Herald News Election Blog

Hillary's moment arrives

DENVER--Chelsea Clinton just introduced Hillary. The Pepsi center is a sea of "Hillary" signs and "unity" signs.

"Barack Obama is my candidate," Clinton just said.

We'll post reactions soon.

--Heather Appel

McCain signs expand the color palette

DENVER--Delegates are now waving red signs that say McCain, more of the same. They're driving the point home before Hillary takes the stage.

The Montana governor has the crowd revved up.
-Heather Appel

Spotted on the way to the Pepsi Center

"If you don't think Barack needs you, I am going to need you"

DENVER -- Michelle Obama appealed to supporters of EMILY's List at its gala fundraiser at the Sheraton Hotel this afternoon. Obama, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Hillary Clinton were the featured speakers. Pelosi urged the crowd to back more women and pro-choice candidates. Clinton invoked the anniversary of women's suffrage, which is today, and urged women to join forces to send Obama and Biden to the White House.
-Heather Appel

Sasha and Malia Obama take the stage

DENVER -- I didn't comment on this last night because I imagined it would get a lot of play on the networks, but I've talked to a few people who were watching at home and missed Sasha and Malia's moment on stage. At the end of Michelle Obama's speech, the couple's daughters took the stage as Sen. Barack Obama spoke to the crowd via satellite feed.

Here's the Huffington Posts's version of that candid moment:

Barack joined the crowd via satellite after she was finished and praised his wife. Obama's daughters were thrilled to see him, and frequently, and adorably, interrupted their father with shrieks of "Hi Daddy!". Obama also mentioned two different cities for his location, first saying "Hello from Kansas City," and then saying he watched the speech with a family in St. Louis. One of Obama's daughters corrected him, asking, "What city are you in, Daddy?"

All in all, Michelle's speech and the video package that introduced her emphasized her commitment to serving the community and her strong family ties. She was painted as a loving sister, daughter, wife and mother, and also a high-achieving attorney and non-profit executive. 

I'll post reactions to Michelle's speech and the girls' appearance later today.

-Heather Appel

Ted Kennedy fires up the crowd

 

Sen. Edward Kennedy, who was not even confirmed to attend, delivered an empassioned speech before cheering crowds. Convention staff handed out blue and white "Kennedy" signs to every person in the arena before he was introduced by John F. Kennedy's daughter, Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg.

Note: This post has been corrected. Thank you to the reader who alerted me to the error.

Biden mania

Vice presidential candidate Sen. Joe Biden creates a media frenzy in the stands. He was chatting with Howard Dean.
--Heather Appel

The DNC begins

DENVER--The Pepsi center is filling up, but no sign of the NJ delegates yet...
-Heather Appel

The Boss and Bon Jovi to Perform at Invesco Field

DENVER -- The Rocky Mountain News reports that New Jersey icons Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen are scheduled to perform Thursday night as Sen. Barack Obama gives his acceptance speech.
In the meantime, New Jersey democrats are waiting to see if Sen. Bob Menendez will be added to the list of speakers.

Paterson Mayor Joey Torres said he thought a speaking slot for Menendez would go a long way in galvanizing the Latino vote.

--Heather

What the Devil does Paris Hilton have to do with Obama?

That was Sen. Frank Lautenberg's question this morning when he addressed the New Jersey delegates at a breakfast meeting. The senator vowed to to stand up against character assassinations of Barack Obama.

"No Swiftboat this time," said Lautenberg, referring to the smear campaign against  presidential candidate John Kerry four years ago. "Paris Hilton -- what the devil has that got to do with Barack Obama?"

-Heather Appel