It has been a powerful two days on Tuesday and early Wednesday morning. I write this blog as I assist two delegation members with disability concerns and transportation. Tuesday was full of tension as the lead up to the Hillary Clinton speech. The various governors including the Governor of Montana were on message on the economy, energy policy, and keeping the American Dream alive. We heard from four governors and also Lilly Ledbetter of Gadsden who was a tire worker and was subject to unequal pay with the men in her plant. She did well.

If their was any question about whether Democrats will unite to win the presidency in November, Hillary put that to rest last night. She hit a home run with her speech receiving numerous and thunderous applause. She said this election was not about her but the things American voters want to be done to make their lives better and the world safer. She was strong and gracious and fully supportive of Barack Obama. Both she and President Clinton (whom we will hear from tonight) will be on the campaign trail for Sen. Obama and the Democratic ticket over the next 60 days. Sen Joe Biden will speak tonight as well. I expect to hear a great sermon from this great senator.

Hillary’s speech was emotional for our delegation and many delegates had tears in their eyes as she completed her long journey and was so statesmanlike in defeat. I too lost the race of a lifetime for Congress in 2002 by a narrow margin and her strength and resolve is a great example to those who give it their all and fall short. But her influence and effect on the party and this nation will last and her run will open the doors to women across America in the future.

After four hours of sleep, I was up again at 5:30 AM to get ready for our delegation breakfast and an appearance by President Jimmy Carter. True to form, President Carter and the Georgia delegation were on their way after the speech to community service projects in Denver today. Regardless of people’s opinion on the Carter presidency, I firmly believe he is the greatest former president in terms of long term world impact from service after leaving office. We also heard from Ag and Industries Commisioner Ron Sparks who introduced two of his collegues from Georgia and North Dakota. McCain is against farmer assistance and the many Ag policies keeping us fed and clothed. Commissioner Sparks said Barack Obama would not allow us to ever become dependent on foreign sources of food and fiber like the Bush era has done for energy.

I have multiple meetings and media interviews over the next 8 hours and will go to the Pepsi Center after lunch to hear our own Alabama Congressman Artur Davis give the seconding speech for the nomination of Sen. Obama. It will be a great thrill to hear my friend speak. Artur has gone from a poor teenager of a single mom in a foreclosed home to seconding the nomination of a president. This is a great country indeed.

I will sign off for now and try to blog late tonight. This pace is almost deadly, but it is all about electing a president and vice-president who can bring America back and heal the problems caused by the eight years of the Bush era. Change is in the air in Denver. Talk to you soon. Be well.

Joe