Day One Democratic National Convention

Monday August 25, 2008
11 p.m.

As I watch the festivities of today's opening session of the Democratic National Convention I reflected on the excitement I felt four years ago, Tuesday July 27, 2004 when I sat in that arena in Boston thrilled by the speeches that led up to the first nationwide speech by Barack Obama. And now, four years later as he stands on the verge of a historic nomination, tonight I have watched a moving tribute to Obama, his wife, his family, and his vision for this country.

It's no secret that I have supported Obama since June 2007. I saw the possibility of his victory last year, just as I had seen that same possibility when our own Governor Deval Patrick decided to run for the highest office in our state in January 2005. And now to see what has happened - Governor Patrick becoming the first African American leader of our state--and what will soon happen--Obama marching forward to the White House--my hope remains anchored in faith, possibilities, and outrageously courageous leaders who have a vision for a promising future.

Of note this afternoon and evening at the Democratic National Convention:

Margie Perez sharing her personal story of survival and courage as a Hurricane Katrina survivor.
The video vignette of Habitat for Humanity featuring the work of President Jimmy Carter.
President and Mrs. Carter were recognized for their years of service to America and beyond.

Maya Soetoro-Ng, half sister of Barack Obama recognizing the strength in character of her older brother.

The soul stirring comments of Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, who paid tribute to both her uncle, Ted Kennedy and Barack Obama.

I cheered with applause when Senator Kennedy not only walked with purpose on the stage but delivered a message of hope and promise for Barack Obama. Cancer could not keep him from the convention stage tonight. His speech echoed "The dream lives on" as he promised to continue with his service in the Senate when Obama is inaugurated in January 2009. The speech brought tears to many in the audience...and to me, too.

MICHELLE OBAMA removed ALL DOUBT and hit a home run with her moving and soul-stirring speech. What a moment. What an important speech. What a way to finally show the American public who she is really is...a loving, caring, wife and mother who deeply loves her country and supports her husband in his quest for the White House. She artfully tied in the love she has had for Barack through the years with the 19 month journey she has been on during the campaign trail.

Her brother proudly introduce her as his little sister.

Her mother, Marian, glowed with every word Michelle uttered.

Michelle referenced the anniversary of women's right to vote and Martin Luther King's 45th anniversary of his I Have A Dream Speech. She paid tribute to the contributions of both Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden.

And to close her winning message, Sasha and Malia, the Obama children joined their mother on stage and chatted easily with their dad via satellite as he had watched her speech in the living room of a Kansas City, Missouri family.

What a great way to begin the Democratic journey. No doubt the nuts and bolts of the issues will be in full play on Day Two of the convention.

Doesn't matter. This night will be remembered for Ted Kennedy's resilience and Michelle Obama's grace and dignity.