The Democratic National Convention -- Day 3

Last night we saw a couple of great speeches. There were many to watch, most of which were re-hases of previous speeches. The 2 stand outs from yesterday were Al Sharpton.....

In the most exciting moment of the speech Sharpton attacked the Bush Campaign for its attempts to purchase the votes of minorities with slick campaign ads:

"Mr. President, the reason we are fighting so hard, the reason we took Florida so seriously, is our right to vote wasn't gained because of our age," he told the Democratic National Convention, his voice booming through the FleetCenter arena. (Read transcript)

"Our vote was soaked in the blood of martyrs, soaked in the blood of good men, soaked in the blood of four little girls in Birmingham. This vote is sacred to us.

"This vote can't be bargained away. This vote can't be given away."

And of course, my favorite line....

"In all due respect, Mr. President, read my lips: Our vote is not for sale."

His reference to the elder Bush's famous "Read My Lips: No New Taxes" propaganda is genius as it is a reference to a father and son who both have broken their trust with the American people.

The second highlight of the evening came when future Vice-President John Edwards stepped up. He spoke with a raspy voice, no doubt as a result of so many speeches given in past couple of weeks. He accepted the nomination and he layed out the platform for transforming 2 Americas into 1 America.....

<>"... the truth is, we still live in two different Americas: one for people who have lived the American Dream and don’t have to worry, and another for most Americans who work hard and still struggle to make ends meet.

It doesn’t have to be that way. We can build one America"

He talked about Health Care....

<>"We can build one America where we no longer have two healthcare systems. One for people who get the best healthcare money can buy and then one for everybody else, rationed out by insurance companies, drug companies, and HMOs—millions of Americans who don’t have any health insurance at all.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

We have a plan that will offer everyone the same health care your Senator has. We can give tax breaks to help pay for your health care. And we will sign into law a real Patients’ Bill of Rights so you can make your own health care decisions."

He talked about education.....

<>"We shouldn't have two public school systems in this country: one for the most affluent communities, and one for everybody else.

None of us believe that the quality of a child’s education should be controlled by where they live or the affluence of their community.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

We can build one public school system that works for all our children. Our plan will reform our schools and raise our standards. We can give our schools the resources they need. We can provide incentives to put quality teachers in the places and the subjects where we need them the most. And we can ensure that three million kids with a safe place to go after school. This is what we can do together."

He talked about the economy.....

<>"We shouldn't have two different economies in America: one for people who are set for life, their kids and grandkids will be just fine, and then one for most Americans who live paycheck to paycheck.

And you know what I’m saying. You don’t need me to explain it to you, you know—you can’t save any money, can you? Takes every dime you make just to pay your bills, and you know what happens if something goes wrong—a child gets sick, somebody gets laid off, or there’s a financial problem, you go right off the cliff.

And what’s the first thing to go. Your dreams.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

We can strengthen and lift up your families. Your agenda is our agenda—so let me give you some specifics.

First, we can create good paying jobs in America again. Our plan will stop giving tax breaks to companies that outsource your jobs. Instead, we will give tax breaks to American companies that keep jobs here in America. And we will invest in the jobs of the future—in the technologies and innovation to ensure that America stays ahead of the competition.

We will do this because for us a job is about more than a paycheck—it’s about dignity and self respect. Hard work should be valued in this country and we’re going to reward work, not just wealth. "

He talked about civil rights....

"I have heard some discussions and debates about where, and in front of what audiences we should talk about race, equality, and civil rights. Well, I have an answer to that question. Everywhere."

He talked about the war to end terrorism....

"And we will have one clear unmistakable message for al Qaida and the rest of these terrorists. You cannot run. You cannot hide. And we will destroy you. "

HE SUMMED IT ALL UP.....

<>"So when you return home, you might pass a mother on her way to work the late-shift—you tell her……hope is on the way.

When your brother calls and says that he’s working all the time at the office and still can’t get ahead—you tell him……hope is on the way.

When your parents call and tell you their medical bills are through the roof—you tell them…...hope is on the way.

When your neighbor calls you and says that her daughter has worked hard and wants to go to college—you tell her……hope is on the way.

When you talk to your son or daughter who is serving this country and protecting our freedoms in Iraq—you tell them……hope is on the way."

AND THE CONCLUSION!

<>"We choose hope over despair; possibilities over problems, optimism over cynicism. We choose to do what’s right even when those around us say “You can’t do that.” We choose to be inspired because we know that we can do better—because this is America where everything is still possible.

What we believe—what John Kerry and I believe—is that you should never look down on anybody, that we should lift people up. We don't believe in tearing people apart. We believe in bringing people together. What we believe—what I believe—is that the family you're born into and the color of your skin in our America should never control your destiny.

Join us in this cause. Let’s make America stronger at home and respected in the world. Let’s ensure that once again, in our one America—our one America—tomorrow will always be better than today. "

John Edwards is awesome. He is a great leader for our country. He is a great American.

Tonight in the big night. Tonight John Kerry accepts the nomination and will start the journey towards becoming the President of the United States of America.