he has sent a daily email repost from the convention. i will just post this whole thing. it is pretty amazing.
Poliitcal party conventions can be an occasion for unity, where the party faithful and activists rally around their nominee. Or they can dissolve into factional infighting, where scabs are ripped off old wounds and old scores are settled, dooming the party's nominee to certain defeat in November.
As you may know, I'm in Denver attending the Democratic National Convention. In the weeks leading into the convention, everyone knew that Barack Obama was going to be the next Democratic nominee, but it was far from certain whether Barack would receive the unified support of his party that he needs for a November victory.
Fellow Obama supporters, there's no need to worry. I have witnessed an amazing and unforgettable display of unity and reconciliation here in Denver.
If you've watched the proceedings on TV, you've seen Bill and Hillary Clinton's gracious convention speeches where they offered strong and unqualified support for Barack Obama. You may have also seen Hillary's dramatic appearance on the floor of the convention, where she interrupted the convention roll call and moved to have Barack Obama nominated by acclamation.
Those simple but profound acts of reconciliation electrified the convention and did much to wipe away the bitter residue of a hard fought primary battle.
While it was not covered on live TV, I witnessed another act of unity and reconciliation that was as dramatic and memorable for me as the events in the convention hall.
It took place at yesterday morning's Illinois delegation breakfast meeting, and was inspired by Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. Chicago Sun-Times columnist Carol Marin was there and she covered it extensively and accurately in
her blog.I'm going to let her tell the story:
"On Wednesday morning at the breakfast meeting of the Illinois delegation, Rep. Bobby Rush rose to say a few words. Recovering from the aftershocks of radical cancer surgery, he is physically a shadow of his former self. But, like the good Baptist preacher he also is, Rush rose to the occasion, telling delegates the parable of the eagle and the storm.
"'I am that eagle,' he declared.
"Thanking those who had been supportive, Rush also noted 'some who were not there, but that's all right.'
"He gave a nod to forgiveness, but didn't name names.
"Next up was Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. It isn't clear that Rush was talking about Jackson, but there is no question they've been on a rocky road.
"Jackson Jr. began his prepared remarks about unity, talking about burying the truckloads of hatchets that weigh down these Democrats.
"And then it happened.
"Jackson folded his speech in half. Stuck it in his breast pocket. And turned directly to Rush saying, 'Bobby, if there is anything that I've ever done to offend you, I'm leaving it at this convention. You are my friend . . .'
"For a second, every one of us was stunned.
"Rush made his way to Jackson, Jackson jumped down from the dais and they hugged.
"It was real. And touching.
"Jackson didn't stop with that. Olive branches went out to others: Chicago Sun-Times columnist Michael Sneed and state Sen. Debbie Halvorson.
"And then the tables turned.
"'Who else out here has been mad at me I haven't figured out yet?' Jackson asked.
"Mayor Daley jumped up and hugged Jackson. And Jackson was stunned. Tears sprang into his eyes.
"And that, too, was real.
"And yes, even if you haven't heard this story, you know what's coming next.
"Gov. Blagojevich and his arch-nemesis, House Speaker Michael Madigan, were called to do the same.
"Like two tigers dancing the tango, they embraced. And actually, they were pretty good sports about it, which is saying something."
I know you may think the whole incident was staged and scripted, but I was there, and I believe the actions were genuine and sincere. I talked to several long-time political reporters, who are usually a pretty cynical bunch, and they agreed with my assessment.
Mayor Daley's hug of Jackson was not perfunctory, but a long and sustained bear hug. And Congressman Jackson did more than shed a few tears; he turned away from the podium and wept, unable to speak for several minutes.
It's too early to tell whether this memorable event will have any long-term effect on political relations back home in Illinois, but it underscores the emotions that we are experiencing here in Denver, and I suspect across the nation.
All of us--from grizzled politicians to new political activists--understand the profound significance of this election and the importance of electing Barack Obama president. And all of us understand that in order to do so, we must set aside our differences and keep our eye on the prize.
My experiences at this convention have demonstrated to me in a very real way that Barack Obama's message of hope and unity is far more than an election slogan, but is having a very real impact on all of us.
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