Geraldine_Thompson's Blog

As Americans, we have the luxury of expressing different points of view which we would not be allowed to do in a totalitarian government.  My comments during my attendance at the Democratic National Convention are offered as my perspective on political events in America today.  Others may disagree , which is the right of Americans.  My comments will be focused on issues and the message rather than the messenger and what an individual might wear or how they might look.  The message is focused on the millions of Americans who are struggling to get by.  The policies of the last eight years have left the American economy out of balance.  Barack Obama believes that we must strengthen our weak middle class in order to have a strong America. 

Tuesday's Convention program will feature the voices of Americans who share Barack's concerns and strongly support his detailed economic plan to grow the economy, create jobs, restore fairness and expand opportunity.  Today's agenda began with a Democratic Caucus meeting during  an 8:00 a.m. breakfast.  Chairwoman Karen Thurman spoke of opportunities to pick up additional Democratic seats in the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate.  She reported that 283,000 new Democrats have registered to vote in Florida since January.  Many of these new voters are former Republicans and Independents.  Many are young people who are participating in the democratic process for the first time.  Karen Thurman urged Democrats to prepare for redistricting in 2010 to insure a fair process. 

Other speakers during the morning caucus included Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink who asked that Democrats work to send her more help in Tallahassee.  Senator Bill Nelson, who began his career in public service 36 years ago as a state legislator, reported on his conversation with Senator Joe Biden who is Senator Barack Obama's Vice Presidential running mate.  Senator Bill Nelson said Joe Biden realizes the importance of Florida in the upcoming election.  Therefore, Senator Biden expects to spend quite a bit of time in Florida.  Senator Biden, as well, is preparing for Vice Presidential candidate debates.  Other high ranking Democrats in attendance included former Senator Bob Graham, and Congressmen Kendrick Meek and Bob Wexler.  Former Cabinet member Bruce Smathers joined others at the breakfast. 

Senator Hillary Clinton will be the headline prime time speaker later today and former Virginia Governor Mark Warner will deliver the keynote address.  Florida convention attendees will join New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania for a reception after the Convention adjourns tonight.  Due to a two hour time difference, the reception is scheduled to end at 1:00 a.m which means it will be 3:00 a.m. in Florida.  I'll bring you up to date to Tuesday's schedule on Wednesday.