LeslieD's Blog

The 45th anniversary of MLK's Dream speech got a lot of attention during the Democratic National Convention.   Much was made about King's wish that we would one day live in a nation where we are not judged by the color of our skin, but the content of our character.  I'm looking forward to hearing from Sarah Palin tonight, so I can get a better sense of her character.  Like many Americans, I don't know much about her.  I hope tonight's speech will be an opportunity to hear from her, in her own words, and not just the words of party speech writers. 

Smart move by Barak Obama last night.. appearing on stage with Sen. Joe Biden.  On a day with so many big moments.. Hillary's surprise move from the floor releasing her delegates.. Bill's electrifying endorsement.. and Joe Biden's VP acceptance.. Obama managed to trump them all by just being there. 

Did he want to make sure he wasn't upstaged by Bill or Hillary?  

Even Jimmy Carter told us that the Clinton's got 2 nights of the convention.. leaving only 2 more nights for the Obama's.  Looks like Barack wanted to make that 3 nights.

We move to Invesco Field this afternoon for the DNC finale'.    We're told Obama has promised not to start his speech until the football game ends.  Let's hope for no overtime..

It's no secret that Hollywood stars seem to love the Democratic party.  You can look for these famous faces in the audience Wednesday night at the DNC:

Muhammad Ali.. Tim Daly.. Susan Sarandon.. Spike Lee.. Natalie Portman and Matthew Modine.   

But the group of delegates beside me got most excited not by a Hollywood star, but by former President Jimmy Carter coming up the walk.   

We interviewed former President Jimmy Carter today in Denver.  He thought Hillary did a great  job last night in working to unify the party.  He says that's something he knows about very well.. since he attributes his win in '76 to a divided Republican party.. and his defeat in '80 to a divided Democratic Party.  He told us about how Ted Kennedy refused to shake his hand on the stage at the '80 convention after he won the nomination.   He says Kennedy's supporters never did support him that year, and the result.. is history.  

President Carter also says he thinks it's possible Barack Obama could carry Georgia in November.   He's certainly drawn some huge crowds there.. but will they all turn out to vote?

I've met Jimmy & Rosalyn Carter before.  As our former President and First Lady, I was honored and impressed.  But today, I got a chance to see them as a family.   We were waiting to interview Mr. Carter before a luncheon where she was being honored by the Democratic Women of Georgia.   Rosalyn was running a little late but former President Carter was on time, and sat wating on the side talking to an old friend.  Shortly after Rosalyn arrived and got seated for the interview, Amy Carter and her husband also entered the room.  Mr. Carter gave out a shout "Amy!".  He was so happy to see her, and wanted to know what she'd been up to since arriving in Denver.. what she thought of the events from the night before.. if they sat in the skybox.   Mr. Carter was obviously so pleased to see her.   It was a typical family reunion, for a family we may not think of as typical.   

Deidra Dukes's interview with Rosalyn Carter aired at 6pm on Tuesday, Aug 26th, and can be found on this web site. 

The DNC got underway last night with some slow protical throughout the evening, but some very emotional moments as well. No matter what your political leanings, the tribute to Ted Kennedy was a moving one. We'd heard chatter all day about whether he'd be able to speak. It was great to see this political icon looking better than I expected, and with such a strong voice.

I was on the floor of the Pepsi Center for part of Michelle Obama's speech and it was also an experience. She was a commanding presence at the podium.

We talked to Former Gov. Roy Barnes this morning, and will attend a luncheon later today with some very special political leaers. The theme is a "Celebration of Democratic Women". Tune in tonight at 6pm for Deidra's report.

It's Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention in Denver, but our second day in the city.  Given the number of people who have flooded the city.. just getting around is a challenge.  Forget about parking anywhere near the ">Pepsi Center, so we're learning comfy shoes are a must.  (though you still see a lot of women in high heels, and pained faces)   Our solution today was to take "bicycle taxis" to our workspace.  These guys were able to zip through traffic at amazing speed, and only angered one limo driver along the way.   Our drivers do this all year, so they really know the best ways to get around.. in between cars.. trucks.. on sidwalks.. it was a trip & we loved it. Plus they were so nice and great ambassadors for the city.   I hope to post some pictures later today.  I really think this method of transportation would work great in Atlanta.   Green comuting, with great leg muscles!

After experiencing one of the most exciting election seasons in my lifetime.. I somehow feel Barack Obama's choice of Sen. Joe Biden for VP is a bit anticlimactic.  Safe & smart... maybe.   Biden may be able to balance what are perceived to be Obama's weaknesses on military issues and foreign policy.   But will Obama's message of "change" resonate with a 65 year old, 6 term senator at his side?  

I do think Obama’s method of getting the word out was a brilliant one.  Waiting until the final hour... actually 3am in the morning... helped create an interest that sent no doubt thousands of people to Obama's campaign sites to register for that long awaited text.   

At least we know who will be on the Democratic ticket in November, and who will be speaking Wednesday night in Denver during the Democratic National Convention.  I will be there, along with FOX 5's Deidra Dukes and photojournalist Gustavo Valdes.  We arrive Sunday afternoon, and will no doubt hear how the delegates in Denver feel about his choice.

Look for our reports, pictures, and blogs all week from Denver.  It will be an exciting and exhausting week, and I'm thrilled to be part of it.