Delegate Dispatch: Michelle Obama and Ted Kennedy Hit Home Runs

Tue, August 26, 2008 - 1:04 PM

Last night's opening session of the convention set quite a tone for the rest of the week. The two highlights were the primetime speeches of Senator Ted Kennedy and Michelle Obama. Caroline Kennedy introduced a video tribute to her "Uncle Teddy" and when the lights came up, Senator Kennedy brought the house down as he emerged on the podium. For someone fighting brain cancer, he showed a strength and resolve that have marked his career in the United States Senate. There were not many dry eyes in the Pepsi Center when he promised to be present on the floor of the Senate next January. As Senator Kennedy and his family left the stage, the energy level in the building reached a fever pitch.

A short while later, Michelle Obama was introduced to the delegates (and the nation) first in a video narrated by her mother and then in a speech by her brother Craig Robinson, the head basketball coach at Oregon State. Michelle Obama then emerged in front of a sea of delegates who were all holding "MICHELLE" signs handed out by volunteers. Her life story and her speech were inspirational. I was particularly touched by how she described the sacrifices that her parents made to ensure a better future for her brother and her. Her speech echoed the themes of family and unity and made me think of everything my parents have sacrificed for my brother and me. She did an excellent job of reaching out to Hillary Clinton supporters and making the case for Barack Obama to be President.

Following the speech, her daughters Malia and Sasha joined her on stage. I was touched again as I thought about my two daughters back in North Carolina and how, like the Obamas, the first thing my wife and I think about in the morning and the last thing we think about at night is our family and what we can do to make sure our daughters' futures are secure. My take away from last night was that Michelle and Barack Obama face the same issues that we as parents face every day.

For anyone worried about the location of the North Carolina delegation, our view is great from Section 130 and we are in good company. The New Jersey delegation is just in front of us and our two large delegations are enjoying getting to know each other. Last night, Senator Joe Biden sat in a box behind us and drew great applause when he entered the floor. Members of the Kennedy family, including Maria Shriver, also sat behind us. Governor Mike Easley and First Lady Mary Easley joined us last night and drew plenty of television cameras and reporters our way.

Tonight is another big night. I fully expect Hillary Clinton to hit her own home run tonight and stress party unity. I am looking forward to her speech and seeing the delegates acknowledge her accomplishments in this campaign. So long for now. It's time to head back downtown.

-- R. Bruce Thompson, II

R. Bruce Thompson, II, is an attorney in Raleigh, N.C.