2008 Democratic National Convention Roundup: Day 3
by Stacy Feldman - Aug 28th, 2008
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The big news at the DNC on Day 3? The Democrats formally nominated Barack Obama as their candidate for president in an historic first for America.
The National Review’s Ramesh Ponnuru wraps up (scroll down) the rest:
It was the Democrats' best night so far.
Attack-dog Senator Joe Biden formally accepted the VP nomination (transcript). On energy, he declared:
Barack Obama will transform our economy by making alternative energy a genuine national priority, creating 5 million new jobs and finally freeing us from the grip of foreign oil.
Bill Clinton earned a wild welcome from delegates, with a stirring and hearty endorsement of Obama (transcript). Writes Gristmill:
Clinton knocked it out of the park -- his speech was just as good, in its way, as Hillary's. Full-throated support for Obama, his characteristic historical context-setting, and as a bonus, several mentions of global warming as one of the signal international challenges facing the next president.
Senator John Kerry tore McCain apart for his repeated flip-flops in a rousing speech, which the New York Times' Chris Suellentrop calls: "The Kerry Surprise." Kerry nails McCain's record with this line:
Talk about being for it before you're against it!
Senator Harry Reid ripped into "old Doc McCain’s" energy policies in must-read remarks, during which he lambasted the GOP offshore drilling "solution" as snake oil, quackery and best yet: "pure baloney."
Fabled oilman T. Boone Pickens soaked up his newfound media stardom with a panel in the Big Tent designed to plug the "Pickens Plan" (and here) -- his program to cure US energy dependence with natural gas and wind power. According to the PolitickerNV: Pickens appearance evolves into love-fest.
All in all, clean energy and climate issues have earned top billing at the 2008 DNC, it seems. Gristmill is pleased:
What's been most surprising...is how much the issues of climate and energy have been raised at the convention. There are plenty of events sponsored by outside groups and companies, but even within the official convention, it's been talked about more than any issue, I'd venture -- even more than Iraq.
For more on the DNC's energy focus, read this summary article by ENS: Democrats Want Obama to Grow a Green, Clean Energy Economy.
Meanwhile, in anticipation of tonight, The Guardian foresees hard-nosed and pragmatic economic pledges in Obama's speech, while The New York Times weighs in with some advice in Mr. Obama's Moment.
Today’s list of speakers here.
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DAY 3 SPEECHES
Senator Obama's Surprise Appearance:
Senator Joe Biden:
Bill Clinton:
Senator John Kerry:
Senator Harry Reid:
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