A Night to Remember

Dear Readers,

It's now 1:00 a.m. Denver time and I just finished packing and will head to bed in just one minute. I hope you will return even when the convention is over, because I plan to write about many of my experiences. I am just so tired, I can't write much tonight.

Being in Mile High Stadium tonight witnessing the historic election of the first African-American nominee by either major party was truly remarkable. The logistics of the event were awful (for us and for Denver), but it went off without a hitch.

Being on the field as he spoke only about 100 feet away from him was special. Everyone one of us in that place knew we were experiencing history together. I happened to be sitting directly next to the State Superintendent of Education from California, Jack O'Connell, behind former Governor Gray Davis and his wife and to the left of San Francisco Mayor, Gavin Newsome. It was a enough to make a guy feel pretty darn special...and super lucky.

We were moved to chills and yells nearly every minute it seemed. And in the end as the fireworks shot off and the music played in the background and confetti fell to the ground, those of us on the field just looked up into the stands at the thousands of people and looked at one other with hardly a word...we knew...the ground we stood on, the time we shared was historic and we would forever be connected by our shared experience--the acceptance of the nomination by the first black presidential candidate on the 45th anniversary of the "I Have A Dream" speech given by Martin Luther King. What a beautiful illustration of poetic irony (look it up, students :-).

Then it was just mahem. People took every momento that wasn't bolted to the ground. No one wanted to leave without some tangible souvenier to remind them of the moment they had shared with 75,000 of their new best friends. It was quite an experience.

I have more to tell...meeting Hillary (yes that was one of the coolest moments of my life), getting my picture taken with Civil Rights leader John Lewis who marched alonside Martin Luther King, and the family of friends I made with fellow delegates. I do hope you will come back to read even when the "hype" is through.

How about this picture of Hillary autographing my credentials?

FYI...I am going to be organizing a "town hall" meeting wherein those of you who are interested can see pictures, hear my stories, and ask questions. I'll post/send more details when I have them.

Thanks!
Erik

I am in awe...

I hope there are some people out there reading this blog and I hope there are those who can appreciate the significance of what just happened a few minutes ago as I write.

I watched as an arena full of people, even the media, were stuck in sheer surprise as Illinois passed (a huge surprise since everyone thought they would want to cast the votes that put Obama over the threshold needed to clinch the nomination). You could audibly hear the gasp as Illinois passed to New York, Hillary Clinton's home state. Within seconds it occured to most around that the state of NY, in a show of incredible unity, was going to cast the votes to take Obama over the top. But then, the cameras projected throughout the arena as Hillary Clinton walked up the the podium in NY. The crowd gasped even louder as the reality set in that Hillary Clinton was about to announce the votes that would put Obama over the top...what a message. What symbolism. What history. Until Obama is inaugerated as the next President of the United States, there will be no other political symbol or moment more powerful than that which Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama orchestrated tonight. What a beautiful and powerful expression of unity. I am truly honored.

I will blog more later. WOW!

Blogging from the floor...(why the pass?)

Hi readers.

I'm blogging to you from the floor of the convention. Right now, as I type, the Roll Call of votes is being conducted. Each state has the opportunity to cast their delegate votes. I voted in the election and California is about to announce its votes in the roll call. All delegates around me are being very gracious to Senator Clinton and Senator Obama. It truly is amazing to be here right now. I'm living history.

The state of California just announced that it is "passing" as is it's right. It could be for two reasons. First, we don't have all of our votes logged (which is unlikely the case; the deadline was 4:00). Second, and more likely, is that Senator Clinton received several votes from California delegates and they want to get to states who will more quickly take Senator Obama over the threshold necessary to gain the nomination.

UPDATE: I have just been told that the state passed because 41 of the delegates are members of the California House of Representatives and are in California voting on the budget (thank goodness...that's what they need to be doing. The state party chair is trying to get 41 of the alternates from up in the bleachers to come down to vote.



Keep watching...

A Message to UMS Students from Dolores Huerta

I have spent a great deal of time the last two days with Dolores Huerta, the famed Civil Rights Leader, and her two daughters. I even rode back on the bus next to her the first night. She has amazing youth programs that she sponsors through her foundation http://www.doloreshuerta.org/. I am honored that she now knows me by name and called it a blessing that we met yesterday. I can hardly believe it. I look forward to visiting the work she does in the farming regions of Southern and Central California. She was kind enough to tape a message to my students. I hope you all will watch and enjoy...

Welcome students from...

In addition to UMS students, there are students from Mr. Christensen's government class up in San Francisco, Mrs. Dixon's class at the California School for the Deaf, and Ms. Murray's students from Foothill High School in San Jose. Welcome. I hope you enjoy reading. Feel free to leave comments (appropriate, of course) or questions should you have any.

Night 2, Hillary, and Why all the fuss?

If you are a movie buff, I want you to imagine being in the same room with all your favorite movie stars talking about all your favorite movies. If you like music, imagine an arena with every one of the singers and groups you've grown up loving all singing your favorite songs live in concert. This is just a taste of what I have experienced the last two days. I know few can appreciate the level of interest in politics, government, and policy that I have, but for me...it doesn't get much better than this.

Tonight, I was able to shake the hand of the Governor of Ohio, Ted Strickland, on whose campaign I worked when I was a college student in Southeastern Ohio and he was running for congress. I also had my picture taken with Charles Rangel, one of the most well-known and powerful congressmen in the House of Representatives. I even got to watch the filming of a spot on the Daily Show, one of my favorite shows on television (those of you in middle school probably aren't able to stay up late enough to watch it and if you did, you probably wouldn't find it that funny...but I sure do!).

Most memorable for me tonight, however, was the opportunity to watch Hillary Clinton offer one of the most eloquent, well delivered, and heart-felt speeches I have ever heard. I first met Senator Clinton as a young college student in Ohio. Her husband was three days away from being elected president for the first time. It was 1992. I was a volunteer for the event. Those of us who volunteered got the opportunity to shake hands with her and have our pictures taken next to the soon-to-be-First Lady. Since that event, I have admired her intelligence, resilience, and dedication to issues about which I also care. Tonight, my admiration of her came full circle.

For those students who may not understand the controversy over delegates, votes, Hillary's relationship to and with Senator Obama, allow me to clarify in the most simple terms I can what is happening and why it is so important to look at this convention from a different lens than the media has presented (this obviously is my perspective).

Presidential candidates in the United States run to be elected as the nominee of their respective political parties. This process is a long and arduous one that spans several months, requires millions of dollars, and includes every state in the nation. Each candidate picks up what are known as "delegates" for the percentage of votes they receive in each state (This is not true in the Republican party; most if not all of the states for Republicans are 'winner take all.' However, the Republicans do have a delegate system very similar to the Democrats). Because the candidates are running to be the party's nominee, the rules are determined by the national political party and the party in each state. It is a confusing process, but one that the US has followed for many generations.

The Conventions occur after each state has held their primary. The Conventions serve to bring all of the "delegates" that the candidate received based on his/her performance in the primaries in each state. I am one of those "delegates." Before radio and television (I know that seems impossible for some of you to imagine), it was common for Conventions to be raucous events with controversy and conflict between candidates and their delegates, but conventions were seen as 'family meetings' and an opportunity for each party to coalesce around one single candidate. It wasn't always pretty, but the process was honored and expected. Since the advent of television and particularly cable television news, the parties have moved to more tightly control what happens at the conventions. Conventions are now seen as the primary means to send the common themes that the party wants people to believe about their candidates.

This shift in the purpose of the political convention has usually not generated controversy. Why? In most primary election cycles, a clear favorite has emerged and the members of each party get behind the presumed candidate in a show of unity. This usually occurs within the first few primaries even before a majority of states have even conducted their primaries. By the time the conventions come around, there is no controversy as to who will be or should be the nominee and who everyone will support.

Well 2008 has been a major exception. Senators Clinton and Obama both ran historic and tough campaigns. As the primary season evolved, each of them continued to carry very similar numbers of delegates, thus making drama for the media and headlines about who would be the nominee. The unusually long length of the primary season and the passion with which volunteers and supporters lobbied for their respective candidates created great concern that the Democratic Party would not be able to come together.

I don't speak much about the fact that I was elected as a delegate for Hillary Clinton because I don't want this blog to be about politics, but rather the process of being elected President; however, I think many of you are interested in knowing what it must be like to be a delegate who supports Clinton in a Convention that will elect Barack Obama as the presidential nominee.

I have shared with friends, fellow delegates, and many of the media outlets who have interviewed me that one's support of Clinton at the Convention does not take anything away from Senator Obama or diminish one's support of him in the general election. For those Clinton delegates who want to vote for her in the Roll Call vote later this week, they express a desire to honor the historic nature of the first serious female presidential candidate--one who received 18 million votes in the primaries. I have not met one Clinton delegate who does not plan on voting for Obama and Biden in the election in November. For many Clinton delegates, their desire is that the Convention not be solely a media event; they want the original design of the convention process to be followed, even if it is a little messy. However, the media likes a fight and they will cover votes for Hillary as a contentious issue when it doesn't necessarily need to be.

I hope this explanation helps some of you who may be wondering what all the fuss is about. Remember, this is just my perspective.

Tonight, I was honored to be associated with Senator Clinton and am honored to support Senator Obama as the Democratic party's nominee for President of the United States. I still can't believe that I am getting to live a life's dream as a delegate. It truly is an honor of a lifetime.

On a completely different note, I had my picture taken with Biff Henderson from the Late Show with David Letterman. It may not air, but if it does, it will be on Wednesday or Thursday night. Hopefully none of you will be awake then. You can see a picture of us up top. Hint: I'm the one with the silly hat.

Until next time...

P.S. I might be in the SF Chronicle on Wednesday. Check it out.

P.S.S. Parents...I've used some 'academic vocabulary' in this blog. Encourage your student to look up a word if they don't know the meaning. It will develop important skills!

Night and Day 1...Living a Dream

What an incredible day and night today was--truly one of the most thrilling of my life. Not only did I get to witness Michelle Obama and Ted Kennedy's speech first-hand, but I found myself 10 feet away and sometimes closer from some of my heroes in politics and television.


Those of you who know me, know what a big CNN fan I am. The California delegation is seated right behind the CNN stage on the floor of the convention. I was able to meet all of my favorite CNN hosts and correspondents. I also got to meet or take pictures of Senator McGovern, Senator Walter Mondale, and other dignitaries representing generations of public service.

The most exciting person for me to meet was the one with whom I spent the most time. Dolores Huerta, the famed civil rights activist who worked alongside Caesar Chavez fighting for the rights of farm workers. She is a hero of mine. She sat next to me for part of the evening which included the speech by Michelle Obama. To be sitting next to a civil rights hero and listening to the possible future first African-American First Lady was truly remarkable. Mrs. Huerta taped a message for my middle school students; look for a separate post for this message. She is truly remarkable; I hope all of you will watch the message.

Our role as delegates yesterday was to be a part of the amazing program, but to also vote on the party platform and the reports of the rules and ethics committees. The party platform, for those of you who are unfamiliar, is the document that outlines the policies that the candidates of the party will support, namely the presidential nominee. The republican delegates will do the same at their convention next week. Even though the vote was by "acclimation" (a voice vote), I did feel a part of history.

IT has been more difficult to get online than I thought, so my blogs may be a day delayed. Keep checking in...and check out CNN and NBC, I have heard I was on.

Until next time...
Erik

Check out my interview on msnbc.com

Among other amazing experiences tonight, I was interviewed by msnbc.com. Check it out.

http://fieldnotes.msnbc.msn.com/archive/category/1321.aspx

Morning of Day 1

What a whirlwind the first day has been. I woke up early and hitched a ride to the Sheraton (where the California Delegation is staying...I'm staying with a buddy in Denver to cut down on costs) and stood in line to get my credentials.

The lobby of the Sheraton was full of politicos; I don't know many other delegates and chose to stand back and just take it in for a minute. A few high school students came up to me and introduced themselves. They are part of the Junior Statesmen Program. I don't know much abou the program, but it sounds incredibly interesting. Those of you reading this who are in high school should check it out. They are here all week and are able to attend some of the events at the convention.

Security is really tight here. There have been a few protests, a bomb scare (not at the Sheraton) and a guy who tried to enter a hotel with a firearm...all in a day's work at the convention, I guess.

The California Delegation breakfast was terrific. Nancy Pelosi was the keynote. Each of us was given a placard sign to hold up that said "Madame President." The historical significance of having the first woman Speaker of the House and the first viable woman presidential candidate who received more of the popular vote during the primaries than either McCain or Obama is truly amazing. Other speakers included Jack O'Connell, the Superientent of Education in California (with whom I got a picture) and Michael Honda, the Congressman from my district and the district where my school is. It was exciting.

I was interviewed by Australian Radio (I like to think I am a big deal there, now...ha ha), a blogger, and "Roll Call," an online political website. Local television stations were there (KTVU and a few others) as was KQED, our local NPR radio station.

The press seems really interested in the divide between Hillary supporters and Obama supporters. Regardless of how the press represents it, I think it is important to note that every Clinton delegate I have spoke with will vote for Obama and Biden in the election, but simply want the historical significance of her candidacy to be honored. We'll see how it all unfolds.

I got to meet Gloria Alred; for those of you who have followed the politics of women's rights over the last 30 years will know Ms. Alred as an outspoken activist of women's issues. She's very bright.

At 2:00 today, I will be meeting with Lt. Governor John Geramendi. I am looking forward to meeting him and hope to advocate for issues important to educators when I meet with him.

I'm going to try to upload some pictures, but I'm not super familiar with the blogspot site, so bear with me.

The convention begins at 3 pm today. For those looking for me on live broadcasts, I'm wearing a white dress shirt with light green vertical and horizontal lines. I'll wave at the camera.

Until next time...

Convention Eve

My flight to Denver on Saturday was great. I slept the whole time. I was tired. A week of getting school ready to open and a flight the next day wears on you. It's Sunday morning/afternoon; I'm rested and feeling great. I have spent the last two hours sifting through what seems like a trees-worth of paper (I can't imagine what it must have been like before the convention 'went green').

There is so much happening--concerts, socials, receptions, galas, marches, protests, parades--it's endless. There are protester trainings in the park on how not to get injured when you are being pulled or pushed away by riot police (I'm not in those trainings, by the way). There are police on every corner, hybrid buses, free bicycles to ride from event to event, volunteers with signs that say, "Questions...I can help." Denver has really pulled out all the stops for the convention. I imagine that the convention is a real shot in the arm for the economy here.

One of the many exciting opportunities for me here in Denver as a delegate is that I have been invited to some invite-only events with California elected officials. I have one event with each Senator (although Dianne Feinstein isn't here b/c she broke her ankle last week), two events with Bay Area Representatives, and a sit-down conversation with Lt. Governor Garamendi. Mayor Gavin Newsom is sponsoring a concert with, among others, Death Cab for Cutie. Hopefully, I will have an opportunity to talk to some of them or their "people" about issues related to education and No Child Left Behind. We'll see.

There is a chance I may be able to take my computer to the convention floor and blog straight from there. How cool would that be? I hope it happens. I'll keep you posted.

My schedule today is the least hectic of all the days. At 2:00, I will be attending an Interfaith Service to kick-off the convention. At 6:00 there is a concert/party sponsored by the Denver Host Committee benefiting the relief efforts in New Orleans.

It's all very exciting...and the convention hasn't even started.

Until next time...

Off to Denver in 10 hours...

It's 12:30 a.m. I have just finished packing my clothes. I have way more than I would normally. I have no idea what a delegate should wear. I can't see myself as the guy with the campaign t-shirt and a million buttons pinned to me; there will be plenty of others to fill that role. I have packed nice and casual clothes and will make a game-time decision on that one.

It has just been confirmed on national news and on the Obama campaign's website that Senator Joe Biden is Senator Obama's choice for a running mate. For those who have kept up with my blog, you know that I had predicted Sen Bayh of Indiana would be chosen. I guess this means I'm not the political genius I thought I was.

I am sure the selection of a Vice Presidential runningmate is a difficult one. The Obama campaign seems to be getting good reaction from the mainstream media right now, but it's late at night and the media will have plenty of time to find holes in Obama's choice and soon to be McCain's choice as well.

I continue to recieve invites to socials and parties. Today, I received an invite for a concert from Gavin Newsome, the mayor of San Francisco and Hillary Clinton for an exclusive reception. It should be quite interesting.

Once I'm in Denver, I will blog about the energy and feel of the city.

Until next time...

The Mailbox is FULL

Just about anyone watching, listening, or reading the news of late can feel the energy and anticipation in the air. Both major party candidates, Barak Obama and John McCain, will soon announce their running mate selections. The Democratic Convention is just around the corner; in fact, my flight for Denver leaves THIS Saturday morning. I can hardly wait.

The only thing that tempers my enthusiasm is the fact that school is also buzzing with the same kind of anticipation as the first day of school nears. It's hard to describe the circus that is going on in my head. It's exciting, but tiring, too.

One of the things I am learning about being a delegate is that I am being invited to parties, teas, dinners, lunches, and socials thrown by some very important people. Granted, I'm on the bottom of the priority list; however, daily it seems I am receiving invites to Senator Barbara Boxer's PAC (Political Action Committee) social's and Senator Dianne Fienstein's reception for such-and-such a cause. Every political constituency I can think of fills my email box and USPS box full of information, invites, and reminders of events, workshops and speakers for this week in Denver. Many of them want my money; but they also hope that of the thousands they send information to, that a few will end up helping to fight for their cause and get involved. Whether it is the veterans, women's rights groups, the environment, health care, or the like, I certainly have the potentional of a full social calendar (and a fully belly...yum) next week.

I haven't quite decided which of these events will get my attendance (not that they much care about me); but it is a unique honor to feel invited.

I'll keep you posted on the places and people I visit and see. Keep reading!

6 days and counting...

Erik

Be the first to know Obama's VP Pick...

I have made my prediction, but privy to inside information I am not. However, the Obama campaign has allowed all of us to be the first to know publically who Obama will choose as his runningmate. This decision will no doubt come soon.

Regardless of your political preference, you can sign up to be in the 'first to know' group.

As I did, you can text "VP" to 62262 or log on to: http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/firsttoknow

The convention is approaching soon. More blogs to come. Keep reading!

Erik

The Convention Nears; Mr B Makes a Prediction

Greetings Readers.

I'm BACK!

It's been a few months since I last wrote due to the length of time until the convention. My desire is to keep updating this site beginning now (August 5) and through the convention.

I am getting really excited for the opportunity to be a part of the process. I have purchased my plane tickets, made housing arrangements (I'm staying with some friends in Denver to cut down on costs), and am regularly reading the emails that the convention organizers and campaing staffers are sending.

There is not a whole lot exciting or newsworthy occuring for delegates as we prepare. The Obama campaign did announce that they are encouraging the DNC (Democratic National Committee) to fully seat the Michigan and Florida delegates which signals a slight change in their perspective from before, but one that many would argue is a good change.

I saw an article published on the CNN website today that makes a recent prediction I made look even more likely to occur. On July 31, I wrote several of my friends and family back home in Indiana (that is where I grew up) telling them that I thought Obama would choose the Senator from Indiana, Evan Bayh as his running mate. Lastest moves by the Obama campaign seem to indicate that I might be on to something. Here is the URL for the article: http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/05/obama-to-make-home-state-appearance-with-vp-candidate/

The reason I made and am sticking by this prediction is that most pundits believe that Hillary Clinton is no longer on the "short list" of VP candidates. The biggest hint to this end is that she has been slated to speak on Tuesday at the DNCC while Wednesday is usually reserved for the Vice Presidential speech.

However, the reason I believe Evan Bayh may be the candidate is because there has not been hardly any "outcry" from HRC supporters and the most vocal group encouraging a Obama-Clinton ticket (voteboth.org) disbanded this week and endorsed Obama WITHOUT Clinton on the ticket. They did so quietly, politely, and with much support for Obama.

The reason I think this is true is because Evan Bayh is the candidate that Obama has selected. Sen Bayh is the only major (and he was major) Clinton supporter still on the short list. I believe that Clinton knows that Bayh is the candidate and has encouraged her supporters to 'stand-down.' Clinton and Bayh are close. He will certainly bring in her supporters that are still tentative regarding their support of Obama after this year's primary election.

From a native "Hoosier's" (that's what they call people from Indiana), Evan Bayh makes great sense. He balances Obama well, has excellent experience in the Senate, is VERY popular in a largely republican state, and is attractive to independent voters. He is very electable. I think we will all find this out soon, because I believe that Obama will pick him. If I'm right...I'm a genius. If I'm wrong, then it was a novice delegate's lousy prediction...we'll soon see.

I'll keep writing. I hope you keep reading.