**UPDATE** Monday, August 25, 2008 11:30 AM EST
As many of you have probably seen by now Michelle Obama just
delivered her speech as the first keynote speaker of the DNC. After an
emotional day for the Democratic Party, featuring a tribute to former
President and present humanitarian Jimmy Carter, and a courageous
appearance from Democratic royalty Ted, Kennedy, it was left up to
Michelle Obama to deliver the goods.
Consensus and prognosticators seem to agree that she nailed it. She
touched on all the issues that we prescribed above; drawing on those
feeligns of family, and commonality and patriotism, but without making
Barack seem like some schmuck husband.
She drew on her personal history and stories of her childhood and a
father with multiple schlerosis not depending on help but forging ahead
with rugged self determination. She spoke on the strength of her
mother in holding the family down, and the presence of her older
brother as a positive male role model in her life, two things which
normalized her experience not as solely Black, but American and
relatable to all. In that frame we have a mission accomplished.
She gave obligatory kudos to Senator Clinton and used her own
identity as both Black and female, referencing both the 88th
anniversary of Women’s Suffrage, and the 45th anniversary of the March
on Washington to evoke visions of an America where anything is
possible. This both brought people in emotionally and placated the
still disgruntled Clinton supporters. Mission accomplished.
The cherry on top came with the afterparty. The Obama children in
particular the precocious Sasha really brought home the idea of family
and the genuine love and affection that is readily apparentis not
something that could be faked. This love is self evident and i think
it went a long way towards humanizing Barack Obama without limiting him
as a man, or reducing his stature as a potential head of state.
In a nutshell, Barack trusted his most prized treasure and secret
weapon with the task of softening up America to his image. He chose his
partner with his political destiny. She, with three generations of her
family in tow delivered in spades. Full of emotion and absent of
rhetoric she made the connection. The ball is in Barack’s court now.*********************************************************************UPDATE**
Much has been made about celebrities injecting their opinions and
star power into the general political conversation. Some sectors
wonder aloud whether or not they should be there and what exactly
qualify celebrities to even speak on world affairs with little more
than their own fame to qualify them. Alfre Woodard would tend to
disagree:
*********************************************************************UPDATE**
High gas prices and increasing travel costs have combined with other
issues to limit the number of protesters. While expecting thousands of
protesters, the Denver Police Department has numbered the protesters to
around 1000.
The loud minority spoke on many issues including the war in Iraq,
the crumbling economy, and human rights issues. They are comprised of
college students, high school activists, and veterans among others.
Perhaps the tremendous police presence has discouraged protesters from
getting rowdy.
According to the Mayor of Denver, John Hickenlooper, the city spent
roughly $50,000,000 in logistical and security measures to prepare for
its first political convention in 100 years. At the time of this report
only 4 protesters have been arrested for minor disturbing the peace
transgressions.
The theme of the protestors in general has been “Recreate ’68” a
reference to the Democratic Convention of 40 years ago. The police
would like to prevent incidents such as the political upheavel, riots,
and assassination or anything even close to that which occured that
same year. They have adopted a zero tolerance policy and the Secret
Service, as well as many intelligence entities such as NORAD, will be
monitoring live video feeds.
As of yet there hasn’t been any violence from either side.
********************************************************** AllHipHop At The DNC. Monday, August 25, 2008 3:00 EST
AllHipHop will be bringing you color live from the Democratic National Convention here in Denver, Colorado. Throughout the week we will update you on happenings, events, and the general tone of the convention. As we journey through the next stage of developments towards this historic Election 2008, hopefully we can inform you and give you a different perspective and shed some light on things you didn’t know.
As the convention begins tonight, all eyes will be on Michelle Obama who is the headline speaker. Her place in these events is of the utmost importance, as she is the first representative of Team Obama and will set the tone as how both she and her husband are viewed by America.
Mrs. Obama is no stranger to the campaign trail and has been an active participant thus far, providing a far different approach than Barack’s stadium filling speeches. Michelle conversely has followed his performances with a far more intimate delivery, appearing in front of prospective voters in small towns and on smaller settings. These appearances have given Michelle the nickname “The Closer,” as more often than not, those who hear her message generally change from the straddler to the converted.
Tonight’s program however, will have a decidedly different tone. Her job will be to reintroduce herself as a wife and a mother; two roles that resonate with most Americans, and stands to soften the undercurrent of sentiment that she is aggressive and stand-offish.
Mrs. Obama will stand in front of 50,000 people tonight to combat the idea that Barack is high-brow, erudite, and out of touch with Middle America, despite both of their back stories speaking to the contrary. Michelle herself was raised in a one bedroom apartment above her aunts home with both her parents and her brother. This is the first and best chance to share her experiences and create that connection.
Family and the image of the common man will be prevalent in her speech. As a wife of 15 years and a mother of two children, Michelle has often been cast in black media as a superwoman. Tonight, projecting the image of everywoman will be key in helping her husband overcome the feeling that he can’t relate to the lives of the average American. Despite Michelle’s appearance on The View, and on the covers on the covers of many magazines, the Obamas haven’t quite driven home that connection. Perhaps tonight’s speech and the selection of Delaware Senator Joe Biden as a running mate will put the proverbial cherry on top.
******************************************************************
