Delegate Dispatch: Roll Call of a Lifetime

Wed, August 27, 2008 - 6:06 PM

As far back as I can remember, one of my favorite things was when my parents let me stay up late to watch the Roll Call of the States during political conventions. I guess that explains why I jumped at the chance to blog for Media General.

The Illinois Delegation was just recognized by the Secretary of the Convention to cast what I anticipated would be the deciding votes in the Roll Call of The States. However, in a beautifully scripted play, Illinois yielded to New York as Senator Hillary Clinton walked out onto the convention floor. Hillary stepped to the microphone in the middle of the New York delegation. She moved "in the spirit of unity" that the rules be suspended and Barack Obama be nominated by acclamation.

The crowd went nuts as Speaker Pelosi called for a vote on the motion which passed and kicked off a celebration among all of the delegates in the hall.

This was a great way to remind everyone here and at home that we are a united party and a united people. I will never forget being here for the most significant Roll Call of my lifetime.

-- R. Bruce Thompson, II

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