Pat Cannady is raring to go on this her first full day at the Democratic National Convention, but this first-time delegate representing Arizona has already learned a few things:
* Organization is crucial. This is the largest event she's ever attended and so far Cannady's impressed: she reported that logistics are very well organized and staff and volunteers seem well prepared to handle the crowds and packed schedules.
* Security is blanketing. Cannady walked the 16th Street Mall and was fascinated by the special interest groups represented, including peace organizations and abortion supporters and foes. But what really caught her eye was the site of police in riot gear on every corner.
* Rumors are the currency of trade. And already Cannady's heard a big one, that during her speech tomorrow evening Senator Hillary Clinton will release her delegates and ask them to cast their roll call votes for Senator Obama.
Cannaday isn't sure it's true but hopes it is. Unity, said Cannady, has to be the number one takeaway from this convention, and she doesn't feel introducing Senator Clinton's name into nomination will help. And Cannady's not alone; in conversations with delegates representing other states, even some of the Clinton delegates would like to see this put to rest. "Some of the Clinton supporters are just plain confused. Some had thrown their support behind Obama after Clinton dropped out of the race but since they were originally selected as Clinton delegates they really are torn about that roll call."
Another rumor that Cannady hopes is true: that Senator Edward Kennedy will speak at the convention tonight, as part of the tribute to the Kennedy family.
Cannady said the reaction among delegates to the selection of Joe Biden as Obama's running mate was "100% positive," and underscored the Democratic party's commitment to, and understanding of the problems facing, the middle class. "And just think of this," she said with a laugh, "with Obama and Bidden you have two of the least wealthy members of the Senate. If McCain picks Romney as his running mate you'd have two of the wealthiest members of the Senate. Quite the contrast, wouldn't you say?"
The Arizona delegate has a full slate of activities today: as a member of the Steering Committee of Grandparents for Obama she'll be meeting with the Senior Caucus and then listening to Senator Barbara Boxer and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi at an "Unconventional Women" meeting. Yesterday Cannady attended a function that she felt again underscored the importance of this election; delegates got a chance to talk with support groups that are still working to rebuild New Orleans and the surrounding area after the devastion of Hurricane Katrina.
Cannady's support for Obama is sure to get even stronger tonight, because one of her 'favorite women' is speaking: the candidate's wife. "I saw Michelle Obama speak in Tucson Arizona earlier this year, and I was so impressed with her dignity," says Cannaday. And Cannady's grown daughter was equally impressed; when Mrs. Obama told the crowd that she and her husband had just paid off their student loans, Cannady's daughter turned to her mother and commented, "Wow, we may actually have someone in the White House that I can relate to!" So impressed was Cannady's daughter that she, too, is in Denver, serving as a convention volunteer.
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