August 31st-September 6th , 2008
Published every Sunday
@ HIGH NOON, USA/EST (5PM/GMT)

Obama's Speech was watched by nearly 40 Million Viewers, the most-watched convention speech in American history, according to Nielsen Media Research, article.

Obama's Speech was given before the largest crowd ever to hear a convention acceptance speech in U.S. history.

More people tuned in to hear Obama's speech than watched the Olympic Opening Ceremonies in Beijing, or this year’s Academy Awards. Online the speech had been viewed more than 300,000 times on YouTube in less than a day. Obam's breathtaking show transcended politics

"We must listen to our hopes rather than
our fears...we should not accept the world the
way it is but mold it to be the way we want.

video of speech

The media and the political pros said Michelle Obama needed "re-branding,"

Some slips of the tongue and out-of context quote have gotten her a bad rap. In truth, though, she's always been not only real, in love with her family, a loyal American from a hard-working family, but "a real class act."

The 'old and last Kennedy warrior got off his death-bed and came to make it clear: "The torch is now passed to a new generation." My brother didn't say, "the moon is too far away."  We can do what we set our minds on.

"The dream lives on."

video of speech

In the keenly anticipated speech of Senator Clinton  -- Barack Obama's main rival -- she couldn't have made it clearer to support Barack, a support which her disappointed delegates needed to hear.

Health care and equal pay for equal work for woman for were strong issues she mentioned.

Attacking both Bush and McCain she said they are the same, with the cutting remark that "That's why the Republican Convention next week is in the Twin Cities."

"No Way, No How, No McCain."

video of speech

Mrs. Clinton also quoted from a woman black slave who led the Underground Railroad, worked for the Union Army as a spy during the Civil War, and other actions to end slavery. These words quoted from Harriet Tubman got enthusiastic cheers and some tears.

"If you hear the dogs, keep going. If you see the torches in the woods, keep going. If there's shouting after you, keep going. Don't ever stop. Keep going. If you want a taste of freedom, keep going."

Challenging out-of-proportion and often just media driven stories of disunity, Maria Eschavestes said ,
"if you believe in the issues, how can you vote for McCain."

Not a 'celebrity delegate, but interviewed on C-Span,
Ms. Eschavestes issues were the war in Iraq, health care, equal pay for equal work, and an immigration policy
that doesn't shut the door on America,

"We can't let the land of opportunity slip away."

The overwhelming main topic of media coverage before the convention was talk of 'disunity,' in the Democratic Party and talked of 'buyer's remorse,' concerning Obama. Talk about how Clinton supporters wouldn't vote for Obama but vote for McCain instead. Talk about how former President Clinton was bitter and angry at Obama. Talk about how Obama was losing his lead in many polls, how Hillary would have a better chance against McCain, how Hillary should have been Obama's choice for Vice-President, etc.

While the public hears relentless complaints about how the media is too liberal, in fact the media led the way in spreading all the anti-Obama smears and slander, things like: He's a Muslim, he doesn't love America, he's an elitist, he can't gain the support of the white middle-class nor get the woman's vote.

The vast majority of Democrats, though, realize the primary battle is over; Clinton says support Obama, we can't afford four more years of Republicans.

"It would be 'post-rational to support McCain," one sympathetic TV commentator noted.

An interview with a sober and serious young Iraq war veteran, Jacob Krapel, made the point how many of our soldiers realize one fact that won't go away:
"There were no
Weapons of Mass Destruction."

There were
Weapons of Mass Deception.

video of speech

There are many speaker we never hear or see, like the delegate from the Lakota Sioux Black Hills, and many others not in prime time. A new name on the national stage and a big surprise was the Governor of Montana, Brian Schweitzer, a life-time rancher who had never run or held any elected office before.

He had the crowd of delegate cheering and waving their banners, standing on their feet, applauding ; as well as booing and hissing about McCain and Republican policies.

His down home style, straight talk, and enthusiasm reminded many of why they listen to politics at all.

Former candidate Dennis Kucinich rallied the convention
with his call to"Wake Up America"

video of speech

Former Virginia governor and now candidate for the U.S. Senate, Mark Warner was given prime time, being one of the hopefully candidates the Democratic Party would like to see win in the next elections in 67 days.

With so much attention on the Democrats historic primary campaign  (because of either a woman or an African-American leading the ticket) there's been little talk of the state and local elections.

But the elections for the U.S. Senate and the House of Congress also are revving up their engines.

Some estimate the Democrats should pick up six or seven seats in the Senate. the most optimistic hope for ten. With ten more Senators, it's pointed out, the Democrats would have 60 Senators and not have to worry about any Republican attempts to filibuster.

In truth, though, there haven't been any filibusters in decades and some feel this has just been an excuse by Democrats to avoid confrontations and real challenges to the President or the War.

The Constitution says 51% of Congress makes the laws, and that also goes for any rules about filibuster.

Delegates danced joyfully and cried unabashedly as the historical significance of the nomination of an Afro-American to a major political party hits home.

On the anniversary of Martin Luther's King's "I Have A Dream," speech Obama will speak tomorrow. All of the nation and many eyes and ears from around the world wait to hear what is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated speeches in American history from one of the great orators of our time.

Barack Obama makes surprise visit, to "say a few words," praised Michelle , said that Hillary's talk ,"Rocked the house." and that Bill Clinton's speech and presidency were both excellent.

CLICK HERE: for video of Senator Barack Obama's Full speech to the Democratic National Committee, Denver, Colorado, 2008

For transcript of Barack Obama's Acceptance Speech, CLICK HERE.

Don't tell me that Democrats won't defend this country. Don't tell me that Democrats won't keep us safe. The Bush-McCain foreign policy has squandered the legacy that generations of Americans — Democrats and Republicans — have built, and we are here to restore that legacy.

The men and women who serve in our battlefields may be Democrats and Republicans and Independents, but they have fought together and bled together and some died together under the same proud flag. They have not served a Red America or a Blue America — they have served the United States of America.

This election has never been about me. It's been about you. For eighteen long months, you have stood up, one by one, and said enough to the politics of the past. You understand that in this election, the greatest risk we can take is to try the same old politics with the same old players and expect a different result. You have shown what history teaches us — that at defining moments like this one, the change we need doesn't come from Washington. Change comes to Washington.

Change happens because the American people demand it — because they rise up and insist on new ideas and new leadership, a new politics for a new time.

We may not agree on abortion, but surely we can agree on reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies in this country.

The reality of gun ownership may be different for hunters in rural Ohio than for those plagued by gang-violence in Cleveland, but don't tell me we can't uphold the Second Amendment while keeping AK-47s out of the hands of criminals.

I know there are differences on same-sex marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in the hospital and to live lives free of discrimination.

Passions fly on immigration, but I don't know anyone who benefits when a mother is separated from her infant child
or an employer undercuts American wages by hiring illegal workers.

This is part of America's promise — the promise of a democracy where we can find the strength and grace to bridge divides and unite in common effort.

Born on the Fourth of July - Trailer

Vietnam War veteran Ron Kovic, whose story was the basis for the Tom Cruise movie "Born on the Fourth of July," spoke at an counter-convention gathering.

Video tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King

There was also recorded music at the Democratic National Convention by Aretha Franklin, Bruce Springsteen, Brooks and Dunn and a stirring instrumental with a fireworks display at the end.

The last vocal music was Brooks & Dunns, Only In America.

The Denver Mayor held a concert at Denver's Manifest Hope Gallery featuring,Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Nada Surf, Cold War Kids while She And Him singer, actress Zooey Deschanel teamed-up with Death Cab For Cutie.

The Iraq Veterans Against The War (IVAW) foundation put on a free Tent State Music Festival to End the War featuring Rage Against The Machine, the Coup, State Radio, Wayne Kramer, and local band, Flobots. Punk rock group Rage Against the Machine started activist decades ago with a benefit concert and video make on the Lakota Sioux Indian Reservation asking for a pardon for American Indian Movement  member, Leonard Peltier, here.

After extremely provocative slanderous and provocative reporting by Fox News, one of their cameramen was hassled and spit out by the crowd, here.

It was an incredible four days of unity, efficiency and highly enthusiastic motivation for all Democrats, with all their leadership from past and present and members from around the nation and commonwealth came together in strong solidarity and hope. Estamos unidos, verdad?

The Next Day, Friday, August 29, 2008

Presumed Republican candidate John McCain announced a woman to be his choice for Vice-President, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, only the 2nd woman to be a candidate for vice president on a major party ticket. here.

Comments about McCain's VP pick, here.

From beauty queen to vice-presidential candidate, a moose-hunting, lifetime NRA member guns for D.C., here