Read Reno Domenico’s blogs about America’s political conventions here
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania — The defining evening of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia ended with another electric event as Hillary Rodham Clinton accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination for president on July 28.
It was tremendously exciting and a privilege to be able to witness on behalf of Democrats Abroad, Democrats Abroad Ukraine and as an American citizen this historic moment when the glass ceiling of American leadership was shattered.
Now there’s just one more pane of glass to to break before finally ending forever the barriers women have faced in American political leadership. As Clinton said in her acceptance speech Thursday night, “When there are no glass ceilings, the sky is the limit!”
My own takeaways from the final night of the convention are many and varied.
Once again, the Wells Fargo Center was packed, probably with an even larger crowd then the one that witnessed President Barack Obama on July 27. Every top Democrat in the nation was there and then some.
Hillary received a remarkable and sustained enthusiastic welcome when she made her appearance in the arena after a great introduction by her daughter Chelsea Clinton.
I think that Hillary made a methodical, intelligent. and powerful acceptance speech, highlighted her qualifications and preparedness to be president, as well as drawing a distinct contrast between herself and the vacuous Donald Trump.
As noted in many press reports, there were a smattering of theoretical Bernie Sanders supporters who periodically tried to express their displeasure with the outcome of the Democratic Primary. However, their views represent a very small minority of the delegates in the room. I’m not sure who would ever make them happy as a candidate in the final analysis.
The point is that 95% of Sanders supporters are on board and unified in support of Hillary Clinton as the standard bearer of the Democratic party in 2016. The party is united.
If you are a political junkie like myself; addicted to politics and campaigns since I was a young boy, there is no substitute for being able to witness live the emotions, personalities, excitement, and genuine “Americaness” of one of the hallmarks of American life.
There is nothing like being there in person. And, as a delegate you are a participant in the event. This Democratic Convention was one of the highlights of my life.
Americans living overseas can be very proud of Democrats Abroad. Our all volunteer organization is really amazing when you step back and look at it. All told we had probably 40 people who traveled from all over the world on their own dime attending the convention to either represent or volunteer. It’s really amazing to have so many dedicated and committed people.
Democrats Abroad leadership is also terrific. From our chairwoman, Katie Solon of Democrats Abroad Germany, to the four pages, our Democrats Abroad delegation represented our worldwide constituency of in exemplary fashion. We were one of the best organized and functioning delegations at the convention.
From my perspective, it is clear that this is going to be a tremendous battle for Clinton to win the White House. This election does represent a historic contrast between the forces of darkness and a pessimistic view of a country gone awry, and a positive and forward-looking progressive vision provided by Clinton, Tim Kaine and the Democratic Party.
Just as in 1968, when the country faced a crossroads between a vision of a positive future offered by Hubert Humphrey, and a sinister and dark road offered to the nation by Richard Nixon, our country again faces a choice of good or evil.
Will our American Republic continue to exist as a force for good and democratic development? Or will we revert to a nativist, fascist, xenophobic nation that Trump represents?
As was echoed by speaker after speaker on the convention floor on Thursday evening, it is the responsibility of every progressive-minded, clear thinking, intelligent, educated citizen of moral fiber to do everything they can between now and election day to make sure Hillary Clinton is elected president of the United States.
Just as in ancient Rome, the new Caesar waits in the wings.
