DNC Day 3, Thanks Obama
by Nadya Okamoto
Last night (day 3 of the 2016 Democratic National Convention) was about recognizing the dangers of Donald Trump and the potential of America and the progress that we have made in the last eight years (and, of course, hearing from VP Joe Biden, and President Obama). Most importantly though, I think that last night was about acknowledging that although we have made tremendous progress, we still have so much work to do, and Hillary Clinton is the one who is going to lead us to the finish line. This time, “Thanks Obama,” not in the sarcastic twitter trend kind of way, was the major message of the night.
I walked into the actual arena of the Wells Fargo Center about twenty minutes before it was scheduled to start at 4:30pm. Although I felt tired, I was filled with excitement and gratitude because I had spent the day shadowing Senator Wendy Davis to speaking engagements at the Electing Women Alliance (where she mentioned me in her speech as an example of how her infamous 2014 filibuster inspired so many girls even though it may have failed to stop the bill), and then Planned Parenthood for their members luncheon. At the Planned Parenthood luncheon, Wendy spoke after Cecile Richards (President of PP) and before Cory Booker (New Jersey Senator), one of the most amazing speakers I have witnessed. Booker spoke about his experiences living in one of the most violent and majority-black neighborhoods in New Jersey, because he wanted to be with the people and help make things better for them because right now they are living in “hostile conditions for women to live in.” He spoke about how you can’t fish from the river or plant things in the soil because the city says the soil and water is toxic. He described Planned Parenthood as being the defining difference for a woman having power and control over her own body. Cory Booker had everyone on their feet by the end of his speech, many in tears, and when he had to rush out of the room to his next engagement he was followed by so many audience members (including myself) for the chance to connect with him and take a picture. I learned that it is a common rule that you should never follow a Cory Booker speech.
Following from the trajectory of Tuesday night, the program of the DNC on day 3, also continued to highlight how Hillary Clinton has continued to jump up and make change. Through videos and stories, the story of the Flint, Michigan water crisis was told — about how the water source changed in April of 2014, but it wasn’t until this 2016 election cycle that it finally became a part of the national conversation in politics, and all thanks to Hillary Clinton. There was also a celebration of diversity in yesterday’s program, as groups of different races who hold elected office as representatives or senators stood up together to celebrate the progress of having a colorful country.
The topic of gun laws and mass shootings was also a central part of last night’s program. Christine Leinonen was introduced by Lee Daniels, and supported by two male individuals who stood next to her as she told her story of using her son, Christopher, in the Orlando shooting last month. As it was obviously so painful for her to tell her story, it was absolutely moving to see the glimpse of hope in her eyes and her voice as she talked about how Hillary Clinton was going to fight to prevent any other mother for having to feel her pain. Leon Panetta (Former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director) spoke a little while later about how he trusts Hillary Clinton to be the next commander-in-chief, and how she is the only one suitable for the job because of her “experience, temperament, and judgement.”
Joe Biden spoke next. His passion and presence had most of the audience (including me) in tears as he finished his speech. He was introduced by a video highlighting his career trajectory of fighting for change in South Africa against apartheid, fighting against the NRA, taking initiative in the battle against cancer, and his leadership in the journey to ending sex abuse on college campuses. He began his speech with immense gratitude to his wife and family, and to the Obamas. He described President Obama as “one of the finest presidents we have ever had,” and called out to Michelle Obama saying, “you’re incredible.” Both VP Joe Biden and President Obama were uplifting in the way that they talked about the potential and beauty of American people, and how that is worth protecting. “We all know what it’ll mean for our daughters and our granddaughters when she (Hillary Clinton) walks into the oval office as President of the United States,” he said.
Michael Bloomberg (NYC mayor for 12 years) spoke next, giving one of the most clever and thoughtful speeches against Trump. “I built a business and I didn’t start it with a million dollar check from my father,” he said. He described Trump as a “risky, reckless, and radical choice.” “Hillary Clinton understands that this is not reality television, this is reality.” He ended by encouraging independent voters out there to take a stand.
Following a musical performance by Lenny Kravitz, VP candidate Tim Kaine was introduced by Representative Bobby Scott from Virginia. He opened by saying that his son was recently deployed by the marines to protect and defend NATO allies, but he trusts Hillary Clinton to protect his son (he does NOT trust Donald Trump). To be completely honest, the main thing that I learned from Tim Kaine’s speech, is that he is so goofy and approachable. At times, I wondered if his speech was actually written because he didn’t seem to be looking at the teleprompters, and his words were so colloquial. In trying to discredit Donald Trump, Kaine impersonated him in how he always says “believe me.” However, even with his goofiness, Tim Kaine gets things done, and that is shown by his commitment to public service, and track record of fighting for safe gun laws and reproductive rights.
To close out the night, President Obama spoke. He was also introduced by a video that revealed his perseverance and the progress that he has made for our country. It outlined how he came into office at one of the most challenging times — we were in one of the greatest financial crisis in the last eighty years, and millions of people were losing their jobs. His strength, in making controversial decisions and taking initiative, is that no matter what questions were thrown at him, he always brought it back to the American people. He changed the USA for the better when it came to public safety, the auto industry, eliminating the pay gap in the federal government, visiting Cuba and healing foreign relations, successfully fighting for marriage equality, and creating jobs. When he came out on stage, the audience was on their feet crying, chanting, cheering, and waving their Obama posters in the air. He said “I am more optimistic about the future of America than ever before.” He spoke about how he is seeing bright new leadership, especially in youth. He echoed the video, highlighting the amazing progress that they have made in the last eight years. He recalled how Hillary and him were rivals eight years ago, and running a campaign against her was “tough because Hillary was tough,” “she was doing everything I was doing,” just “backwards and in heels.” “There has never been a man or woman, not me, not Bill, nobody, more qualified than Hillary Clinton” for the job of President. Tim Kaine will just make “her a better president,” he said. “The American dream is something no wall will ever contain,” he declared. The fact is, America works, and Obama encouraged the American people to speak up because there is still so much work to be done (especially in fighting for equality and our founding principles), and vote for Hillary Clinton.
As he waved goodbyes to the crowd, who was again crying and cheering and waving their “Thank You” posters in the air, Hillary Clinton unexpectedly walked out on stage giving Obama a warm hug before walking the stage with him (arms wrapped around each other) and waving to the audience. It was a truly beautiful moment, and one that embodied the perseverance, progressiveness, and unity that the Democratic Party stands for.
