DNC 2012: It looks the same, but it feels different
The vivacious energy of the anticipated Democratic National Convention kicked off Tuesday at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, N.C., with a diverse group of speakers and audience members eager to experience what the Obama administration has become after four years.
Some may say that the atmosphere looks the same as last week’s Republican National Convention, but the energy and direction is very different.
President Barrack Obama has decided to leave behind his crowd-engaging platform from “Yes we can” and has begun using words like “innovation” and “moving forward.”
Despite the political jargon, here are the top four moments of the Democratic National Convention so far:
1. Elegance and class
First Lady Michelle Obama blew the crowd away with her speech as she reminisced on the many accomplishments of her husband, both personal and professional.
She reminded the crowd of why they chose to elect her husband president and why many felt connected to the first family in the first place. The Obama’s understand what hard work and determination is about, she said. “Barack Obama knows the American Dream, because he’s lived it.”
Her candid and elegant speech provided a warm and joyful opening on the first day of the DNC. Not forgetting her remarkable style, which was evident as she sashayed off the stage to the sound of Beyonce’s “Get Me Bodied” in her custom-made Tracy Reese pink and copper dress. A great finishing touch to what the crowd thought was a tremendous speech.
2. Bill’s moment
President Bill Clinton’s visit to the Democratic National Convention was everything the crowd projected it to be. Clinton fired up the arena as he touched on the lack of cooperation among political parties, health care and job production. He stated that there have been 66 million jobs, with 24 million produced by the Republicans and 42 million produced by the Democrats.
He attacked Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, by referring to poverty and discrimination as the reason for the lack of job production on part of the Republican Party.
The relationship between Clinton and Obama has been closely monitored, but Clinton has stated that despite Obama’s challenges, he is enthusiastic about his presidency.
3. Booker on education
Cory Booker, mayor of Newark, N.J., moved the audience as he touched on topics such as the growing middle class, loyalty to the country, and the significance of paying taxes. “It’s patriotism,” he said. Booker went on to discuss the importance of equal taxation and what the president has done to benefit education.
“Our president has already doubled Pell Grants, raised education standards, invested in research and development at our universities and early childhood education in our neighborhoods … our nation cannot continue to be the world’s number one economy if we aren’t committed to being the world’s number one educator.”
4. The funny guy
Charm. Check. Charisma. Check. Jokes. Check. All the reasons why Kal Penn can be crowned the “Mr. Funny Guy” of the DNC.
“I am honored to accept your nomination for president of the United States! Wait, this isn’t my speech. Prompter guy, can we pull up my speech?”
Not very many people can get away with a punch line like that and still engage the audience throughout the entire speech. The actor/producer and former associate director of the White House Office of Public Engagement didn’t waste any time transitioning back to his objective of encouraging young people to vote.
Back to the convention, in general: The DNC Committee applied a few changes this year, shortening the event by one day and announcing they will not accept funds from corporation, political action committees or lobbyists, and no individual contribution of more than $100,000.
President Obama will close out the convention tonight with his formal acceptance speech.