Denver Democratic Experience part 4

The entire city was energized with anticipation of hearing Obama’s acceptance speech. The citizens of Denver should be because they were getting half of the 75,000 tickets. We stuck our hologram ticket in the clear sleeve of our lanyard. We were going to the big event.

We climbed on the shuttle bus that dropped us off over a mile away from the Invesco Center. We joined a line that snaked around the center. We talked with the people in front and behind us. They all had stories similar to ours. There were water bottles in tanks of ice water and porty potties every few block lengths. The volunteers were cheerful and encouraged us through the long slow moving progression. A large tent was set up for security which all of us understood and appreciated.

Once again we trekked up the long winding ramps to our 5th level seating. This time we ended up about 10 rows from the top. This was the real nose bleed section and Bobbie even proved it by getting her own real nose bleed!
The sun still had another several hours to sunset and the Colorado sun showed us how hot it could be. Someone had gotten into the bags of posters and handed out the “Change” posters that we used as sunshields. Each of the 80,000+ attendees was given an American flag to wave, it was a great cheering tool.

One by one my favorite politicians talked. They were all about ¼ inch high with their back to us but the large screens and good sound system made us feel right up front. The top tier gave us a good perspective of the historical impact of the event. Thousands and thousands of people cheering, waving flags, stomping feet and standing up with enthusiasm and hope for a renewed America. It was not just a rock concert. The stadium was filled with people from all across the country. We had all worked hard for change and a better America. We were people that were inspired by leaders who could guide us in the direction that America needed to go.

Howard Dean-who first told Democrats they needed to be Democrats, was followed by Bill Richardson-who understood early on that Obama was the one to lead us. Al Gore received a long standing ovation by appreciative Democrats. Dick Durbin proudly introduced IL’s Junior Senator.

After the sunset, Barack entered the stage with a long shadow behind him. He had words of toughness for McCain, detailed thoughts of his plan of action and closed with words of inspiration and hope. He once again exceeded our expectations. In closing, he was joined by his beautiful first family and then Biden and his family. They held hands and raised their arms up in appreciation for the audience’s strong support.

The convention closing has always looked like so much fun and I had a long time goal to be a participant. I was close this time but obviously balloons could not drop down in the middle of the stadium. I was way up at the top how could I possibly be a part of this? Obama wanted to include all the people not just a few select Democrats. So Obama chose a stadium to give his acceptance speech.

Out of nowhere, confetti started falling on the attendees on the floor level. I thought high nice. Then the confetti started rising higher and higher, making it up to top rows—white stars, and red and blue rectangles fell on our heads. WE WERE all a part of this monumental event, every one of us. Firework after firework shot above our heads expressing the way we felt inside. Obama wanted to thank and include the everyday people. He got it, it was not about him but about all of us.

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