By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Producer

(DENVER) Aug. 28, 2008 – With more than 80,000 flag-waving supporters filling the NFL football stadium in Denver,  Sen. Barack Obama accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination and took a few tough shots at his republican rival, Arizona Sen. John  McCain.

Standing on Invesco Field wedged between the Oklahoma and Alabama delegation, the energy and enthusiasm was remarkable.  Obama’s acceptance speech was taking place in front of one of the largest political rallies in modern history. 

“Tonight, I say to the American people, to Democrats and Republicans and independents across this great land — enough!” Obama continued, “This moment — this election — is our chance to keep, in the 21st century, the American promise alive. Because next week, in Minnesota, the same party that brought you two terms of George Bush and Dick Cheney will ask this country for a third. And we are here because we love this country too much to let the next four years look like the last eight. On Nov. 4, we must stand up and say: ‘Eight is enough.’ “

Throughout the speech Obama brought the audience in the packed stadium to its feet repeatedly. Cheers, chants and applause echoed throughout his speech as he waged his harshest criticism on his Republican challenger.

The 47-year-old senator’s speech talked of one America and his vision of change, hope and new ideas.   He paid tribute to the significance of Aug. 28 by resurrecting the memory of slain Civil Rights leader, the Rev.

Martin Luther King,Jr.  Obama delivered a quote from King’s 1963 speech to draw a modern-day parallel.

” ‘We cannot walk alone,’ the preacher cried. ‘And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back,’ ” Obama said. “America, we cannot turn back. Not with so much work to be done.”

Quinton Ross, a delegate from Montgomery, Ala., said  “It’s indescribable the feeling I have – the significance of the nomination, on the anniversary of the “I Have a Dream” speech; the vision of Dr. King; the mountains in Colorado, and the forecast this day would come. “

Before the speech, Martin Luther King, III told me, “This is a great day for America, not just African-Americans.  I know my mom and dad are looking down smiling, because part of the dream is realized.  But King warned, “Not all the dream because he hasn’t been elected…the dream continues.”

Obama has faced criticism that his message of “hope and change” are just pretty words. During this speech he illustrated with more detail how he would approach issues and problems with new ideas.   

Catherine Gibson, an Atlanta lawyer, told me, “I think he inspires me.” And that’s been enough to keep her support and enthusiasm for the freshman senior high.

And Eric Joseph, a Republican, from Langston, Oklahoma  told me, “As a college professor his stand on making college affordable is something I really care about.  When it cost $35,000 to keep a man in prison and a kid can’t get a $3,000 scholarship – something is wrong.”

Langston is disappointed in Bush’s lack of funding for early childhood as well, “Obama wants to amend No Child Left Behind and he’s going to fund it, “ he said.

But Mabel Davis, who runs a childcare business in St. Louis told me, she wants change.  “A change is needed in the U.S.A. and I need my healthcare – I want to be insured.”

Delivering the first open-air nomination speech since President John F. Kennedy in 1960, Obama said, “I realize that I am not the likeliest candidate for this office. I don’t fit the typical pedigree, and I haven’t spent my career in the halls of Washington. But I stand before you tonight because all across America something is stirring. What the naysayers don’t understand is that this election has never been about me. It’s about you.”

Georgia congressman John Lewis, (D) a foot solider in the fight for civil rights who marched with King, addressed the crowd before Obama’s speech.  Following his remarks he told me, “This is unreal, unbelievable, I know Dr. King is looking from heaven and saying, Hallelujah.” 
 

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Producer

(DENVER) Aug. 26, 2008 – Sen. Hillary Clinton left little room for people to question whether she is a “team player” when she took to the stage in Denver last night to throw her support behind the first African American who will win an endorsement from a major party. It was a speech that will take a rightful place in history.
  
Her opening remarks were clear, precise and to the point; “I’m here tonight as a proud mother, a proud Democrat, a proud senator from New York, a proud American and a proud supporter of Barack Obama,” she said. “My friends, it is time to take back the country we love.”

 Clinton’s prime-time speech called for unity within the party and challenged her supporters to follow her lead. “And whether you voted for me, or you voted for Barack, the time is now to unite as a single party with a single purpose,” she said. “We are on the same team and none of us can afford to sit on the sidelines.”

Throughout the day, predictions were made about how the former first lady would deliver the keynote address on Tuesday night and what she would say.  But in the end, she said exactly what party leaders had hoped: follow my lead and support Barack Obama.

Judging from the signs and buttons that filled the area — “Hillary,” “Obama” and “Unity” – it appears that Clinton did hit a homerun. There were moments when her supporters were clearly moved, knowing this was the end of this journey.   

Making the most of the opportunity, she also targeted Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain.  “No way, no how, no McCain,” she said to thunderous applause.
 

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Producer

(DENVER) Aug. 26, 2008  — Sen. Edward Kennedy and Michelle Obama opened the Democratic National Convention Monday night calling for party unity and urging the American people to elect Sen. Barack Obama as the next president of the United States.

Kennedy’s appearance was clearly a sign he wanted the Democrats in the room, and the millions watching from home, to know the stakes are too high for the Democrats to risk infighting that could result in defeat in November. 

“My fellow Democrats, my fellow Americans, it is so wonderful to be here,” Kennedy said to the 20 thousand people filling the Pepsi Arena in Denver.  “Nothing — nothing — was going to keep me away from this special gathering tonight.”

Michelle Obama talked about her and her husband’s early childhoods, including the fact that they are both from working-class families, both shared the same values and that their families played a major role in shaping those values.   

“You see, Barack doesn’t care where you’re from, or what your background is, or what party, if any, you belong to,” she said.  “You see, that’s just not how he sees the world. He knows that thread that connects us — our belief in America’s promise, our commitment to our children’s future — he knows that that thread is strong enough to hold us together as one nation even when we disagree.”

Although there were more than 20 speakers, it was Kennedy’s speech that brought the house down.  Delegates and the VIP sections were filled with watery eyes, and silence fell upon the area during the airing of a video tribute to the senior senator from Massachusetts.

That Kennedy would be attending was announced late Monday.  Battling brain cancer, his health was in question, so his appearance spoke volumes about the message he came to deliver.  

 “There is a new wave of change all around us,” he said, “and if we set our compass true, we will reach our destination — not merely victory for our party, but renewal for our nation. And this November, the torch will be passed again to a new generation of Americans.

“So with Barack Obama, and for you and for me, our country will be committed to his cause.”

Once Michelle Obama completed her speech, she appeared on stage with her two daughters, Malia and Sasha, and they were greeted by the Illinois senator via satellite from a campaign stop in Missouri.

Praising his wife’s performance he told the packed arena, “Now you know why I asked her out so many times, even though she said no. You  want a persistent president, ” he added.

His daughter, Sasha, asked, “What city are you in Daddy?”

“I’m in Kansas City, sweetie,” he responded. “I want you guys to look after Mommy,” he instructed. “I’ll see you guys.”

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Producer

(DENVER) Aug. 25, 2008 – There is no way one can ignore the historic event about to take place today when the Democratic National Convention nominates the first Black man as the party’s nominee. 

Sen. Barack Obama’s journey to the nomination hasn’t been an easy one.  As the Rev. Al Sharpton told an audience gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of civil rights organizations here Sunday night, “Those who came before him prepared America.” 

The Pepsi Center, where the first three days of the convention take place before moving to Invesco Mile-High Stadium, is a sea of red, white and blue.  On Sunday, sound and lighting technicians worked fearlessly to accomplish perfection. 

The downtown area is teeming with Secret Service officers, local police and jersey barriers that block every logical route throughout the downtown area.  Parking is non-existent, and Sunday I waited in a security line for more than an hour to enter the grounds of the Pepsi Center.
 
Anti-war protestors may have had something to do with the delays.  The free-speech areas, where protestors are allowed, is near the same parking lot entrances designated for press access to parking. When the area re-opened, the backlog of folks caused a huge delay in the screening areas.

The prize possession at this convention is a credential.  Everyone wants to be a part of this event.  But without a credential, you are stuck on the outside, and that means close to a mile away from the event.

There are no exceptions. Police officers troll the arena and its grounds checking to see if you have on a credential.

BET News had scheduled an interview with Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.); we had to rescue her from the hourlong line in 80-degree temperatures.

We later managed to secure her entrance, and tomorrow she promised to remember her congressional lapel pen, which is an acceptable credential for the event.  But she was in good sprits about the whole thing. “I just call this a freshman learning experience – and I won’t leave my pen in my room tomorrow,” she told me.

Michelle Obama Looking Ahead to Tonight

10:30 a.m.  MT/12:30 EST   Michelle Obama took her first steps onto the stage this morning to check out the spot she’ll make her historic speech tonight. 

Obama will have the task of introducing herself to the American public as well as her husband Sen. Barack Obama.  This appearance could be the first opportunity many Americans will have to hear speak.

She appeared relaxed on the stage, accompanied by her mother, brother and daughters. While we weren’t able to hear what her escort was saying as they marked off the steps on the stage;   she appeared confident and comfortable. 

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Producer

1:24 a.m.  

(DENVER) Aug. 23, 2008 – Delaware Sen. Joe Biden appears to have emerged as Barack Obama’s choice for vice presidential running mate.  CNN and Fox News are reporting the 65 year-old senator will be officially announced Saturday during a rally in Springfield.

7:07 a.m.

The veep pick was confirmed around 3:00 a.m. when the following text message was sent to supporters by the campaign:

Friend –

I have some important news that I want to make official.

I’ve chosen Joe Biden to be my running mate.

Joe and I will appear for the first time as running mates this afternoon in Springfield, Illinois — the same place this campaign began more than 19 months ago.

I’m excited about hitting the campaign trail with Joe, but the two of us can’t do this alone.  We need your help to keep building this movement for change.

Please let Joe know that you’re glad he’s part of our team.  Share your personal welcome note and we’ll make sure he gets it:

http://my.barackobama.com/welcomejoe

Thanks for your support,

Barack 

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Producer

Aug. 22, 2008 – A new kind of politics might not win in November. Two recent polls show Sen. John McCain is closing in on Sen. Barack Obama’s lead, which tells us negative campaigning works.  Now it will be up to Obama to determine if he’ll begin hitting below the belt too.

Obama has a tightrope to walk when it comes to “dirty politics.”  He’s called for a new type of politics, but it seems the American public isn’t willing to follow his lead.  It could be that they really aren’t bright enough or well-informed enough to know truth from fiction.  So how will Obama keep his supporters in tow?

McCain has spent the last 10 days with unrelenting attack ads on TV, and his stump speech is all about the woes of Obama’s lack of experience to lead.  So if the moral of this story is negative politics work, what should Obama do?

A Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll shows that after several weeks of “Obama-bashing,”  McCain has cut his rival’s 12-percent gap to 2 percent.  Obama  now leads 45 percent to 43 percent, with the margin of error 3 percent – that’s a statistical tie.

Some of this could be because Obama took a few days vacation while McCain  barnstormed unchallenged. In a race this tight, Obama can’t afford to ignore McCain.

The freshman senator also took a hit in the “favorability rating.”  The Times reported that Obama’s favorability rating dropped from 59 percent in June to 48 percent, and his negative rating rose from 27 percent to 35 percent during the same period.

“All the negative attacks from the McCain campaign seem to be paying off,” Times poll Director Susan Pinkus said in the newspaper’s online story.

But the Times isn’t the only troubling poll for Obama.  A survey conducted at the University of Iowa Hawkeye found that Obama leading with 44 percent with most likely voters and McCain with 38 percent.  This poll, unlike the LA Times poll, was done prior to the Russian invasion of the former Soviet Republic of Georgia, which appears to have given McCain a bump in the other survey.

Polls and surveys only tell you what you asked, but these polls are an early warning that this campaign could explode with negativity.

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Producer

Aug. 21, 2008 — The sudden death of Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, (D-Ohio), known for her outspokenness and feisty personality, stunned her colleagues, friends and constituents who responded with tributes of praise for the lawmaker who made history serving as the first Black women to represent Ohio in Congress. 

Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.) posted on my blog, “She was like a beloved family member who offered unconditional love and support.  She treated me as a son, and I embraced her as a mother.”

Few remembrances could go without a mention of her “infectious smile” or note how the congenial lawmaker, who represented the 11th District in the Buckeye State, often greeted folks with a hug.

House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) said, “Whether you were a presidential candidate, a colleague debating on the floor or a friend passing time, you wanted her on your team for her quick legal mind, tenacious debating skills, her infectious humor and that thousand-watt smile.  My heart is heavy.”

Tubbs Jones, 58, died Wednesday evening after suffering a brain hemorrhage while driving Tuesday night.  She was rushed to Huron Hospital where she remained in critical condition until her death. 

The news sent shock waves through the community.

“I am going to miss her as a friend and colleague, and her leadership will most certainly be missed by her constituents, northeast Ohio and the state as a whole,” Republican U.S. Sen. George Voinovich of Ohio told The Associated Press.

“She poured her heart and soul into her job,” said fellow Ohio Democrat Rep. Dennis Kucinich. “She worked so hard and gave everything she could. I’m devastated.”

Jones served as one of Sen. Hillary Clinton’s national co-chairs during her campaign. The Clinton’s released a statement saying she was a “one-woman force for progress in our country” and that they shared a friendship with her that “deepened through every trial and challenge.”

“Over the course of many years, with many ups and many downs, Stephanie was right by our side — unwavering, indefatigable,” the statement said.

Sen. Barack Obama called Tubbs Jones “an extraordinary American and an outstanding public servant.”

“It wasn’t enough for her just to break barriers in her own life. She was also determined to bring opportunity to all those who had been overlooked and left behind — and in Stephanie, they had a fearless friend and unyielding advocate,” Obama said in a statement.

“This is an enormously solemn day for Members of Congress, the Congressional Black Caucus family, Ohio residents and the world. Chairwoman Tubbs Jones was undoubtedly a true steward of the people,” said Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick, chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Leave your tribute for the “gentle lady from Ohio.”

(Aug. 20, 2008) — Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-Ohio), one of Sen. Hillary Clinton’ s strongest supporters, died shorty after 6 p.m. this evening.

Earlier today, sources reported that she had died but soon the rumors were dispelled and she was listed as ”unstable and in critical condition.”

She was being treated at Huron Hospital where she was taken after she was found Tuesday night unconscious behind the wheel of a moving car.

Niclole Williams,  her press secretary  confirmed Tubbs Jones had the aneurysm while driving her car in Cleveland Heights on Tuesday.

Williiams, told me the congresswomen  had no public events yesterday and was working in her district most of the day.

It included ”planning for an upcoming forum on electoral reform, scheduled for September 4, 2008 at Cleveland State University.”

Williams told me earlier today, according to police reports the congresswomen was discovered in her car unconscious and was transported to Huron Road Hospital in East Cleveland.  She was listed in stable condition at that time. 

WOIO, a Cleveland television station is reporting Tubbs-Jones, 58 was pulled from a fast-moving sedan around 9 p-.m..  The police managed to stop the car in a near by field and discovered during the rescue it was the Ohio lawmaker.

Tubbs Jones, a  super-delegate, was a  strong supporter of Hillary Rodham Clinton.  Now supporting the presumptive nominee, she was scheduled to attend the Democratic National Convention in Denver next week.
 

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Producer

Aug. 18, 2008 – Sen. Barack Obama isn’t offering so much as a hint about his vice presidential pick, but an announcement could come later this week. The suspense is building, and no one has been able to discover just who he’ll tap.

Speculation is that Obama will disclose his vice presidential choice publicly before week’s end.  While the presumptive nominee is holding the info close to his chest, staffers are getting ready to fill the roles needed in the campaign to support the vice presidential pick and his or her spouse.

While pundits and political-watchers ponder their short lists of potential candidates, we haven’t been apprised of the actual short list, and no one, outside of the campaign’s inner circle, is even sure who compiled it. That’s apparently why the list hasn’t leaked.

That’s pretty much the same for Sen. John McCain’s campaign; only speculation has been the order when talking about his veep pick. McCain’s been testing the water with his top contenders: Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty; former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney; former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge; and Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman, the Democratic vice presidential pick in 2000 and now an Independent.

While most political insiders have narrowed Obama’s list to include Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, Delaware Sen. Joe Biden, Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, it’s all speculation.

Obama’s choice may be someone no one ever expected, so we’ll all just have to wait and see. But with the Democratic Convention opening in less than a week, he will surely make the announcement soon.

.

By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Producer

Aug. 18, 2008 – Could it be true that a group of Sen. Hillary Clinton’s supporters have been urging super-delegates to switch their vote during the role call at the Democratic National Convention next week? 

I heard that supporters of the former first lady were on the phone this weekend touting Hillary’s electability over Sen. Barack Obama and asking super-delegates to consider changing their pledge and abandon Obama during the state-by-state roll call, in effect giving her enough votes to win the nomination.

After making calls, I could not find any staffer willing to confirm their super-delegate had been contacted, but no one denied the rumors.  So have some supers been contacted, and will they go back on their word?

 Of course, no one was willing to go on record; when they spoke to me about this alleged plot by a “renegade” group of supporters. 

It looks like my prediction Clinton was not going to settle for a “symbolic” action to show unity wasn’t far off – she’s working on a last-ditch effort through surrogates to leave the convention as the nominee.