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Democratic Convention is historic for local attendees
Those from the Valley at the convention are eager to hear Barack Obama’s speech.
“Historic,” “overwhelming,” “unbelievable,” “exciting” and “kind of fun.”
Those are the words delegates and state legislators from the Mahoning Valley used to describe the Democratic National Convention.
The four-day event culminates tonight with a speech by Barack Obama accepting the party’s presidential nomination in front of more than 75,000 people at Denver’s INVESCO Field at Mile High.
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State Rep. Thomas Letson of Warren, D-64th
“To say that you’re thrilled to hear a speech sounds like a pat political response, but I am thrilled to hear his speech,” said state Rep. Tom Letson of Warren, D-64th, an alternate convention delegate. “Everything’s been done with passion and honesty. I’m really impressed.”
“It is the Super Bowl of politics,” said state Rep. Robert F. Hagan of Youngstown, D-60th, a convention veteran. “People are so excited. It’s historical and people know they’re making a difference.”
State Sen. Capri Cafaro of Liberty, D-32nd, who is attending the convention, said there are “high, high expectations” for Obama to deliver a great speech today.
“It will answer the question of if he can lead,” she said.
Cafaro added she’s excited to hear from former Vice President Al Gore, who also is to speak today.
Katie Lyell DeLong of Warren, a schoolteacher and convention delegate, said the event is “like Christmas for Democrats. The camaraderie of everyone in one place is great. This is history in the making and I’m honored to be part of it.”
At her first Democratic National Convention, DeLong has heard speeches from major politicians such as U.S. Sens. Ted Kennedy and Hillary Rodham Clinton.
While very impressed and moved by the speeches, spending Wednesday morning passing out food, clothing and health products to the needy at a Volunteers of America facility was the event that left the strongest impression on DeLong.
The local Democrats said Clinton’s speech Tuesday preaching unity in the party was just what the party needed.
“Hillary did a bang-up, incredible job,” Hagan said. “I wasn’t a big fan of Hillary Clinton, but she had me standing up and had me in the palm of her hand after 20 words.”
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State Sen. John Boccieri of Alliance, D-33rd
State Sen. John Boccieri of Alliance, D-33rd, said Clinton “did extremely well. I was moved by her speech. Now is the time to unify the party.”
Timothy Callion of Champion, a convention delegate, said the national media is playing up conflict between Obama and Clinton supporters at the convention when it’s not an issue.
“You see Hillary signs, but most people realize that’s over and done with,” he said. “The delegates are unified. If you didn’t ask, you wouldn’t know who was a Clinton delegate and who’s an Obama delegate.”
Hagan also agreed there are only a tiny amount of delegates publicly expressing discontent about Clinton.
Cafaro sees it differently.
There was “tension in the air” during the early part of the convention, she said.
“The first day it was pervasive with people’s attitudes, but it’s getting better,” Cafaro said. “We have to put everything aside for the future of the party and the nation.”
Local Democrats have spotted a few celebrities at the convention.
Callion met actress Angela Bassett.
Also, when he went outside to return a call on his cell phone from The Vindicator, he ran into actor Blair Underwood. The two had a brief conversation.
A Boccieri staffer met actress Ashley Judd.
“I didn’t think it was her initially,” Boccieri said. “I didn’t talk to her. I didn’t want to look like a tourist.”
DeLong briefly met director Spike Lee and actress Morgan Fairchild.
Letson spotted Dan Rather in a hallway. Also, Katie Couric is set up to broadcast a few feet from the Ohio delegation location inside Denver’s Pepsi Center.
skolnick@vindy.com