our great state and really drove home the point that everyone deserves a place in this representation. It’s important.

Directly after breakfast I did a video interview with national Patch.com, not sure when it will be placed. We were asked to talk about campaign fundraising and voter involvement in this new election cycle as compared to 2008.

The caucuses that were the most exciting on this day were the Women’s Caucus where Michelle Obama spoke, and the LGBT Caucus where Jill Biden spoke. Truly inspiring to see these two great, well spoken, intelligent women who stand behind (no, not behind..ALONGSIDE) our President and Vice President. You can really see in person how honest, caring, thoughtful, and earnest they are about democratic values.

In the afternoon I was asked to do a filmed interview with a southern documentary filmmaker about the convention experience and my personal  journey to Charlotte. I will let everyone know when this final project can be viewed.

On to the convention floor… Security was even more extensive this day with more people being packed into the Time Warner Arena and of course the President and Vice President in attendance. We arrived at about 2:30 for a 4:30 start time. We literally were inside the arena for 9 hours. LONG day. 

The proceedings started off with remarks and greetings from five of the top elected officials from North Carolina.  The main themes for most of the speeches on this day were about our military, education, our seniors, and labor…particulary the recovery of the auto industry. 

The two themes that REALLY were important to me, were the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and Marriage Equality. A very compelling young man named Zach Wahls spoke about growing up in a household with two mothers. If you don’t know of this amazing guy, Google him or watch his testimony before congress on youtube. 

This was a celebratory day as well, with amazing musical performers celebrating the democratic ideals. Marc Anthony sang the National Anthem,  James Taylor, Mary J Blige and The Foo Fighters were interspersed throughout the evening’s more serious moments. 

The speakers again were numerous and diverse, some amazing personal stories from ordinary citizens  of success and re-birth derived from changes and advancements our president has put forward in his 4 years in office. 

John Lewis, democratic legend and one of the original Freedom Fighters was amazing! Beau Biden put forth the Vice President’s name for re-nomination, some Hollywood starpower came out.. Scarlett Johansen and Kerry Washington for the young voters and the great, well spoken Eva Longoria.

Former Governor of Michigan Jennifer Granholm got the huge audience to its feet many times. WHY isn’t this woman holding public office? It was touching and wonderful to have Caroline Kennedy there, reminding us of democratic ideals set forth by members of her illustrious family. 

A surprising visit from former REPUBLICAN governor Charlie Crist of Florida reminded us how some Republicans feel…that their party has been hijacked by right wing extremists! He said, “This is not the Republican Party I knew”. A lot of people are calling him a "political whore", taking advantage of this national platforn to keep himself relevant.

Senator John Kerry did a lot of “heavy lifting” as far as criticism of the Republican’s platform and values. The thing that really struck me later when the president spoke, was he was mostly speaking about his OWN accomplishments…it was left to other leaders and even our ordinary citizens  over the last few days to drive home the differences, lies, and disturbing values of the opposition. 

Jill Biden, Joe Biden, and the President wrapped it all up with a bow, in class act form. It was a stark contrast to the negative feelings at the RNC.

I left feeling so proud of our country and president….having seen on display through video and verbally, the tough four years we have just come through…it’s not over yet. There’s a lot more work to do to get back on track, but I’m hopeful, invigorated, energized and excited. I’M FIRED UP AND READY TO GO! Are you?  

I want to say to every woman that reads this....you ARE important and an integral part of Obama's re-election. Be empowered by all the amazing women that took to the stage from all over the country.