Of white pantsuits and potent symbolism
By 3 o’clock on Monday afternoon, all the security checkpoints were behind me.
Now, inside the Pepsi Center for the very first time, I took my seat in the section reserved for the Maryland delegation and began to take in the scene that swirled around me.
The main stage appeared to glitter at times, and by some magic of technology every sight and sound coming from the podium seemed to burst forth larger-than-life -- surrounding us like so many stars in a high-tech planetarium.
The Maryland delegation was seated so high up that initially it felt as if we were little more than observers of the “real action” down on the floor where the delegation banners of such battleground states as Virginia, New Mexico, and Iowa seemed to surround Obama’s own Illinois delegation.
However, as the evening progressed and the parade of fantastic speakers unfolded, the hubbub of the “maddening crowd” enveloped us quickly and often.
My eyes settled on the image of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, one of the earliest speakers of the evening. As I took in her inspiring words about the historical significance of the convention, I was also struck by the elegance of her attire, a white Nehru-collared pantsuit that was just perfect for the woman and the moment.
The sight of Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter at the podium filled me with nostalgia.
It is not unusual for former presidents to go on to make phenomenal contributions to the social and political causes they champion after leaving office. But in my book of heroes, no former president has done a better of job of this than Jimmy Carter. I was happy to be in the same room as him.
Jessie Jackson, Jr. took the stage. He caused chills to run down my spine when he made reference to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. looking down on our assembly, being held “in the mile high city of Denver.” This is the first national political convention in history, the younger Jackson went on to assert, “that is being convened within sight of a mountaintop”. His potent symbolism was lost on no one.
In some corner of my mind I had wondered if six hours worth of speeches would eventually leave me with ebbing enthusiasm and engagement. Not to worry! The events of the evening were flying by. There were side conversations, new people to meet, old friends to chat with and an ever more compelling roster of speakers taking the podium at center stage.
I loved the testimonial to Ted Kennedy, and seeing him muster the strength needed for his moment. There was also Caroline Kennedy. Hours after my chance one-on-one elevator encounter with Caroline, I’m again one of the anonymous millions being warmed by her words as she graciously insists that Barack Obama deserves to be in the same company as her long-fallen, but never forgotten dad.
But then came THE moment of the evening. Placards bearing her name were quietly distributed. We all settled into our seats. Michele Obama was about to speak -- to us and to the world.
-- Cheryl Miller
Carmen Amedori, 52, is a resident of Westminster and was a state delegate representing Carroll County from 1998 to 2004, when she was appointed by then-Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. to serve on the Maryland Parole Commission. A native of Baltimore and graduate of Villa Julie College, Amedori worked as a paralegal and journalist while raising two daughters, before entering the world of politics. She was one of the few elected officials in Maryland who supported John McCain when he ran for president in 2000, and was an alternate delegate at that year's convention. Her backing has not wavered, and this year, Amedori is the Western Maryland regional director for McCain. She has also been cleared to be a surrogate — meaning she has the blessing to speak on McCain’s behalf when called upon.
Cheryl Miller, 55, and her husband, Michael, coordinate the Volunteers for Obama office in Anne Arundel County. She is an Annapolis resident and mother of two who runs a home-based event planning business. Despite studying political science at Lycoming College in Pennsylvania, Miller was not particularly involved in politics until this year. She was invited to a fund-raiser last fall, and soon found herself immersed in the Obama campaign, working phone banks and traveling to Ohio and Pennsylvania to door-knock. This will be her first convention.
Comments
I've never been so involved with an election campaign. It must be a great feeling of Nationalism to be a part of the DNC 2008.
All the great speakers are giving informed information (the truth) for voters. All in there own way.The media believe there's not enough "red meat". I feel the speakers are during an awesome job. Anti- Obama is expecting all the speakers to bash McCain. We don't need to bash McCain....we need to get Obama ( a Democrat) in the White House. The speakers are making it clear we're all in this together.
Thanks for sharing your experience at the DNC 2008.
Posted by: Caulette Collier | August 27, 2008 12:44 PM