Off-Prompter at the DNC

Every four years, the two major parties have an opportunity to make their case to the nation why they should control the White House.  The national political conventions are events packaged for a television audience, every detail planned precisely.  However, things do not always go as planned.

This week I had the privilege of representing New Jersey at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.  All week the Time Warner Center has been electric. Whether it is your first convention or your tenth, it is hard not to be swept up in the emotion of the moment. 

On Tuesday the Convention heard from First Lady Michele Obama and San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, as well as a bevy of other speakers who reminded the convention and the viewers at home of the Obama Administration’s accomplishments: A rejuvenated auto industry, equal pay, the repeal of don’t ask – don’t tell, a health care law that will provide coverage for millions of Americans and was found constitutional by the conservative Roberts Court, and foreign affairs triumphs which included the elimination of Osama Bin Laden and many high profile Al Qaeda leaders.

However, for me the highlight of the week was last night when President Bill Clinton addressed the convention. 12 years ago I had the privilege of being on the floor for Clinton's swansong at the 2000 DNC at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.   Since leaving the White House, he has spoken at every national convention.  I made sure to be in my seat for his speech.

A week ago at the Republican National Convention, Americans were "treated" to a rare unscripted moment when movie legend Clint Eastwood spoke for 12 minutes without a teleprompter or pre-approved remarks.  It was disastrous.  Eastwood addressed an empty chair as though it were President Obama and ironically highlighted a number for unpopular Bush era policies.

On Wednesday night, delegates at the DNC saw their own off script speaker: President Clinton.

Visiting the Convention hall, one notices a giant teleprompter screen 40 yards from the stage, large enough for the speakers to see and the audience to folllow along. Most speakers strictly stay on prompter.  The same cannot be said for William Jefferson Clinton.

The former President made the most convincing argument yet for the re-election of President Obama, skillfully dissecting the Republican narrative offered last week in Tampa.  All the while, it was noticeable to thousands of delegates in the arena that the President had left his script, displaying the charm, intellect and charisma that have made him the greatest communicator of his generation.  It must have been frustrating for the teleprompter operator, but it was thrilling to watch.

Tonight we will hear from President Obama. The outdoor speech has been moved back indoors by the Democratic National Committee due to the rainy weather this week in Charlotte and threats of thundershowers this evening. A good call as the rain has just started to fall.

It’s further proof that despite the best laid plans, things don’t always stay on script.