Time to unite

Clock, Farmers' Market, Ferry Building, Embarcadero, San Francisco.

"No way, no how, no McCain!" Thank you, Hillary, for an impassioned speech. On Tuesday Sen. Clinton reminded die-hard supporters that what's more important than personal feelings is fighting for what's best for our country. "I ran to stand up for all those who have been invisible to their government for eight long years. Those are the reasons I ran for president. Those are the reasons I support Barack Obama. And those are the reasons you should too," she said.

"John McCain says the economy is fundamentally sound. John McCain doesn't think that 47 million people without health insurance is a crisis. John McCain wants to privatise social security. And in 2008, he still thinks it is okay when women don't earn equal pay for equal work," she reminded delegates.

On Wednesday, Hillary Clinton formally nominated Barack Obama. "With eyes firmly fixed on the future, in the spirit of unity, with the goal of victory, with faith in our party and our country, let’s declare together, in one voice, right here, right now, that Barack Obama is our candidate and he will be our President. Madame Secretary, I move that the convention suspend the procedural rules and suspend the further conduct of the roll cal vote — all votes cast by the delegates will be counted — and I move Senator Barack Obama of Illinois be elected by this convention by acclamation as the nominee of the Democtaric party for President of the United States.”

I stayed up until 3:45 this morning to watch Bill Clinton address the convention and was not disappointed. His spirited speech - preceded by a five-minute standing ovation - reminded me of the Bill Clinton I know and admire. "People the world over have always been more impressed by the power of our example than by the example of our power," he said. "Look at the example the Republicans have set. In this decade, American workers have consistently given us rising productivity. That means, year after year, they work harder and produce more.

"Now, what did they get in return? Declining wages, less than one-fourth as many new jobs as in the previous eight years, smaller health care and pension benefits, rising poverty and the biggest increase in income inequality since the 1920s. American families by the millions are struggling with soaring health care costs and declining coverage," Clinton said.

"They (Republicans) took us from record surpluses to an exploding debt; from over 22 million new jobs to just 5 million; from increasing working families’ incomes to nearly $7,500 a year to a decline of more than $2,000 a year; from almost 8 million Americans lifted out of poverty to more than 5.5 million driven into poverty and millions more losing their health insurance.

"Now, in spite of all this evidence, their candidate is actually promising more of the same. Think about it: more tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans that will swell the deficit, increase inequality, and weaken the economy; more Band-Aids for health care that will enrich insurance companies, impoverish families and increase the number of uninsured; more going it alone in the world, instead of building the shared responsibilities and shared opportunities necessary to advance our security and restore our influence.

"They actually want us to reward them for the last eight years by giving them four more!" Cinton said.

Kerry and Biden remind voters of key issues

John Kerry made an absolutely brilliant speech, contrasting McCain's constantly-changing positions to Obama's measured choices. He talked about why Americans can't afford four more years of Republican bad decisions and failed policies. Read the transcript here.

Vice-presidential nominee Sen. Joe Biden also made a powerful speech. Biden spoke of the need for change; of a government that addresses the needs of all its citizens, rather than favouring the privileged few. He said he's "never seen a time when Washington has seen so many people knocked down and not helped them get back up."

And on Tuesday, Sen. Bob Casey reminded convention delegates that “John McCain calls himself a maverick, but he votes with George Bush 95% of the time. That’s not a maverick. That’s a sidekick.”

“The Bush-McCain Republicans inherited the strongest economy in history and drove it into a ditch. They cut taxes on the wealthiest of us and passed the pain to the least of us. They ran up the debt gave huge subsidies to oil companies and now they’re asking for four more years? How about four more months,” Casey said.

Only 68 days until the election. We've already seen John McCain embrace Rovian-style politics. Sadly, rather than talk about the problems facing our country, he appears prepared to do and say anything - even if untrue - to try to cast doubt about his opponent. What I doubt is McCain's ability to lead; he can't even keep his facts straight and needs geography lessons. Further, it's alarming how in this campaign he's reversed his positions on nearly every issue that as a senator he endorsed - including an immigration bill he wrote!

Let's get busy. We've got the important work of winning an election!

Comments

[deirdre]

I was away during the convention and missed all the speeches except the last few minutes of Obama's. And that few minutes was wonderful. I'll have to find them online.

[amber]

I really thought her speech was awesome. Classy, strong, gracious. After, when pundits on both Cnn and Fox were saying that it wasn't really good enough because she didn't give enough of a "personal endorsement" of him as a man-- that just chapped my ass!! I mean, how insluting would that have been to people? Like we don't all know that bitter feelings exist between them? We all think they are just best buds now? Please. We don't need to hear that-- I mean, more play acting and lies? Wasn't Edwards enough? She did what she needed to do, and I think she did it very well.

I really can't wait for this to be over. I don't think I can take much more. lol!

:)

[Jeanne Rhea]

I was not a big fan of Hillary Clinton as a possible president, but I must say that she is a class act. If she had not made the speech she did, I am afraid that we would not stand a chance of getting Obama elected. But now, just maybe. If it does not happen this time, I wonder if it ever will.

[Sandra Evertson]

All I can say is Amen to that!
And Loved your Fabulous video on your Window displays! And a Big Congrats to your daughter on Teen Vogue, that's just so cool! It takes me some time when I visit, because I have to catch up a bit! :)
Sandra Evertson

[Gillian]

Oh man I loved that speech!!! I was hooting and hollering for Hillary! What a powerful speech she delivered there...I said to Julian "Now why didn't she talk like that when she was campaigning??????"
I am still a Hillary fan. Yes, she has ticked you off but you have to admit Tuesday night she shone.

Now what kind of world do we live in where there have been plots to kill Obama? Did you hear of this? WTF?

I sincerely hope (as a Canadian, even!) that the Dems get this. We (the U.S, Canada, and the rest of the world) don't need another 4 years of Republican mania.

[Rethabile]

Time to unite? Absolutely. And it's either now, or never.

[Tammy]

Hi Tara, I'm slowly creeping back. ;) I thought Hilary was excellent and I liked Bill's "example of power" comment. I'm hoping for some "how's" from Barack tonight. To unite we need more than promises and how bad McCain is. We got that down pat, but people like Dave needs more substance in these speeches. Dave does not want McCain but isn't sold on Barack yet. I'm working on him and he is a democrate (not a HRC fan).

I've been enjoying stalking your blog. lol Miss ya lady!

[tangobaby]

Great post and recap for us...let's hope that this momentum continues and reaches those who are still undecided. We can preach to the choir but it's those people who are still unsure are the ones we hope will see the light now.

I'm so glad that the Clintons came together and brought some much needed unity and direction to the DNC...go OBAMA!

[Philip]

Tara hi, I always look at your photos and texts and enjoy them a lot. I need some time to load some of your so beautiful shots. Best regards, Philip

[JanePoet]

Thanks for this post; on holiday we haven't been keeping up and have missed most of the convention coverage. It was great reading your article and the quotes from both Clintons (I'm so pleased they have risen to the challenge of their party and have chosen to do the right thing--with grace and dignity). I also enjoyed reading Kerry's speech.

I am praying that the November brings us an Obama/Biden presidency. Our country needs a course correction.

Peace & love,
JP/deb

[Rosa]

I enjoyed last night's lineup. Bill has always been the best speaker, clear and concise. Biden's speech was a tear jerker but he also got the point across. Looking forward to tonight! Cheers!

[LiLi M.]

Pffhew I had a lot to catch up here after my little trip. Please go on telling people not to vote for McCain! I told you before I love the combination of politics and intellectual issues and sheer beauty here. Love the pictures of China please tell that to the photographer and as always I loved all your pictures. I'm planning a trip to California next year. I cannot wait when I see your pictures. I think I stand alone when I say that I think the smell of french cheese always makes my mouth waters. Just thinking of that picture you have in one of your posts actually does! Have a nice day!

[Christina]

My family and I watched and wow was it exciting! Exciting to know the ball is officially rolling! My kids were over the moon! I'm thrilled to share this time with them. They are already So ready to vote. : )