Constance Ikokwu
29 August 2008
Denver, Colorado — It was an emotional night at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado, Wednesday. Many African-Americans never thought they would live to see one of their own run for for the highest office in the country. But with one voice, blacks, whites, Hispanics and Jews nominated Senator Barack Obama the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party by acclamation.
Obama's nomination was the climax of a day that started with roll calls that had his name and that of Senator Hillary Clinton on the ballot. As agreed by both campaigns, Clinton joined her fellow New York delegates on the floor of the convention and stopped the roll call to nominate Obama.
"In the spirit of unity, with the goal of victory, let's declare in once voice right here, right now, that Barack Obama is our candidate," she stated.
The impact was monumental. Tears flowed freely on the convention floor. Delegates placed their hands together and lifted them up into the heavens. Others cheered, screamed, danced and opened their hands in wide embrace.
Former President Bill Clinton capped the night with a lavish endorsement of Obama and his running mate, Joe Biden.
"The choice in this election is clear," he said. "These times require more than a good soldier, they require a wise leader. A leader who can deliver... the change everybody know we need. Barack Obama will deliver that change."
Democrats started the convention with apprehension. The biggest challenge was to unify the Clinton and Obama camps. It was believed Bill and Hillary's endorsement would go a long way to heal the wounds inflicted during the primaries. Bill left no one in doubt that the Hillary train is on board.
"Hillary told us in no uncertain terms that she'll do everything she can to elect Barack Obama. That makes two of us. Actually, that makes 18 million of us because like Hillary, I want all of you who supported her to vote for Barack Obama in November," he said.
The crowd booed when he mentioned Republicans and their failures - Katrina, mounting debt, economic crisis and mortgage crisis. "Yes he can" the crowd shouted, referring to Obama's ability to chart a new course for the country. Bill responded by saying "yes he can but we have to first elect him."
Biden who spoke after Clinton linked Republican presumptive nominee, John McCain to President George W. Bush. "John sided with with President Bush 95 per cent of the time... That's not change. That's more of the same."
Earlier, Bill hailed Obama's heritage and experience which he declared gives him a unique capacity to lead America's increasingly diverse nature and restore the country's image abroad. He stated that Obama has the intelligence and curiosity every president needs. His policies on the economy, taxes, energy and health care are superior to that of the Republicans, Bill argued. He likened Obama's candidacy to his in the 90s.
"Together we prevailed in a campaign in which the Republicans said I was too young and too inexperienced to be Commander-in-chief. Sound familiar? It didn't work in 1992 because we were on the right side of history. And it won't work in 2008 because Barack Obama is on the right side of history," said the former president.
Bono's popular tune "It's a beautiful day" blared from the speaker after his speech.
John Kerry who lost the election to Bush told Democrats that the party is closer to victory this time and has the greatest opportunity to move the nation forward. He stated that a President Barack Obama and Vice-president Joe Biden will shut down Guantanamo prison and make sure America does not torture. Former Secretary of State during Bill Clinton's administration, Madeleine Albright, stated that now is the time to elect a Democratic president to restore America's place on the world stage.
Obama's Uncle Charlie Payne was recognised by Kerry. And several speakers tried to present Obama as a strong president on national security, an issue Republican John McCain is gaining ground.
The first woman to achieve the rank of three star general in the US Army, Lt General Claudia Kennedy (rtd) testified that Obama will be a strong Commander-in-Chief. She stated that the Democratic presidential candidate knows that that torture is morally repugnant and militarily ineffective, referring to Bush's policy of torturing prisoners. Obama understands the needs of service men and women, she added.
Rear Admiral John Hudson (rtd) from New Hampshire confessed that he was a registered Republican but has joined Democrats. "I come here to day to declare myself a proud member of the Democratic party and to endorse Barack Obama as the next president of the US." Hudson explained that he changed parties, because he could no longer recognise the GOP. The brand old party is just old, he observed.
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Baack Obama the next President of the USA? Zuma the next President of SA?
Lunatic Mugabe may be having sleepness nights! Obama will entertain no nonsense from lunatic Mugabe. With Obama's mixed blood background, Mugabe will not be able to hide behind his famous anti-white slogan anymore.
Mugabe's days are counted anyway.