Dan Quayle Was More Qualified

Sarah who? That seemed to be Kay Bailey Hutchinson's reaction to McCain's pick to be a heartbeat away from that 3 a.m. phone call.

With this choice, McCain stuck a pacifier in the mouth of his party's most radical factions and demonstrated a profound misunderstanding of what female voters value.

Women I have spoken to in Denver, many who were Clintonites, have said McCain's choice is flatly insulting to women. It's the first thing out of their mouth. The second thing they say is what poor judgment McCain has shown with this pick.

In her speech, Palin was giving her resume, highlighting her run for city council and Mayor of a city of 8500. So, that's like Gray or Forsyth. Actually, this a good argument for keeping partisan local elections in Macon-otherwise, the next Republican nominee might get addled and choose Lauren Benedict.

What the hell is McCain thinking? As a Democrat, I'm thrilled. As an American, I'm horrified.

If Palin's his choice for VP, then we can assume that Karen Handel will be Secretary of State. Or, perhaps Attorney General based on her vast legal experience.

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Obama!

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Obama Speaks at Invesco

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Major correction to last post and Maj. Gen. Peyer

Leesburg folk, the altitude is getting to me!  I meant Polly Miller!  Polly Paddock, if you became a general, you sure have been keeping it a big secret!

Oh well, like I said last night, no way to correct posts from my blackberry!
Lauren Logan Benedict

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Not quite enough women for me, but we sure are making progress!

We just saw 20 to 25 generals and admirals take the podium in support of Barack Obama.  It was wonderful to see so many military leaders out there to tell us what we already know - that Barack Obama is ready to be our next Commander in Chief.

Seeing how few women were there did bring me up a little short.  That's why I want to give a big shout out to Middle Georgia's newest commander, Major General Polly Peyer (you Leesburg, Fl people will know her as Polly Paddock), the new Commander of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center.

Major General Peyer - a two star general - is the first woman to hold that command.  Yet at the change of command ceremony just a few weeks ago, neither she nor anyone else emphasized that fact.  I think that's because thankfully it is becoming less unremarkable for women to be at the head of command, at the top of the ticket and the CEO.


Lauren Logan Benedict

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My kingdom for a Lemonade

 We have been at Invesco for several hours waiting on Obama's speech.  The sun has been constantly present.  Staying hydrated to avoid a host of horrible outcomes has been repeatedly emphasized to me.  So when one of my fellow attendees wanted a lemonade, I volunteered for the quest.  The line for the lemonade was an ordeal.  A diminutive woman prepared the lemonade alone.  The process included manually squeezing the lemons, adding the liquid, adding the ice, and taking the money.  It took a long time, but I could not be mad at the person doing the best job she could.  I also met some great Democrats in the line. Fortunately, I returned in time to save my comrade from a fate worse than death.

Guest posted by one of Georgia Women Votes favorite men, Daryl Morton

ps - Guess who wanted the lemonade.
Lauren Logan Benedict

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Dean Gives a Shout Out to Macon

In his address at Invesco, Howard Dean gave a shout out to Macon, mentioning his recent trip there to host a voter registration drive. He highlighted the story of one Maconite who had registered hundreds of voters despite personal adversity. I'm working on a name for you-

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Like thousands of ants marching their way to a giant picnic

We boarded the bus at 2 and by 4, Daryl Morton and I have made it through security to our seats a mile high in Mile High Stadium. 

It's a little toasty, but we have sunscreen, a seat and finally got a little lunch.  Basically we are happy as clams and that seems to be the general consensus of everyone around us.  As we have had the Presentation of Colors by the Disabled Veterans of America, Pledge of Allegiance led by Olympic champion, Shawn Johnson and National Anthem sung by Jennifer Hudson, we are anxiously awaiting, Congressman John Lewis, Governor Bill Richardson and of course the main man, Barack Obama. 

In the meantime, we can see out of the stadium as lines of thousands continue to snake their way towards the stadium like ants towards a picnic. 
Lauren Logan Benedict

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Waiting

Overall the DNCC has really done a tremendous job of organizing this grand event.  With significant security concerns, record crowds and a change in venue part way through, it really is mind blowing how any organization can coordinate such an event. 

That's not to say there haven't been hiccups experienced along the way.  Logistics have been a little fluid - how could they not be - and the delegation has had less guest passes than we would like.  However, we learned real early if we would be patient and wait, often the details would work out.  In fact I heard an AJC reporter who has attended numerous conventions say his only complaint was the number of taxi cabs in Denver.

We've spent a good part of today waiting to make sure credentials were in hand, but now we're on the shuttle to the stadium.  More to come!
Lauren Logan Benedict

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Those of you that tell me nothing has changed, I want you to walk a mile in my shoes

That's what Congressman John Lewis said as he addressed - no, preached to - the Georgia and Alabama delegations at this morning's meeting.  On the 45th Anniversary of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I have a Dream" speech, we were honored to have a son of the civil rights movement.  Of the 10 who spoke on that day 45 years ago, Congressman Lewis is the only one still living.

Congressman Lewis talked about the distance Georgia and Alabama have "come down in laying down the burden of race."  As we were treated to a little bit of that Lewis style when he said that last night we made a "down payment on the fulfillment of a dream...We must march again... On the ballot box and elect Barack Obama...we must do it for not just ourselves but for the generations yet unborn." 

The atmosphere in the room - even at this early hour after several late nights - was charged and ready for the excitement this evening is sure to bring.

Lauren Logan Benedict

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Lewis Calls for March on the Ballot Box

Today, on the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech, and on the day Barack Obama will deliver his acceptance speech, embracing the nomination for President, civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis addressed the Georgia and Alabama delegations in Denver.

Of those who spoke to the crowd on mall in Washington forty-five years ago, John Lewis is the only one still living.

With a rousing, passionate speech, Lewis pointed to the historic nature of this moment and called on Democrats, black and white to march once again, this time, on the ballot box. "If someone had told me that I would live to see what we saw last night, I would've said you were crazy." " To those who believe that change cannot happen, I invite them to walk in my shoes."

The nomination of Barack Obama, Lewis said, is "a down payment on the dream" King helped birth forty-five years ago. And, "history," Lewis said, "would not be kind to us if we fail to elect him."

Lewis will speak tonight at Invesco Field, and I have a feeling that forty-five years from now, school children will be reading about what happens tonight in Denver.

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John McCain should finish the debate with himself!

That was just one of the many zingers delivered by Sen. John Kerry tonight as he talked about how Candidate McCain directly contradicts Sen. McCain over and over.

Sen. Kerry, who has been criticized for being boring or lacking charisma, had the crowd on its feet over and over. His impassioned and dynamic speech again confirms the enthusiasm and excitement behind Barack Obama.
Lauren Logan Benedict

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"I'm here first to support Barack Obama...

And second to warm up the crowd for Joe Biden."  That's what President Clinton told us after his lengthy standing ovation.

The house was rocking and throughout his speech and he was interrupted numerous times by the  cheering crowd.  If there was any doubt about Clinton family support for Barack Obama after Hillary Clinton's speech last night, that doubt is wiped away as President Clinton made it clear that he supports Barack Obama 100%.

President Clinton concluded saying "Barack Obama will lead us back to unity and hope," and the band played "it's a Beautiful Day." That it is!
Lauren Logan Benedict

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Sir, what the hell are we doing over here?

That's what retired officer and Congressman Patrick Murphy from Pennsylvania was asked by his gunner while on patrol in Iraq.

On the podium with 25 young veterans he criticized George Bush for abandonning injured soldiers at Walter Reed, failing to provide enough body armor and offering photo opps instead of leadership. 

I'd say that the six to one ratio of contributions from active military demonstrates the Congressman Murphy spoke for many of our servicemen and women when he said it is "time for a president who leads, who serves our troops as they serve us."

We've also heard from Command Sgt Major, Michelle Jones who said "he is the best most qualified to serve as Commander in Chief." She is supporting Barack Obama because he will provide "the equipment, training and resources to address their needs to fully complete their mission." Senator Obama has the "courage to serve, the gift to lead and the ability to get things done."

They both made me think of my cousin, Christopher, who served high risk missions as a Marine in both Bosnia and Iraq.  He's out of the Marines now and trying to get his college degree.  But his service cost him more - a missed  final while he was in the hospital for a stomach ulcer.  Just like all who have seen combat, I'm sure his service has cost him far more than any of us know.

Lauren Logan Benedict

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Shout out to the family in South Dakota

Senator Tom Daschle of South Dakota is at the podium so I wanted to give a nod to the Logan's, Lammers', Sulentic's and all of the rest of the clan!

By the way, Sen Daschle was great!
Lauren Logan Benedict

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