Democratic National Convention Blog

Hillary Clinton, Tucker Carlson and the Grateful Dead

Ana Cruz — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:35:00 GMT

Wow, what a night last night was on floor of the convention. Let's start with the obvious: Hillary was amazing and that is not just my opinion. I was able to stand at the foot of the stage last night, literally 20 feet from her and was mesmerized by her strength and her courage.

If I heard it once I heard a hundred times walking out of the convention hall. Convention goers left that building different from when they walked in... many now feeling like they have her blessing to move forward and give their support to Barack. But it wasn't just in her words it was her demeanor that carried the night. She delivered that speech with every ounce of sincerity and integrity in her. During her lifetime she has inspired millions through her courage and strength and that was no where more evident that in last nights speech.

People wonder why Hillary supporters are loyal. Last night was the perfect display of why we care so much and why we are so vested in her as a person, as a senator, and as a leader. Obama loyalists also felt her sincerity and I feel saw the Hillary I have come to know and revere. Last night wasnt easy for many. I'm sure it wasn't easy for her, her staff and certainly not her supporters but it was necessary. This is now about November and taking back the White House. This about healthcare for everyone and a stable economy. This is about leaving no child behind and restoring American standing in the world. This is about beating John McCain in November and for many that race started last night.

Throughout the night I was receiving text messages from folks back home regarding our local elections. I couldn't contain my enthusiasm for one of my candidates Catherine Catlin. I yelled into the phone with excitement after having unseated an incumbent judge! To my surprise Tucker Carlson was walking behind and listening to my conversation and congratulated me. We actually walked and talked with each other for well over 10 minutes exchanged cards took a photo together went our separate ways.

I then headed to the Hyatt to grab a quick bite to eat with a friend and in walks Paul Begala with his son and wife. We too had a conversation about Hillary and her speech, about this race in general and I told them to stay away from the sandy scallops. I finished up dinner and headed to the Grammys Rock the Convention party to meet up friends. We managed to snag VIP credentials and rub elbows with a few dated musicians, none of which I could tell you their names. Herbie Hancock was in the house as well as one guy from the Grateful Dead. Playing on stage merely 3 feet away was Everclear. Daughtry was on before them followed by Flobots for those who follow rock. I on the other hand tend to stick to jazz but it was still very exciting. Hollywood stars are out in record numbers.apparently its very cool to be a Democrat these days.

I am heading to our delegation breakfast then going to a meeting with Hillary and her delegates. Today will be another exciting day on the floor as we are hearing from Bill Clinton, Al Gore and Joe Biden. Yep they are getting the band back together..and Ill have front row seats thanks to the DNC. Blog you later.

The stars come out at the Democratic Convention

Ana Cruz — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:39:00 GMT

For most folks who are reading this blog the convention probably looks like one big pep rally and in essence it is. But there is more that takes place over the course of the week than just speeches. Caucus meetings, panel discussions and an occasional party here or there are all part of the fun. Ok, the parties are really very fun. Caucus meetings not so much!

Last night a bunch of us headed from the Pepsi Center over to the Planned Parenthood Bash where Ashley Judd and few other movie stars crashed the party. Ambassador Lauredo and I then went to a party hosted by Univision where they had this amazing salsa band. Only to end the night at a diner stuffed in a corner sitting a foot away from quite possibly the largest rap artist in the country. It took me twelve times to get his name right. I called my brother this morning to tell him I sat and talked with Pharell from N.E.R.D. and he about jumped through the phone. Apparently he is THE hottest thing in Rap right now and my coolness factor with my brother just sky rocketed.

There are lots of actors and muscians strolling around with a real sense of easiness. Hollywood is definitely in love with Barack!

I just finished our delegate breakfast Tuesday morning where our CFO Alex Sink and Senator Bill Nelson addressed our delegation. Barack's sister Maya stopped by as well. She was just with us in Tampa a few ago and really has a very charming and witty way about her.

I am heading over to the Pepsi Center for another sun filled day with a city full of Democrats..Ill Blog you later.

Michelle Obama's speech was electrifying

Ana Cruz — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:38:00 GMT

Opening night at the convention was as good as it gets. After Florida being treated like a red-headed stepchild (no offense to red heads or step children) through this primary the DNC sat the Florida Delegation front and center. You have to be here to believe it. This is like having sideline passes to the superbowl!

It's nice being on the floor at the convention with what I call my extended family. I grew up in front of most of our Hillsborough Delegates. People like Gwen Miller, Cathy Bartolotti, and Arthenia Joyner. You really can't misbehave much when you have three Aunts like them close by. It really is very exciting however to be here. There is such an air of excitement and this was just day one. I predict we will see a bump coming out of this convention. It was a long journey for most of us through this primary and it's nice to finally enjoy our candidate and actually get to know him and his family a little better.

With the exception of a surprise Speech by Senator Ted Kennedy, the early program last night was a little slow but it ended with a moving speech from Michelle Obama. She talked about her family. That she grew up in a working class family who taught her the importance love, education and hard work. You can tell right off the bat that Michelle Obama is brilliant and strong yet compassionate. She spoke about Barack's family and how the two of them met. She made the crowd laugh when she mentioned how persistent he was in courting her and that their first date was over ice cream. She finished with the passion only a mother could have when talking about her girls. She said they are the first thing she thinks about when she wakes up and the last thing she thinks about before she goes to bed.

After her speech both her girls joined her on stage and they actually did a satellite feed of Barack from Kansas City so he could talk to Michelle and his girls. It was actually one of the most real moments I have ever seen in politics. The girls just lit up when they saw him on the big screen and they could talk back and forth. You cant hide or fake that kind of emotioncoming from both him and the girls. You can tell he is a sweet and affectionate dad.

Many folks on the floor commented on how well she did and that she hit a home run. For many of Hillary supporters we really didnt get a chance to get to know Michelle and Barack and their families. So with each speech and each day that goes by we get to see more and more about the man with the funny name as Michelle said in her speech. But more importantly we are hearing what this country needs to hear and that is about hope and change. We are talking about real solutions to the struggles that so many Americans are facing.

Arriving in Denver at the Democratic National Convention

Ana Cruz — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:03:00 GMT

Just arrived two hours ago and the city of Denver has really opened up their arms to us democrats. It's like a big family reunion. You walk around in our hotel and see folks you haven't seen since the last convention but its like time doesn't pass. Many exchanges of hugs and kisses..... A bunch of "it's so good to see you....how exciting is this!"

We are all here for the same reason we were last convention and that's because we believe in the democratic party and we know our country needs change. There is a real air of excitement here. For Floridians though this is truly exciting. We felt disenfranchised in 2000 and again in January when the DNC stripped us of our delegates and our full votes. But you wouldn't feel that today. The DNC sat Florida's delegation center stage, gave us our full voting rights back and are making "making up" a lot easier.

This is not just a big democratic pep rally however. I headed downtown to attend the first of a series of caucus meeting and panel discussions where the DNC members of these caucuses discuss and vote on their platform and more importantly how these issues will be infused into the campaign. I am currently sitting in a panel discussion on immigration sponsored by the New Democratic Network. Hot topic: comprehensive immigration reform. I'm heading to the floor of the convention and will post more when I get on the floor. I have always been a proud democrat....but this is an especially exciting time!