Michelle Obama Makes History Tonight

Michelle Obama addresses the DNC during "prime time," a speech that will be seen by millions of people. There's a lot riding on that speech. For some perspective, we talked to Wendi C. Thomas, a columnist from The Commercial Appeal Memphis who is writing about the racial history being made at this convention. We spoke at the "Celebration with Altitude" party for media and guests at Elitch Gardens on Saturday. You can follow Wendi's columns on the web, and they will appear in print in The Commercial Appeal and The Rocky Mountain News. They are both owned by Scripps.

Video and text by Len Edgerly

Comments

[huffybike]

MP3 highlights from Obama's wonderful speech are up here: http://www.entertonement.com/collections/2482/One-Nation-Speech

[russpix]

I respect the fact that your McCain leaning is based on an issue, but I will never understand how anyone can throw every other desperately important issue out in favor of a sole point of contention. A McCain win means the final coat of paint on corporate ownership of our country. We will be signing the final incorporation papers on USA Inc. A McCain supreme court will declare war on constitutional guarantees to the individual. And that means that ALL our choices, not just the one that's most important to you, will be made for us. Media will be allowed to consolidate further, into a single voice that screams THE message 24/7 with no daylight given to opposing views. Americans who aren't born of privilege (assuming they're still allowed to call themselves Americans) will have no access to healthcare or higher education. The only parts of our infrastructure that are kept up will be those that serve the energy and financial industries. The internet will cease to be a public place. Untold thousands of Americans will die in wars designed for maximum military/industrial profit - he department of Haliburton. And freedom of speech will be a quaint idea from the past. But at least you can find comfort in the facts that everyone will live according to your moral/religious beliefs, and that all abortions will be performed without medical expertise.

[russpix]

Please note that my comment was in reply to the post from the person who supports McCain based on an anti-abortion stance. BTW, I'm "pro life" too. I'm just not anti-abortion.

[Texas4Obama]

With that headline on the Michelle Obama 'big page' there should be a photo of MICHELLE.

[rolitt]

Michelle is a class act and impressed me. Her passion for family, community and country is from the heart. She is what First Ladies are made of.

[KateO]

While I currently support Sen. McCain, I believe that Michelle gave an extroadinary speech. She is an intelligent and graceful woman. I respect her as a mother and a wife. In addition, my sister worked with her many years ago and I am told that she is a very talented attorney. Despite my policy differences with Obama, (I was raised as a democrat but am pro life and don't believe that there is room for me in the party any more since I am pro life) I applaud her as a strong intelligent woman/mother. Go Michelle! Let's keep this election about the issues and not get dirty. We all want the best for our country!.

[olivia]

Did you catch Obama's position on late term abortion?

McCain and the neocons will not waste any political capital on this cause. After 20 years and no progress people are beginning to realize it is just the bait they dangle every election year.

[XME]

I couldn't agree with you less on your support of McCain, but at least you support him because of issues you believe in. That I respect whether I disagree with you or not....but I still hope your guy loses! = )

[blaqntelligence]

Now this is the kind of disagreement I can agree with.
Don't support Obama based on his policies, politics, beliefs, etc.
But to throw out the mealy mouth (and my personal favorites):
"I just don't know enough about him..."
" I don't feel comfortable with him."

Obama08Supporter, Congrats on your new addition. I have two daughters and share your beliefs. If they became pregnant, I would feel the same way. Love that new baby, she's here for a reason. God Bless.

[lovethesinner]

I respect your opinion, and your standing on principle. The "life" "choice" debate is better served with respect on all sides. I personally have been on both sides, and now support choice, mostly because research has shown that allowing abortions actually decreases them. (I wish I could find that link)

But, here's an article from the American Conservative that opened my eyes about why conservatives might want to think about moving past trying to overturn Roe v. Wade. Oddly, they make the argument FOR OBAMA:

http://www.amconmag.com/article/2008/mar/24/0002/

OBAMA-BIDEN '08

[Obama08Supporter]

KateO, I respect your decision but your reason for the decision puzzles me. I am also pro-life, a very strong pro-lifer. In fact, just 14 months ago, my daughter was pregnant and was being convinced by her boyfriend and his mother to have an abortion. I was very adamant about my feelings against abortion. Today, I have a beautiful 5 month old grand daughter, I cannot imagine what I would do without her. My daughter is in college and my husband and I help support and care for our grand daughter in every way possible.

I said that because I support Obama. It is the responsibilty of a woman and her family to make the decision to abort, and although I do not support abortion, I also realize that the government should not have a right in the same of what anyone does with his or her body. When government is given a mile, they will take ten; if you know what I mean. The Republicans run on this issue every single election and people vote because of it, then we get those like Bush and it does not stop one abortion. I hope you see this and really think about the other consequences of a McCain presidency, including his signs of alzheimers.

Be blessed!

[shaaronie]

I agree. She was stunning!

[Juneau1]

Our next First Lady gave an excellent speech. I finally got to know her tonight and was impressed!