Gov. Sebelius commented, "Millions of Americans are facing tough challenges every day - from the economy to the war in Iraq to the housing crisis to crippling energy costs... The 2008 Convention is about ensuring that those peoples' voices are heard and their call for change is heeded."
Each of the first three days, "everyday Americans" will speak in primetime to share their concerns and struggles, and to explain why they support Barack Obama for the presidency.
(Details about the Final Day - Obama's Acceptance Speech are at page two of this article.)
THE 2008 Democratic Convention in Denver:
AMERICANS GATHERING TO CHANGE THE COURSE OF A NATION
(Also see Religious Faith at the '08 Democratic Convention). Monday, August 25, 2008
Day One will be held at the Pepsi Center arena, the 19,000-seat home of the NBA's Denver Nuggets.
Convention Day One message is "ONE NATION" and the headline prime-time speaker will be Michelle Obama, who will focus on her husband's background and core beliefs. Also speaking will be Maya Soetoro-Ng, Sen. Obama's sister and Craig Robinson, Michelle's brother.
Day One will feature a tribute to Sen. Ted Kennedy, a U.S. senator for 46 years, who is recuperating from treatment for brain cancer. Kennedy has videoed a message as part of the tribute.
Also, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will be honored for helping lead the Democratic party back to power in Congress.
Other prominent speakers set for Day One include former President Jimmy Carter, Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri , a national co-chair of Obama's campaign, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota
Speaking in the "Celebrate Everyday Americans" spot will be: Mike and Cheryl Fisher (Beech Grove, IN) Margie Perez (New Orleans, LA) Candi Schmieder (Marengo, IA)Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Convention Day Two message is "RENEWING AMERICA'S PROMISE." Day Two will be held at the Pepsi Center arena, the 19,000-seat home of the NBA's Denver Nuggets.
The keynote speaker, usually a rising party leader, will be former Gov. Mark Warner of Virginia, a 2008 Senate candidate. At the 2004 convention, keynote speaker Barack Obama delivered his acclaimed "OUT OF MANY, ONE" speeech.
Another prime-time speaker will be Sen. Hillary Clinton, who has chosen to be introduced by daughter Chelsea Clinton. Clinton will focus on health care, jobs and the economy.
Hillary Clinton's speech is calendered for the 88th anniversary of ratification of the 19th amendment, which granted women the right to vote. Sen. Clinton will be joined on stage by all current women Democratic senators, which includes:
Sen. Barbara Boxer of California
Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington
Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California
Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota
Sen. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana
Sen. Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas
Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri
Sen. Barbara Mikulski of Maryland
Sen. Patty Murray of Washington
Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan
State governors set to speak on Day Two include:
Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana
Governor Deval Patrick of Massachusetts
Governor Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas
Gov. Janet Napolitano of Arizona
Gov. Joe Manchin of West Virginia
Gov. Jim Doyle of Wisconsin
Gov. Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania
Gov. Ted Strickland of Ohio
Gov. David Paterson of New York and
Gov. Chet Culver of Iowa.
Other Day Two speakers are Sen. Bob Casey, Jr., of Pennsylvania; Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and House Democratic Caucus Chair Rahm Emanuel.
Speaking in the "Celebrate Everyday Americans" spot will be: Pauline Beck (Oakland, CA) Pamella Cash-Roper (Pittsboro, NC) David Gipp (Fort Yates, ND) Robin Golden (Wyoming, MI) Katherine Marcano (Cedar Rapids, IA)Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Convention Day Three message is "SECURING AMERICA'S FUTURE."
Day Three will be held at the Pepsi Center arena, the 19,000-seat home of the NBA's Denver Nuggets.
The headline prime-time speaker is six-term Sen. Joe Biden, Barack Obama's Vice Presidential Nominee, who will deliver an acceptance speech focusing on national security and veterans.
Biden, the outspoken Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in the 110th Congress, has helped shape U.S. security and foreign relations policies for decades.
Also set to speak on Day Three are former President Bill Clinton, Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico and House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn.
Other members Congress who will address the Convention on Day Three are Sen. Evan Bayh of Indiana, Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, Sen. Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia and Rep. Robert Wexler of Florida. Speaking in the "Celebrate Everyday Americans" spot will be: Mark Docherty (Sterling Heights, MI) Michele Jones (Washington, DC) Beth Robinson (Norfolk, VA) Xiomara Rodriguez (Reno, NV) Michael Wilson (Melbourne, FL) Rep. Patrick Murphy and Iraq War veteran Tammy Duckworth will lead a tribute to veterans, active duty military and their families.
Per the Convention committee, "Barack Obama offers a new, tough foreign policy that is neither Republican nor Democratic, but is a strong, smart American foreign policy to make our country more secure and advance our interests in the world."
RELATED READING
ABOUT THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINEES
