Notes from the DNC: Day 3

Words and photos by F LoBuono

The first observable difference between the delegates at the DNC and the RNC that becomes immediately apparent is in their age and ethnic backgrounds . As I have written previously, the people at the RNC tend to be older and "white". True diversity is hard to find. The DNC, in my opinion, looks much more like "my" America. There are folk from a variety of ages and ethnicities. Even the music played reflects that. The RNC had its "rockin'" moments but it's nothing like the "party" the DNC indulges in. The delineation is clearly marked.

Still, the start of the DNC was FAR from auspicious! In fact, it bored me to tears. Speaker after speaker, most of them unknown except to DNC insiders, droned on with the company line (as did those at the RNC) - "we are the party of love, fairness, and diversity" and blah, blah, blah. Also, if they hauled out one more Latino speaker, I thought that would hurl! I understand the importance of their voting block, but there ARE other ethnicities in this Country.

And, the strong divisions within the Party were also readily apparent. Those delegates still supporting Bernie Sanders certainly made their feelings known! Boos and hisses were heard at the mention of the presumptive nominee, Hillary Clinton. Occasional choruses of "Bernie, Bernie" could be heard over the speakers. It had to be disconcerting to the Party faithful.

However, as the evening wore on, the speakers become more passionate and the HUGE (much larger than the one at the RNC) crowd responded in kind. As soon as Paul Simon sang his seminal tune, "Bridge Over Troubled Water" the entire mood inside the Wells Fargo Center changed. It was as if the music lifted them to another level of consciousness. As the song suggests, it was a healing moment. You could feel them start to come together.

Democratic heavyweights like Cory Booker simply wowed the crowd! He spoke with courage, conviction, and vitality. In fact, he was downright Presidential. The buzz among the crowd was that he will be next in line to run for that exalted office. I agree. Elizabeth Warren was more subdued but also effective. But, perhaps, the person who created the most buzz was First Lady, Michelle Obama. She was beautiful in every sense of the word. Speaking with ENORMOUS self-confidence, she spoke from the heart. At one point, talking about her daughters and the fact that they had a true roll model in Hillary Clinton, she was near tears. She explained that, finally, young girls can truly believe that they, too, can be President! She was electrifying!

The keynote speaker was Bernie Sanders and he entered to thunderous applause. Chants of Bernie, Bernie, Bernie filled the arena! Looking rumpled, as he has from the beginning, he continued his progressive message of balancing income inequality, free education for ALL, ending racism and sexism, and creating a kinder, more gentle society. He also asked his followers to support Ms. Clinton as candidate, promising that she will do her best to implement his progressive agenda. That was greeted with a mixed reaction. However, I think that once his supporters let that sink in, they will gravitate to her. His strongest point was made by stating that the GOP nominee, Donald Trump, would be a disaster for this Country and, therefore, must be defeated at all costs.

The line has been drawn in the sand. Indeed.

The "party" continues today with more heavyweights like former President Bill Clinton scheduled to speak this evening.

More later.

Ciao for now.