Democrat's heavy hitters make case for Obama second term

Michelle Obama: "If your family's good, you're good."

The Democratic Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina kicked off last night with the Party standing on its beliefs, values, and ability to get things done in step with moral principles. That is how they are approaching reelection politics. 

This was evident in the opening moments of the Convention when the Democrats gave a moving tribute to the late Sen.Ted Kennedy, the Lion of the Senate, who didn't mind being labeled "a liberal."

In a CNN interview after the tribute, Vicki Kennedy, widow of Sen. Kennedy, said her husband would have loved to be living to help the country and Democrats move forward.  He knew how to "improve the lives of people..march for progress...and foster bi-partisan achievement..." she said of Kennedy's political legacy.

Mrs. Kennedy said "Teddy" endorsed Obama in 2008 because of his ability to generate change, to connect with voters, and to fight for people.



Mayor Julian Castro (Credit: Jamesgatz)

The keynote speaker and rising star, San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, resembled an Hispanic Obama. Castro gave his American story, saying that in America, " Opportunity today leads to prosperity tomorrow...the middle class is the engine that drives us."

Castro said that in Texas, rough individuals with bootstraps pull themselves up, but somethings we cannot do alone. "Success starts with education," he said.

"Romney has no idea how good he's had it," he said of Obama's opponent. Castro said of all the fictions given out at last week's Republican Convention, perhaps the most extreme was their suggestion that people, "go our own way."

In a CNN interview, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., who ran unsuccessfully for president in 1988, said Obama still faces hurdles. "The growth of poverty and urban violence still are major problems in America that need to be resolved," said the legendary civil rights activist.

In another CNN interview, Michael Dukakis who also ran in 1988, said  Obama should not make the same mistake he did during his presidential campaign of failing to focus on his opponent's past politics. Dukakis was defeated by George H. W. Bush. "Obama must spill the beans and tell the truth about Romney's record," Dukakis said.

Speaker Tammy Duckworth, a veteran black Hawk pilot and double leg amputee who earned a Purple Heart, said she thanks God for social programs that helped her survive. She said fairness in the military and an end to "don't ask, don't tell" should be added to the list of Obama's accomplishments. She also noted that Obama helped allowed women to serve in dangerous military jobs and looks out for the hardest hit and the disabled.

Emanuel was Obama's chief of staff.

Mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel, who worked with President Clinton and Obama, listed several Obama CHANGE projects which showcased his leadership experience: the Recovery Act, the Affordable Health Care Act, the end of the Iraq War, the bailout of auto industry, and the Race to the Top education program.

Youngster Zoe Lihn appeared onstage with her parents and sister. Her mom said that Obamacare gives them security, relief, and no lifetime caps for Zoe's congenital heart defect. She said she was going to stand behind Obama in his reelection bid because of Obamacare which would be devastating to her family if repealed by a Romney Administration.



Ted Strickland photo by Rona Proudfoot

Ted Strickland, former governor of Ohio, spoke about Romney, saying he is "thinking of people as numbers on a spreadsheet."  He quoted Matthew: 6:21 - "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Strickland cautioned that Romney is an unpatriotic liar who is hiding his tax records while creating Bermuda shell corporations. Strickland got many standing ovations.



Eric Haynes / Governor's Office

Deval Patrick, who succeeded Romney as governor of Massachusetts, also insinuated that Romney is lying about his accomplishments as a political leader and left his state in bad shape after one term. "Romney did not fix Massachusetts," Patrick said. "He believes in having the job versus doing the job."

Patrick urged Democrats to fight for Obama. "Grow a backbone and stand up for what we believe in...Stand up for our president...This is the president....I will not let him be bullied out of office," Patrick concluded.

©2012 Tomi Johnson. All rights reserved.