Well, I did go away for a while. I was seriously volunteering for the Campaign for Change in Georgetown County. We did not win the presidential race in this county but we certainly made a lot of progress regarding turnout and county level races. One thing I did learn…People want change. They are tired of the negative, no ideas, lack of common sense Republican party. The only problem…on the state level…the Democratic Party is full of people who lack ideas about how to make this state more progressive. And what happens, a somewhat good-looking, articulate, charming man called Mark Sanford steps into the gap of oblivion becomes Governor. It doesn’t matter if he is hot air of Ideology. What has he really accomplished? Nothing. We deserve exactly what we get.
Tired of the Republicans dumbing down yet?
Okay, so here are my thoughts regarding Sarah Palin, Republican VP nominee:
1. News Flash to John McCain and the social conservatives…True Hillary Clinton supporters voted for Hillary because she was qualified. NOT because she was a woman. No matter how the Republicans spin it…Sarah Palin is not qualified.
2. Does the pregnancy of Bristol Palin matter. In an ideal world, No. However, in a world where Republicans have made teen pregnancy, abortion and who controls a woman’s body a moral issue. Yes, it does matter. The Republicans are hypocrites. If Bristol Palin decided to have an abortion would this still be a private family matter. According to previous Republican talking points the government should have the right to prevent your options, one of which could be abortion. I am a Democrat and I believe it should be a matter between the woman, the man who helped conceived the child and possibly her family. That’s why it should be a private matter. Republicans = Hypocrites.
3. I am tired of Republicans running candidates who I can have a beer with in a bar. I want an intelligent person to be my President who can make hard, well-informed decisions. George W. Bush has dumbed down the office of the Presidency to the point that Republicans have in all seriousness given us a gun-toting, pro-life?, beauty queen as a VP nominee. Hasn’t education always been the way out of poverty for millions of Americans…how have we allowed the Republican Party to spin words so voters actually disdain education. Would you want your daughter to marry an uneducated person? Sarah Palin does. ENOUGH. Republicans have lowered American standards until we actually believe this drivel.
Oh, What a Night! Third Day of DNC convention
We made history!!! Our SC delegation is starting to have emotional and physical fatigue. Last night was beautiful but emotionally draining. I cried all night long. Tears of joy and pride. I was thinking of my mother, who died last year, all night long. She would have enjoyed the night. Actually, the entire week. Our own Representative, Jim Clyburn, majority whip, spoke Wednesday and continues to give words of wisdom. Bill Clinton, Joe Biden delivered with their speeches. The Democratic Party represents the best of our country: the diversity, smart people committed to public service. Stay tuned.
You go girl, Hillary!
Well, tonight at the convention was Hillary’s night and I am not surprised by Hillary’s speech. The speech hit all of the points it needed to hit in an emotional and eloquent manner. I especially liked the reference to Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. The Democrats must keep on going. Keep on going to vicotry in November. Hillary was dynamic and deserved all accolades tonight. Bill Clinton was in the audience. Chelsea Clinton introduced her mother.
Mark Warner’s speech was disappointing. I have heard him speak in South Carolina and he is a great speaker. Was he nervous? I recall another well-known politician who delivered a long, boring speech on a national stage and years later became known as the “Comeback Kid”.
It’s late in Denver. so I am hitting the sack.
I’m not worried
Hillary Clinton will be speaking tonight. Along with Gov. Mark Warner of Virginia. I am not worried about Bill and Hillary Clinton. These are very smart, political savvy people who are very much aware of their legacy, place in history and future presidential races. They will not throw away years of political legacy for a 20 minute speech. As Democrats, we need to relax. The media needs to chill with extending this generated controversy. We are going to be all right.
Quick word about this blog
This blog was originally conceived as a vehicle to express some thoughts about South Carolina politics. I was asked to write a blog during the Democratic National Convention. so at the moment, I am writing about some of the convention happenings. In the future, this blog will focus on politics in SC…the good, the bad and the ugly. Why the name BlacknBluesc? Because politics can be a bruising arena. It takes some thick skin to participate. Also, Black and Blue relates to the relationship of the Black vote and turning SC Blue.
Third Post of Opening Day and counting…
Our delegation is comprised of mostly new delegates…I hope they are enjoying their experience. So far I like Denver. However I haven’t had the time to really explore this city that is known for its neighborhoods, outdoor lifestyle and sports madness. The Rocky mountains are obscured with haze. Am I breathing that stuff? I wonder what it is? Cough. Cough.
The shuttle service between the hotel and various locations is seriously lacking. I hope it is improved by end of week.
Looking forward to more events on Tuesday. There are too many events and I am disappointed that I can’t make them all. A delegate or guest probably has a choice of attending 4-5 events an hour starting at 7am through 2am everyday. It is overwhelming. We will be visiting the CO Statehouse tomorrow along with the President’s experience exhibit. Will update tomorrow. or is it later today?
Second post for the Opening Day of Convention
List of folks I have met or heard:
Madeline Albright – spoke at the SC delegation breakfast. Very intelligent. I admit. I thought she would have an accent. Okay, it’s my ignorance. A mental breakdown. I have heard her many times on television. She gave approx. a 10 minute speech and opened up the floor to questions. Questions received were about Russia, the Mideast and America’s diplomatic relationships.
Kwesi Mfume – I probably spelt his first name incorrectly. My apologies. Inside and outside the convention center.
Bill Maher – Walking the floor at the Pepsi Center. Love the guy!
Walter Mondale - In the Pepsi Center
Joe Riley - Mayor of Charleston in the Pepsi Center. Sitting next to
Dick Riley – former US Secretary of Education and Governor of South Carolina. Also, saw him at the hotel. What a gracious man.
Al Franken – running for the Senate in Minnesota. Much taller and stronger looking in person. Not bad looking.
We are sitting directly behind the CNN newstand. And yes, my night was made as I was able to gaze upon the incredible cuteness of Anderson Cooper. It made my night. Too bad he isn’t interested in me. Yes, he continues to be a professional.
Wolf Blitzer, John King, Donna Brazille, James Carville, Paul Begala, John Roberts all made an appearance. I must say John Roberts also is impressive in person.
Okay, so listing celebrities, newspersons and others is a shallow exercise but it adds some fun and human interest. Did that sound as if I believe it??
Opening Day of the Democratic National Convention
Whoa! What an opening convention day! Top highlights of the convention; 1. Tribute to Senator Edward Kennedy. A moving video montage by famed documentary director, Ken Burns. 2. Michelle Obama’s keynote speech. One word: down-to-earth, powerful. Oops! Okay, 4 words. Both moments will stay with me forever…a true start of the passing of the torch. Kennedy’s moment was well deserved. Not a dry eye in the convention hall. He was clearly greeted with love and affection. Caroline Kennedy presented an understated introduction to a video that really touched into the heart of the man. And then… he entered the stage. He looked great. Delivered a classic Ted Kennedy speech. And clearly he realized the meaning and enormity of the moment. This was especially touching for me because my mother died of lung cancer on Thanksgiving of 2007.
2. Michelle Obama. My homegirl. Her father was a native of Georgetown, SC so of course we are all very proud. She more than delivered. What an outstanding person!! All girls (and boys) with dreams have a role model to emulate. Definitely an A+.
Next post I will list the celebrities and prominent political figures I had a chance to meet and see.
Just a few words from Denver
Sunday, August 24, 2008 – Hello, World. This is Marilyn Hemingway of Georgetown, SC. I am an Edwards delegate for Obama at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, CO. Arrived in Denver after an uneventful trip to blue skies. Is this an omen…? Actually I was a bit rushed this morning heading to the airport. I flew out of Charleston where I received the best deal. The recent low fare carrier arrival is making a difference in Charleston. I am excited about being in Denver. The South Carolina delegation is staying at the Radisson Stapleton Center. This location is across the street from where the old Stapleton Airport was located. Most of the former airport has been turned into a new urban master development with shopping, restaurants, businesses and residences. This evening I attended along with other delegates and invited guests to the Blue Cross/Blue Shield reception honoring Representatives Jim Clyburn and John Spratt. Clyburn gave an inspiring speech. I have always loved how he uses literary and historical references in his speeches. Of course, this probably harkens back to his days in the education system. Hhmm. I wonder how it would have been to be one of his students?? and of course, Rep. John Spratt continues to deliver with his knowledge of the money and budget in details. He is great about talking about the budget in terms that I can understand. The reception was great. It ended late and headed back to the hotel for more political talk and coffee and wine.
