DNCC . . . It's all about Pennsylvania

Make no mistake, Pennsylvania is turning out to be ground zero for this presidential election. And last night provided more evidence of this with Joe Biden accepting the nomination to be the next Vice President. Biden, a native of Scranton took great pride during his acceptance speech in his family roots. If you missed the speech last night, here it is:

And if you need more proof, all the buzz has been about how Barack Obama and Joe Biden will be making one of their first stops as a ticket in Pennsylvania.

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Amanda Cohen: Rocking the Vote for PA

Amanda Cohen is a 15 year old blogger who attends Central High School in Philadelphia. She is covering the convention for the PA Dems to give the youth vote experience. Here is a guest diary Amanda shared with us this morning:

Rock the Vote is an organization that speaks to my generation. Their mission is to get younger voters to go out and make a difference. They do this by hosting concerts and using modern technology. Rock the Vote was founded about 18 years ago. OMG! The Rock the Vote concert was so awesome. Celebrities, paparazzi, flashing lights! It felt like I was at the Grammies. When I got there, I saw the red carpet and it occurred to me that this was a big deal. I stood by the velvet rope and waited for the celebrities to come.

Then, everyone started screaming “Fall Out Boy!!!” I saw Pete Wentz walk through the door and experienced one of those life-changing moments. I was holding in my excitement as I got my picture taken with him. Once he left I almost fainted! I was sooooooooooooo happy! Then I got another picture taken with the drummer of Fall Out Boy, Andy Hurley. The rock group Daughtry, led by Chris Daughtry a former American Idol finalist, also attended. When I saw them, I was speechless. As I was trying to catch my breath, the rapper Pharrell came walking in the door. Just when I was getting a picture, the ushers were calling for everyone to go inside. The auditorium was so empty. We were sitting in the 4th balcony and could hardly see. Then one of the users came and said that we could move to the floor. Can you say happy girl?????? I got a seat in the 4th row center section. I was listening to one of the performers when my mom came over and told me that I had an interview with the executive director, Heather Smith, for the purpose of this blog.

Now, I had backstage access. THIS WAS THE COOLEST THING…EVER!!! While I was sitting backstage, I met Congressman Meek from Florida, who is a kids’ advocate. He was so charming and he gave me a gold coin and asked to take a picture with me. Do you believe it?!?!? A congressman wanting to take a picture with me! This night just kept getting better. I went back into the audience in time to see the end of N*E*R*D’s performance. They got the crowd very excited and hyped. Then it was time for the main attraction, FALL OUT BOY! They were so amazing! They played all of my favorite songs, like Beat It, Sugar We’re Goin Down, Dance Dance and This Ain’t a Scene It’s an Arm Race. I think Rock the Vote’s events inspire youth to get involved with politics because if teens see some of their role models getting involved, then they would follow in their footsteps. Also, it shows that celebrities are not superficial. They get involved and like seeing a change in the way everyone lives.

Even for someone who grew up around politics (that would be me), Rock the Vote’s concert made the convention unforgettable.

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Bob Casey': "What did you do when you had the power?"

In case you missed it last night, here is the speech Senator Bob Casey delivered at the DNC Convention:

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Auditor General Jack Wagner

Today as our guest blogger we have one of the most respected elected officials in Pennsylvania, Auditor General Jack Wagner.  I had the honor of working for Jack when he was in the state Senate and I will always hold him in the highest regard.  This morning I had the opportunity to sit down with Jack and listen to why he is supporting the Obama/Biden ticket.

"I endorsed Senator Barack Obama during the primary season and am supporting him for a multitude of reasons.  First of all I am a veteran and I recognize that Senator Obama did not support the war in Iraq.  I respect his reasons because like me, I know he and Senator Biden support our troops.

They both understand that for the sake our nation’s future, we need a responsible way to end the war.   Pennsylvania’s own Congressman John Murtha showed tremendous strength and courage three years ago by taking the lead on creating a plan to bring our troops home.  We now need to follow his leadership and with Barack Obama and Joe Biden, I am confident that a truly responsible plan will be implemented.  It is important to do so for our troops, their families and the economic toll it has taken on our nation.  American lives have been lost as well as our tax dollars.  Our infrastructure is suffering; roads, bridges and our schools.  That is going to change.

We can no longer accept that even profits from the oil that is being extracted from Iraq is not being used to fund their war.  The Iraqi government now has a $60 billion surplus as a result and those profits should be used to fund their war, rebuild their infrastructure and pay for the transition of their government.

In addition, I am proud to support Senator Obama because of his vote for the The 21^st Century G.I. Bill.  This bill that dramatically changes and improves the original G.I. Bill.  It is vastly sensitive to the changing face of our military and veterans.  Our military now reflects a greater number of women, Reserve and National Guard. 

As Pennsylvania’s Auditor General . . . as a Marine . . . I am excited to be a part of such a historic week in Denver and look forward to our victory in November."

 Thank you so much for all your years of service to our nation and Pennsylvania, Jack. 

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The hope rises again, and the dream lives on.

Day Two and everyone is abuzz about Senator Kennedy's appearance and speech last night at the convention. It certainly touched upon Kennedy speechs of years gone by, but it also seemed to be just the unifying force that the entire delegation needed to begin their week. You can watch the speech here.

We now move on and today seems like it is Pennsylvania Day at the convention with both Governor Ed Rendell and Senator Bob Casey delivering prime-time speeches. Be sure to tune in tonight as both will walk us down the path of the Democratic Party's commitment to renewing America's promise. Check out the entire schedule for tonight so you won't miss a thing.

And of course, Pennsylvanian's get to broaden their claim on the evening as the much awaited speech of Senator Hillary Clinton is delivered. Senator Clinton spent a lot of time in Scranton and has deep family ties to the region. No doubt there will be a lot of chatter following her remarks and I anticipate it will be memorable.

By the way, please go check out our Flickr page for all the photos from the convention. For those of you who are in Denver, please feel free to upload your photos as well and share them with us and everyone else at home in PA.

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Guest Blogger - State Rep. Tony Payton

Earlier today I had the pleasure of getting one of Pennsylvania's rising stars to put down in words what it means for him to be a part of this historic convention in Denver.  State Representative Tony Payton of Philadelphia is a delegate from the first congressional district and we think you should all keep your eyes on this go-getter.  I think he really sums up what tonight is all about . . . One Nation.

"Being here at my first convention, it’s an honor to know that we’re all going to be a part of history. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the diversity of all the 50 states while also giving me a chance to really see how Pa. compares to the other states. In many ways we’re a role model for other states in terms of unity -- we’re united behind Sen. Obama and we’re ready to take back the White House. We’re here showing that we are a family ready to work for change.

  As a young delegate, it’s also interesting to learn from others who have been to many conventions before. It’s great to learn about the rich history of past conventions from others who have lived it, keeping in mind that we’ll all soon be part of history this Thursday when Sen. Obama accepts the presidential nomination.  

It’s inspiring to me as young and African American in elective office."

State Representative Tony Payton, Jr.

D-Philadelphia

179th District

I told you this guy was cool.  Thanks Rep. Payton. 

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Convention Begins - One Nation

The official kick-off to the Democratic National Committee Convention doesn't gavel-in until 3 PM local time in Denver (5 PM EST), but this morning state delegations are gathering for their morning breakfasts. Pennsylvania's delegation started to walk through the doors to start their convention just moments ago and will treated to guest speaker, Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer.

 The theme for day one at the convention is all about One Nation.  The featured speaker for tonight's session will be Michele Obama. 

Later today we will be trying to feature a member or two from the Pennsylvania delegation who embody the many faces of being unified within our Democratic Party family.  Stay tuned.

For now I need to head in to breakfast.  I hear they have a great steak and peppers sandwich. 

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Obama/Biden 2008

By now you all know that it is official. Joe Biden has been chosen by Barack Obama to be his Vice Presidential nominee. Sure, Biden represents Delaware, but this pick has a special tie to Pennsylvania. This morning as I had my window open at our hotel in Denver, I heard one of our delegates yell to his buddy as he was walking through the parking lot: "Hey . . . We got one of our Pennsylvania boys on the ticket!"

 Joe Biden, a Scranton native is often considered to be Pennsylvania's third Senator because he has always remembered his home and has never turned down an invitation to come and campaign on behalf of Democrats in the state.

 And if you were just finding out the news of Obama's selection this morning, well you could have been one of the first to know when the PA Dems sent out their blast text message last night.  Simply text the word PABLUE to the number 69866 and you too will be included in all the news and updates from Denver and what the Pennsylvania Democrats are up to.

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Text PABLUE to 69866 for DNC Convention Updates

Say you're going to the DNC Convention in Denver next week or lets say you aren't but you want to keep up to date with what is happening each day. Well you can have those updates at your finger tips with our new text messaging service.

Simply use your mobile phone and text the keyword PABLUE to the number 69866.

Stay tuned.

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