Notes from the DNC: Day 5

Words and Photos by F LoBuono

Last night, the Democrats took names and kicked ass!

Like a professional boxing card, the preliminary performers were little known and did their best to entertain the crowd with mixed results (Gaby Gifford's appearance being a notable exception). However, when the marquee names showed up the knockouts came fast and furious! Pow! Boom! Bash! One after the other delivered devastating blows to their opponent - the GOP.

Starting with Vice President Joe Biden and continuing through the late evening and into the night, they all spoke with honesty and passion. Biden, like a former champion fighting his last bout before retirement, gave his all and did not disappoint. Entering to a thunderous chorus of Joe! Joe! Joe!, he, as he always does, spoke from the heart - with deep feeling and integrity. He began the dismantling of the myth that the GOP nominee, Donald Trump, has created for himself. He called out Mr. Trump using the term malarkey to describe Trump's platform and policies. And, the crowd roared!

Former New York City mayor, Michael Bloomberg continued the assault saying, "I'm a New Yorker, and I know a con when I see one" while referring to Mr. Trump. He then preceded to further dismantle Trump by explaining that as a self-made billionaire businessman, in his expert opinion, if Trump ran the Country the way he ran his businesses, we would be in for SERIOUS trouble. Mr. Bloomberg further claimed that, as an Independent, he had no political ax to grind. His only concern was that the Country be run by the right person - and, that person ain't Mr. Trump. Again, also speaking with tremendous confidence and conviction, his words resonated with the huge crowd.

VP nominee, Tim Kaine, spoke to the Convention for the first time. Although not as passionate or intriguing as Messrs. Biden and Bloomberg, he presented himself as warm and compassionate - traits he pointed out that seem to be lacking in his GOP rivals. Highlighting the Democrats drive for diversity, he even delivered some of his speech in fluent Spanish.

The evenings final and featured performer, President Barack Obama, finished off the night by delivering the last and, perhaps, most ravaging blows. With the grace and self-confidence that have become his trademarks, President Obama used those traits to win the crowd immediately. Any division that might have existed in his party previously soon disappeared. He spoke of his own experiences as a candidate and then as President to explain why Donald Trump is so wrong for America and how Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton, is so right.  While acknowledging his own mistakes, he admitted that Ms. Clinton has made her share, too. But, he went on to explain that hers were made in the crucible of the political arena for ALL the world to see. And, despite the sometimes bitter criticism, she has soldiered on with the tenacity of a REAL leader. He said that it is easy to criticize far away from the glare of the political spotlight. But, those with the guts to take it are worthy of our respect, as is Ms. Clinton. He also laid out the Democratic vision for America, which lies in strong contrast to that of the GOP. Where Democrats approach things with compassion and look to create a more inclusive society, the GOP under Mr. Trump sells it version of Fear and Loathing.

The night was completed when the President brought out Ms. Clinton to greet the crowd - and, the reaction was as enthusiastic as I have ever seen at any of the four Conventions I have covered. In a word, they went BALLASTIC! They cheered wildly for what was a few minutes but felt much longer. I thought that the rafters of the arena just might fall. As I mentioned, what had been a somewhat contentious affair, it was now all about love and togetherness. The Democrats had been united. And, it was most impressive to witness firsthand.

On a personal note, despite being exhausted from working too many hours to count and having been there, done that, I must say how energizing the whole affair was. Of course, like the GOP, the Democrats have been long on rhetoric and short on actual solutions. Still, in contrast to the GOP, this convention has been one of positive energy. One could not help but feel the difference. I know that all the reporters, from all over the world, that I have been working with felt it, too. Once again, it was a privilege to witness history.

I am a fortunate man.

More later.

Ciao for now.