DNC Monday Open Thread: Michelle Obama and Ted Kennedy
by DNC Chairman Howard Dean has called the convention to order, with tonight belonging to Senator Barack Obama's wife (and BlogHer contributor) Michelle Obama.
Michelle is set to keynote tonight's events so as you can imagine, she's a bit busy. Luckily, BlogHer just received a message from her chief of staff, Stephanie Cutter.
Greetings, BlogHer community! Thank you for sharing this space with me. My name is Stephanie Cutter, and I serve as chief of staff to Michelle Obama. (Michelle made her blogging debut right here on BlogHer back in July!)
Im writing you from Denver, Colorado, where we arrived yesterday for the 2008 Democratic National Convention. You can check out footage from Michelle and her girls arrival at Denver International Airport at the Obama campaigns blog, which will be covering the convention all week.
Since landing in Denver yesterday, Michelle has been preparing for her speech tonight at the convention. (Michelle is a seasoned campaigner, but speaking to millions of folks in their living rooms in addition to those at the convention is a bit daunting!) We're excited about this opportunity, though. There's no one who can do a better job introducing Barack Obama to the country and talking about why he'll be an extraordinary president.
To start the night, we'll show a video -- Southside Girl -- that Michelle's mother, Marian Robinson, narrated about her daughter and the life she's built. At the end of that video, there won't be a dry eye in the house. Michelles speech will include stories from her life, starting with her childhood. Her family was extremely close, and they remain so today. (In fact, her big brother Craig will be introducing Michelle at the convention.) Like Barack, Michelle was also taught to give back to the community and the country that has given her so much.
Michelle will also give the country a personal view of Barack Obama. She'll talk about the man whom most of us know as a United States senator and a candidate for president. To Michelle, Barack is just Barack. To Malia and Sasha, hes Dad. Those are sides of Barack that Michelle will share with the country. They've built a wonderful family together, grounded in faith and values. The more America learns about this family, the more theyre going to want to send them to the White House.
Tune in to Michelles speech tonight around 8:30 PM Mountain Time/10:30 PM Eastern Time. You can watch the speech online at www.demconvention.com. If you miss it, check the Obama campaign's blog for highlights and details.
Thank you again for welcoming us to the BlogHer community. We look forward to touching base with you all again soon.
-Stephanie Cutter, chief of staff to Michelle Obama.
Join us here on BlogHer as we watch Michelle speak- will we all need a tissue, as Stephanie predicts? Will the tears continue during tonight's tribute to Ted Kennedy? What will tonight's storyline be?
Comments should get interesting as the night goes on- remember the team in Denver is taking YOUR voice to all those you see on TV-so jump in!
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Comments
Michelle Obama's daughters
I love it when her one daughter says she'll tell her mom she did a good job because she's nice!
Just watched Rep. Jackson
...and started to feel that excitement I knew was coming!
Politics & News Contributing Editor
Queen of Spain
The Actual Convention is Great TV...
...unfortunately the news networks are just showing talking heads, and what they are talking about (Clinton, divisiveness, polls, etc.) is annoying. I have switched to C-span, but I worry that there won't be any post-convention bump in the polls if all the average American sees and hears are commentators talking about division, while speakers address unity.
Souces say Kennedy will speak
we shall see!
Politics & News Contributing Editor
Queen of Spain
Are you on the convention floor right now?
'cuz I think I may have the tivo paused just as C-span did a close up on you.
Not me!
Will be there tomorrow, though. In town, but not in the hall currently.
Politics & News Contributing Editor
Queen of Spain
Totally trying not to cry
As Ted Kennedy speaks. He's such a legacy and a true public servant.
I cried
I started getting weepy during the tribute video, but when he walked out and they showed where his hair had been shaved for surgery, I lost it. It was so great to see him and hear the fire in his voice.
Dimple and a Smirk (dot) com
Yay for Ted Kennedy
It was good to see him there, and to hear him speak at the convention.
~Denise
BlogHer Community Manager
Flamingo House Happenings
Inspiring Video
Greetings!
How
are you all? I am here to inform you of a insipiring video a colleague
of mine has created to inspire more people to vote. I believe the issue
is important, so I would like to share this video with you today.
Here is the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4kg514DcTA
Tell me what you think!
Thoughts
Leach sounded like Kermit the Frog, Claire sounded like she was doing a pageant interview. Bring on Michelle in all her classy, fabulous, fierce glory.
So the sole reason I"m here covering this?
My Mom and motherinlaw take care of my kids.
Sigh.
Hearting Michelle
Politics & News Contributing Editor
Queen of Spain
Relating
She did a great job relating - my favorite parts of the speech. You can just feel those decisions.
Jill
Writes Like She Talks
Michele Obama
She did a great job I really was impressed.
Sidenote
Michelle should totally be on Def Poetry...the way she speaks is totally like so many female poets I've seen on there. ANOTHER reason why she is so awesome.
Tearing up, FYI.
I missed the beginning, but
I missed the beginning, but Michelle is on now - and doing a great job!
my last post:
2 Reasons Why Women Should Vote for Obama
BlogHer Contributor Michelle Obama ROCKED!
No really.
That was amazing. Loved the end with the kids. SAME things my kids would have done. Politics & News Contributing Editor
Queen of Spain
Michelle's speech
I am touched, inspired, and feel completely connected to her. What a perfect speech! She hit all the notes -- family, love, community, and even graciously mentioning HRC. And I love the daughters on the mic at the end.
Humble plea...
Can we get Michelle in 2016?
She rawked it.
I thought Michelle was great, especially towards the end, when she really seemed to connect with the audience.
And I love how she wears dresses rather than suits.
Why It's Important
Michelle Obama giving a speech like that, so powerful, so well-delivered, so full of passion, is incredibly important to the campaign. I think the main reason why is that Michelle and Barack have made it clear how strong their marriage is and how much of a partnership they have. We can only assume that will continue into the White House. How great is it that Obama's partner is so savvy and intelligent? Wouldn't you want your president bouncing ideas off her at night after the kids go to sleep? If we're electing a First Family, the Obama's are the clear winners.
HuffPo has the text of Michelle Obama's
speech
Here
Kim
BlogHer Contributing Editor|Professor Kim|
Michele Obama
Thanks for sharing
Michelle O.
I thought she was spot on. I wouldn't change a thing about her speech or the way she delivered it. I could do lunch with that woman.
Re her wardrobe, we all act like we hate it when The Media reports on what she's wearing but you know we are interested. I love that she wears clothes I might actually buy and wear.
flawless
Michelle was outstanding! Smart writing, stellar delivery, and absolutely validated Barack as a man to be respected and their family as the embodiment of America's promises.
Also, just on a covention orchestration note, what a powerful piece--working Obama's visit to a family into the ending of her speech with their children talking to him to let us feel that all families could come together under his presidency. I know that is the type of wonderful concept that advisors can script in concept only for it can fall flat, but the genuine affection of the family came through and it was perfect.
Deb
www.debontherocks.com
blog
www.3smartgirlz.com
consulting
PBS .mp3 of Michelle Obama's speech
Here
Kim
BlogHer Contributing Editor|Professor Kim|
Incredible family
I admit it. I was drenched in tears throughout Michelle's speech. Beautiful. I am in love with the Obama family, their values, their service, their volunteerism, and their true patriotism to this country.
Thank you for coming to my city and showing the world just how needed Barack Obama really is. I will be at Barack's speech on Thursday. I can't wait!
- Sarah Porter
Imaginary Binky
Kids on the microphone!
The kids were SO awesome on the microphone. What a great moment!
-----------------
Liz Henry
lizzard@bookmaniac.net
Contributing Editor, World and Latin America
As A Mom of Teen About To Vote for the First
Time
Listening to Michelle Obama tonight was something I will never forget. Like so many others, I am so inspired by her words. Most of all as a mom I am EXCITED about what this campaign means to our kids. More of our youth feel a part of this political process than any recent election I can recall. My daughter turns 18 in a month and she'll be voting for the first time during this historic election. Michelle Obama inspires so many women and especially mothers like me who strongly believe we have a job to do to ensure we're raising concerned, inspired and informed citizens who understand the power of community and how it is absolutely possible for them to make a difference and to shape the world according to their passions, beliefs and convictions!
Sharon
www.newurbanmom.com
How awesome
that your daughter is voting for the first time in this historic election!