Notes from the DNC: Day 4

Words and photos by F LoBuono

The difference in tenor between the two Conventions is readily apparent and STRIKING. The GOP Convention was all about FEAR and LOATHING. Speaker after speaker drove home their message of God, Guns, and Country using fear of crime, xenophobia, and paranoia as their central themes. Of course, their candidate, Donald Trump, was the puppet master playing on these fears. Certainly, there IS cause for concern. Not everything is right with the world or our Country. However, the GOP path to the solutions plays to the darker side of human emotion.

This is not so at the Democratic Convention. The mood, as reflected by the speakers AND delegates is much lighter in tone. And, more positive, too. It is not Make America Great Again, The Trump campaign's catch phrase. It's more America IS Great - Let's Make Her Better. It's not that the Democrats don't use self-serving rhetoric. They do. But, the tone of the Convention is much lighter and more positive. Yes, there has been acrimony between the supporters of the nominee, Hillary Clinton, and her closest challenger, Bernie Sanders. However, by and large, from what I have observed, it has been mostly a healthy debate. And, with every new speaker, the divide has been whittled down. The Party is gradually coming together in a powerful way to support Ms. Clinton. You can FEEL it. Plus, the energy level here in comparison to the GOP is MUCH higher. The crowds are larger and more enthusiastic in their appreciation of what is going on around them. Despite obvious differences in the delegates, the overall sentiment of the Convention is positive. Even the foreign correspondents that I have worked with at both Conventions have echoed these sentiments.

On a personal level, once again, as has been the case on a number of occasions in the past, I had the privilege of a front row seat to a history making event. By the end of the night, the Democrats had nominated the first woman for President in the 240 year history of this Nation. If you take a moment to think about it, that is just extraordinary: The 15th Amendment to the Constitution gave African-Americans the right to vote in 1869. It wasn't until the 19th Amendment in 1920, that women were granted the same rights!! So, in other words, former slaves were given that unaliable right a full 51 years before it was granted to women. I was also there for history when the first African-American, Barrack Obama, was nominated 8 years ago. The irony has not been lost on me that, in apparent "order", the nomination of a black man was followed by that of a woman. I am a fortunate man, indeed.

Former President Bill Clinton speaks immediately after his wife was nominated

So, again, you have clear evidence of the differences in our two main political parties. The GOP nominated another white billionaire as the person to represent and lead them. The Democrats have in successive cycles nominated a black man and, now, a woman.

The choice is as clear as the blue skies that dawned outside of my hotel room window this morning - and, it is yours to make.

Vote your conscience.

More later.

Ciao for now.