On August 29, 2008, on the 45th anniversary of Dr. King's I Have A Dream Speech, we witnessed together the final makings of American president. Yes, I am being presumptious and speaking it into existence.
After waiting a couple hours in line in the cool Denver sun with about 50,000 other CHANGE agents, I was spiritually calm and patient. This was one of those moments that you would not rush. People smiled and engaged in spontaneous conversations with each other. The air reflected the crisp spirit and tone of Barack Obama. Though you had the occasional whiners (McCain-like), they were overwhelmed with positive vibes.
It was an enormous undertaking to move over 60,000 through two entrances in one line. Upon entering the stadium, the maganamity of the moment was evident. The expectations were high. Other speakers went through the motions, but it was clear that it was Barack's night.
Barack Obama stepped into his stage with his comfortable professorial ease. His tone and delivery elevated to a contrasting substance and climaxed into an ultimatum on any future character assassinations. He reminded the nation and the world of our own personal power.
He closed his re-introduction acceptance speech with a promise to renew America's promise. He claimed his place and purpose. It was a seminal and transforming moment in the orchestra of American history.
We were witnesses and will be forever CHANGED by the making of this American president.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Today is the Day
Good morning God, you told me that the sun would rise on this day. I am glad it is rising in the Rockies where the sky is big enough to hold the radiating feelings of this historic moment.
We have waited patiently and diligently and now it is here. On Monday, we heard from Michelle as she reminded us of love, family and values. On Tuesday, we heard from Sen. Hillary Clinton as she reminded us of our greater purpose. Then yesterday, we were uplifted by former president Bill Clinton as he restored the power of our example.
Today is the day.
We are the ones we have been waiting for.
This is the moment. Thank you for the opportunity to be here in person to witness it with you.
I am grateful and blessed beyond compare.
We have waited patiently and diligently and now it is here. On Monday, we heard from Michelle as she reminded us of love, family and values. On Tuesday, we heard from Sen. Hillary Clinton as she reminded us of our greater purpose. Then yesterday, we were uplifted by former president Bill Clinton as he restored the power of our example.
Today is the day.
We are the ones we have been waiting for.
This is the moment. Thank you for the opportunity to be here in person to witness it with you.
I am grateful and blessed beyond compare.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Obama-Biden - Change is Here
It's official - Obama and Biden have received the nomination and second from the delegates. The only thing remaining is an acceptance from Barack.
Sen. McCain will try to rain on the stadium in leaking his decision on a VP candidate. No way ... No how ... No McCain
The Democratic party is increasingly energized and it is this motivation that will move us closer to CHANGE. Biden is making the case for CHANGE needed against his good friend McCain. In fact, he is laying out the specific policies for the ticket's platform for CHANGE.
The Hall is an orchestra of political drama. The vessel is preparing its people for POWER to flow through.
The river is expected to overflow tomorrow at Invesco field.
The world will stop.
Join the movement - go to http://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/SOCAFORCHANGE and be on the right side of history.
Sen. McCain will try to rain on the stadium in leaking his decision on a VP candidate. No way ... No how ... No McCain
The Democratic party is increasingly energized and it is this motivation that will move us closer to CHANGE. Biden is making the case for CHANGE needed against his good friend McCain. In fact, he is laying out the specific policies for the ticket's platform for CHANGE.
The Hall is an orchestra of political drama. The vessel is preparing its people for POWER to flow through.
The river is expected to overflow tomorrow at Invesco field.
The world will stop.
Join the movement - go to http://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/SOCAFORCHANGE and be on the right side of history.
The Power of Example and the Example of Power
In the Hall, previous speakers spoke over personal chatter. Pres. Bill Clinton has retaken the stage not to be undone by his wife. Classic Bill.
After a very symbolic introduction from Congressman Kendrick Meek, his speech is littered with the right political tone. The Hall is electric!
We are about to return to a place called Hope.
Braaaaaaaaaaaaam!
After a very symbolic introduction from Congressman Kendrick Meek, his speech is littered with the right political tone. The Hall is electric!
We are about to return to a place called Hope.
Braaaaaaaaaaaaam!
Let's Talk About Power
Today's lesson boys and girls is about a word that many people do not like to talk about: POWER!
Who has it? What do they do with it? or Where does it manifest itself?
It is 8pm EST and I am sitting in one of America's platforms of power. Under the US Constitution, we have three independent branches of POWER - the legislative, the judiciary, and the one presently on the stage - the EXECUTIVE.
I ran into a fraternity brother and Obama supporter from South Carolina and he noted three important rules of POWER:
1. POWER exists.
2. POWER flows through people and
3. People have the POWER to be powerful.
In the Democratic party, we are witnessing a reallocation of power. Bill and Hillary Clinton have built the power base of the party for years. Their political allies and staff and business associates have benefitted from their access to this POWER.
During my visit this rookie witness to this vestibule of POWER, there is a clear struggle for access to POWER with the political aquarirum of Clinton and Obama supporters. Who has access to certain posh hotel accommodations? Who is special credentials to the Hall floor or to the hot parties? It was also glaring that the POWER also flows through the checkbook.
In the company merger of the Democratic party of the Clinton-Obama factor, the pursuit or retention of POWER distracts the real purpose for CHANGE we can believe in.
Last night, Senator Clinton used her personal power to endorse her support for Sen.Obama and also inspired her supporters and others to do the same. Even if privately she may have harbored the pains of a loss, she made the party more powerful in overlooking her own ambitions.
We are awaiting the speeches of Pres. Bill Clinton and Sen. Joe Biden to share their own thoughts on how they wish to utilize their own power.
Stay tuned for feedback.
We have POWER - let's use it wisely for the common good.
Who has it? What do they do with it? or Where does it manifest itself?
It is 8pm EST and I am sitting in one of America's platforms of power. Under the US Constitution, we have three independent branches of POWER - the legislative, the judiciary, and the one presently on the stage - the EXECUTIVE.
I ran into a fraternity brother and Obama supporter from South Carolina and he noted three important rules of POWER:
1. POWER exists.
2. POWER flows through people and
3. People have the POWER to be powerful.
In the Democratic party, we are witnessing a reallocation of power. Bill and Hillary Clinton have built the power base of the party for years. Their political allies and staff and business associates have benefitted from their access to this POWER.
During my visit this rookie witness to this vestibule of POWER, there is a clear struggle for access to POWER with the political aquarirum of Clinton and Obama supporters. Who has access to certain posh hotel accommodations? Who is special credentials to the Hall floor or to the hot parties? It was also glaring that the POWER also flows through the checkbook.
In the company merger of the Democratic party of the Clinton-Obama factor, the pursuit or retention of POWER distracts the real purpose for CHANGE we can believe in.
Last night, Senator Clinton used her personal power to endorse her support for Sen.Obama and also inspired her supporters and others to do the same. Even if privately she may have harbored the pains of a loss, she made the party more powerful in overlooking her own ambitions.
We are awaiting the speeches of Pres. Bill Clinton and Sen. Joe Biden to share their own thoughts on how they wish to utilize their own power.
Stay tuned for feedback.
We have POWER - let's use it wisely for the common good.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
The Hall is Hers Tonight
Straight out from the top - Hillary lays out her support for Barack Obama. Firmly and distinctively. Hillary and Obama banners are distributed and scattered throughout the hall along with UNITY banners.
In a dashing orange suit, she is a packaged tour du force. Undoubtedly. And it is clear that Barack Obama must make the sale to her supporters. Those men that are shouting I LOVE YOU from the rafters and the women littered with Hillary buttons. Hillary is making the case for that sale and she is selling in her own style. You cannot help but respect her.
There is not an empty seat in the Hall. Not one.
You can hear a pin drop and you can hear the thunderous response at every emotional punch.
Woven into her speech are the buzz words of some of her constituencies - Puerto Rico, Gay and women rights.
She is making the case and it is unflinching in stating that the election was not about her but about changing America and renewing its promise.
It is quite a political moment and she is preserving her standing without any doubt.
Wow.
In a dashing orange suit, she is a packaged tour du force. Undoubtedly. And it is clear that Barack Obama must make the sale to her supporters. Those men that are shouting I LOVE YOU from the rafters and the women littered with Hillary buttons. Hillary is making the case for that sale and she is selling in her own style. You cannot help but respect her.
There is not an empty seat in the Hall. Not one.
You can hear a pin drop and you can hear the thunderous response at every emotional punch.
Woven into her speech are the buzz words of some of her constituencies - Puerto Rico, Gay and women rights.
She is making the case and it is unflinching in stating that the election was not about her but about changing America and renewing its promise.
It is quite a political moment and she is preserving her standing without any doubt.
Wow.
More of the Same
Briaan Schweitzer of Montana just laid out the carpet for Hillary Clinton's keynote speech - as he laid out some of the contrasting status quo policies of McCain.
The energy of the Hall is rock star like. The screams are going to be deafening - especially from her army of women.
The energy of the Hall is rock star like. The screams are going to be deafening - especially from her army of women.
The Dynamics of a Merger
It is about 9pm EST and the buzz is all about Hillary. The Convention hall is filling up. Tonight is different. You can tell the scores of Hillary supporters due to the visible Hillary paraphrenalia being worn. This night will be significant as it will determine the direction of the soul of the party. There is an anticipatory feel in the Hall. Will there be a seemless merger of emotional affinities? I will return back to Hillary in a jiffy.
Last night, I witnessed the Carnivalizing of Denver courtesy of the talent of Wyclef Jean. Wyclef Jean co-host an after party with Bizmarkie at a Denver downtown club. Wyclef demonstrated the musical dexterity of a magician. He warmed the crowd up with a medley of Bob Marley standard and built a energizing mood with the spectrum of Caribbean melodies. He had the audience nibbling out of the palm of his hands. He stopped mid-lyric and reminded the audience that he was from Haiti. He questioned the audience whether they were ready for a new president. In his usual Brooklyn Haitian cadence he incited a near electoral riot. Shirts were swirling, campaign signs were waving, and bacchanal smiles filled the room. The fire marshalls stood by nervously as Wyclef stood on one of the speaker and created bedlam as he instructed "tear the club down" tear McCain down". They smiled and shook their heads. He closed the club down with a congaline into the streets. He basically shut it down.
Now back to Hillary after that short station break. The primary question tonight will be whether Hillary could take the emotional equity of her supporters and transport them towards the best interests of the party and the nation. It will not be easy. They are vested in her.
Stay tune for the feedback.
Last night, I witnessed the Carnivalizing of Denver courtesy of the talent of Wyclef Jean. Wyclef Jean co-host an after party with Bizmarkie at a Denver downtown club. Wyclef demonstrated the musical dexterity of a magician. He warmed the crowd up with a medley of Bob Marley standard and built a energizing mood with the spectrum of Caribbean melodies. He had the audience nibbling out of the palm of his hands. He stopped mid-lyric and reminded the audience that he was from Haiti. He questioned the audience whether they were ready for a new president. In his usual Brooklyn Haitian cadence he incited a near electoral riot. Shirts were swirling, campaign signs were waving, and bacchanal smiles filled the room. The fire marshalls stood by nervously as Wyclef stood on one of the speaker and created bedlam as he instructed "tear the club down" tear McCain down". They smiled and shook their heads. He closed the club down with a congaline into the streets. He basically shut it down.
Now back to Hillary after that short station break. The primary question tonight will be whether Hillary could take the emotional equity of her supporters and transport them towards the best interests of the party and the nation. It will not be easy. They are vested in her.
Stay tune for the feedback.
The Dynamics of a Merger
Hillary takes the stage tonight. The Democratic world will pause to dissect every word and body language. Will she able to move the party towards unity. Stay tuned for the live feedback.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Michelle O!
Michelle OBAMA!
Wow.
Now - this is what it is all about.
Love. Family. Values.
Michelle has told her story in a manner that brings you right into her living room.
The Convention has gotten on the right tone that reflects Barack's personality. Looking forward to the crescendo.
Wow.
Now - this is what it is all about.
Love. Family. Values.
Michelle has told her story in a manner that brings you right into her living room.
The Convention has gotten on the right tone that reflects Barack's personality. Looking forward to the crescendo.
The Heart of the Party
Teddy Kennedy just took the stage and the Convention has erupted. Lots of glassy eyes in the house.
He is the official heart of the party. He has taken on the challenge of brain cancer and has returned to the Convention to give the faithful an emotional lift.
The energy is building.
I hope you can feel it through the screen.
This party is motivated. And this energy will take them to victory in November.
He is the official heart of the party. He has taken on the challenge of brain cancer and has returned to the Convention to give the faithful an emotional lift.
The energy is building.
I hope you can feel it through the screen.
This party is motivated. And this energy will take them to victory in November.
Pure excitement!
I am blogging LIVE from the Pepsi Center - 8pm EST - and the energy here is building. People are smiling and the anticipation is in explicable. America is rich with colorful faces, personalities, and unbounded energy as reflected through this Convention.
I am not on the floor tonight with the Florida which located to the front left of the stage in their Florida theme colors. They are a rowdy beach bunch. They went crazy when the Credentials Committee had restored their full delegation vote. Pure drama. Florida takes the cake.
Tonight's theme is all about the American Story - our story - Barack Obama's story. It is important night for us to reflect on our own story and how we evoke our own experience and need for CHANGE.
The Pepsi Center is buzzing with over 1400 media outlets from all ove the world. The Olympics are over and people are salivating for some substitute excitement.
I am looking forward to Michelle setting the record straight tonight and talking about her love story with Barack. It is American Story - our story.
This is our moment as One Nation.
Pure excitement.
You can view a spontaneous You Tube interview at YouTube.com/2008conventions - search Marlon Hill
Until the next,
Obamanos!
I am not on the floor tonight with the Florida which located to the front left of the stage in their Florida theme colors. They are a rowdy beach bunch. They went crazy when the Credentials Committee had restored their full delegation vote. Pure drama. Florida takes the cake.
Tonight's theme is all about the American Story - our story - Barack Obama's story. It is important night for us to reflect on our own story and how we evoke our own experience and need for CHANGE.
The Pepsi Center is buzzing with over 1400 media outlets from all ove the world. The Olympics are over and people are salivating for some substitute excitement.
I am looking forward to Michelle setting the record straight tonight and talking about her love story with Barack. It is American Story - our story.
This is our moment as One Nation.
Pure excitement.
You can view a spontaneous You Tube interview at YouTube.com/2008conventions - search Marlon Hill
Until the next,
Obamanos!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Change is Ah Coming
The smoke is visible from Illinois capital and a Vice President has been chosen. This is an Olympic relay and we are in the final leg. We must finish the race to win Gold. I should have some insight ---- I was born in the world's fastest nation.
I arrived in the Mile High City today and went to work immediately as a member of the Rules Committee. There, the primary issue on the agenda was to decide on how to address the issue of timing of primaries and caucus and the influence of "super-delegates" on the nomination process. The Committee adopted a resolution to establish a Democratic Change Commission to address all issues systematically. You may view all documents, deliberations, and speeches at www.demconvention.com. Tune in.
Being here is surreal for me, the son and grandson of a hard working immigrant family from a country ( Jamaica ) that is accustomed to making the world out of very little. I travel to Denver with the voice and dreams of many others who are in pursuit of their slice of American life in my luggage. It dawned on me that this party nomination process is serious business. It is confirmed that the same folks who fight for CHANGE internally within the Democratic Party - also fight against CHANGE of the status quo from new forces. It is also resonated to me that we are dead set in the eye of a storm that has squarely to do with the distribution of POWER among stakeholders within the party and ultimately for the Oval Office.
We play a vital role in the equitable (if this is even possible) distribution of power in the best interests of the common good. You certainly cannot stand by and watch this happen from your verandah. For the next 73 days, you will watch TV ads, read newspaper Op-eds, view presidential debates, and the like -- all with the effort to help you make a personal decision for your own well-being and that of your family. You have the power in your vote.
Over the next few days, I will be reporting on my personal experience directly from the floor of the Convention floor at http://marlonhill.blogspot.com Join me in the experience.
Monday - Keynote - Michelle Obama
Tuesday - Sen. Hillary Clinton
Wednesday - Sen. Joe Biden
Thursday - Sen. Barack Obama acceptance speech.
Together, we will be part of the CHANGE we want and NOT part of the CHANGE that passes you by in the dead of the night. Thank you for being there from Day one or even yesterday.
Let's go for the Gold! Join us at www.barackobama.com --- Obama/Biden '08
I arrived in the Mile High City today and went to work immediately as a member of the Rules Committee. There, the primary issue on the agenda was to decide on how to address the issue of timing of primaries and caucus and the influence of "super-delegates" on the nomination process. The Committee adopted a resolution to establish a Democratic Change Commission to address all issues systematically. You may view all documents, deliberations, and speeches at www.demconvention.com. Tune in.
Being here is surreal for me, the son and grandson of a hard working immigrant family from a country ( Jamaica ) that is accustomed to making the world out of very little. I travel to Denver with the voice and dreams of many others who are in pursuit of their slice of American life in my luggage. It dawned on me that this party nomination process is serious business. It is confirmed that the same folks who fight for CHANGE internally within the Democratic Party - also fight against CHANGE of the status quo from new forces. It is also resonated to me that we are dead set in the eye of a storm that has squarely to do with the distribution of POWER among stakeholders within the party and ultimately for the Oval Office.
We play a vital role in the equitable (if this is even possible) distribution of power in the best interests of the common good. You certainly cannot stand by and watch this happen from your verandah. For the next 73 days, you will watch TV ads, read newspaper Op-eds, view presidential debates, and the like -- all with the effort to help you make a personal decision for your own well-being and that of your family. You have the power in your vote.
Over the next few days, I will be reporting on my personal experience directly from the floor of the Convention floor at http://marlonhill.blogspot.com Join me in the experience.
Monday - Keynote - Michelle Obama
Tuesday - Sen. Hillary Clinton
Wednesday - Sen. Joe Biden
Thursday - Sen. Barack Obama acceptance speech.
Together, we will be part of the CHANGE we want and NOT part of the CHANGE that passes you by in the dead of the night. Thank you for being there from Day one or even yesterday.
Let's go for the Gold! Join us at www.barackobama.com --- Obama/Biden '08
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