As I sit here watching representatives of each of the Democratic presidential candidates speak at the California Democratic Convention, I feel like I am seeing a microcosm of what will occur at the Democratic National Convention in Denver in August.
10:30 AM
Kamala Harris spoke on behalf of Obama. Obviously she was her usual marvelous self and delivered an inspired speech whose best line was, "We need a president who is more than just an improvement on the current president." And, though she was interrupted several times by chants of "O-BA-MA!" and "Yes We Can!", the Hillary supporters were very respectful. They did, however, make their presence known by gathering about 80-100 sign-carriers to the left of the stage where they sat silently and not clapping even at unassailable gems like, "we need universal healthcare."
I do not have that kind of resolve. I'll clap and "whoot!" loudly for anything.
When the speech was over, the throng of a hundred or so Obama supporters who were in the front of the stage made their exit by going to the left where the Hillary supporters were and stoically walked through the narrow passage between the Hillraisers and the seated delegates. Then they gathered just to the right of the Hillary folks.
You know that scene from Michael Jackson's "Beat It" video where Michael Jackson walks up real close to the other gang leader and they just stare at each other and walk in a circle? That's kind of what is going on here. Only the fight never comes. One person will be standing holding a Hillary sign and someone with an Obama sign will walk over, stand in front of the Hillary supporter and hold up an Obama sign. Or vice-versa.
I've seen middle school girls with more balls and sense. As if they are going to change anyone's mind by having a little sign-war. I say: Either throw a punch or gather with like-minded Kool-Aid drinkers and cheer respectfully.
11:30 AM
Bill Clinton spoke on behalf of Hillary. For, like, ever. I love me some Bill Clinton, but we were all hungover and ready to vote and and leave. He talked about the war, the mortgage crisis, No Child Left Behind, access to a college education, and the budget. My favorite part was when he compared Iraqi government to a person whose house had burned down and asked to crash at our house. For five years. Time to get that mooch of a houseguest off the couch, says him.
My completely unscientific poll of sign-holders put the the supporters at a pretty even split between Hillary and Obama.
And it made for some pretty lame fights.
--Melissa
I'm thrilled that I'm not the only one who found President Clinton's speech to be long-winded. It was good, and at times, witty, but it was just so long, especially when most of the crowd was waiting for the endorsement segment to decide Leno v. Migden. I was disappointed by the CDP not choosing to endorse Leno, was absolutely thrilled with them revoking their endorsement from Migden. Taking it to the floor was one of the smartest moves Leno has made. But, anyway, Clinton was not on in top form today. The best speakers for the whole weekend, IMHO, were Mayor Newsom and District Attorney Harris, who were inspiring.
Posted by: Nicole | March 30, 2008 at 18:03
Melissa, it was so great to meet you and Spots yesterday (sorry we never made it up to the private bar)! Here's the adorable photo:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rpnorton/2376039068/
Posted by: Rachel Norton | March 30, 2008 at 18:47
Remember Bill's speech in 1988? When he went on and on and on and drew the biggest applause at "in conclusion..."?
I watched the drama online. Bill's speech was a bit long. The vote on the Migden/Leno fisticuffs, however, was really something.
Posted by: Greg | March 30, 2008 at 19:49
Glad that Bill showed up ... he is, in my opinion, the only reason Hillary still acts like she has a chance in hell of winning the Democratic Party's nomination. Bill Clinton is a money machine, and of course the superdelegates, many of whom are politicians, do not want to screw themselves over in regards to a Bill Clinton fundraiser in the future. Ahh ... selfishness and cowardice appear once again in the Democratic Party.
Oh well ... hopefully, Barack can still bludgeon McCain in November's vote.
Posted by: Jamie | March 30, 2008 at 23:56