Change we can believe in

So marks Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention. This marks the first DNC that I've taken pains to observe. I have my week scheduled accordingly, with each night recorded on my mom's DVR, just in case.

I have to admit, and I'll eat my own cliche, I am so - very - inspired.

We kick started the DNC with an address from house speaker Nancy Pelosi. Pelosi, always an avid Obama supporter, attacked McCain, as is expected of any conventions opening predator, and did so with a somewhat nervous demeanor that didn't really behoove her. Thankfully, she worked in a call and response refrain, "Obama is right, John McCain is wrong", and worked in the repetitions so many times that the audience, with gusto, chanted in queue. However, her delivery was a bit frigid and her cadence seemed a bit too rehearsed. While she was an ideal speaker to address the connectivity, tenants and hopes of this week, she paled in comparison to the later speaker's that surfaced. Oh wow. They are, as follows:

Caroline Kennedy paid tribute to her uncle in an unassuming and loving way, and in so doing worked in references and parallel ties to Barrack Obama that almost demanded that all in attendance (listeners, too) never consider the two mutually exclusive. The video montage started off a bit trite, with Ted Kennedy in a yacht that I worried would widen the yield between voters with lower socio-economic status- but they stretched the metaphor in an all encompassing manner. They pulled it off to where no one could deny the impact Senator Kennedy has had on our nation as a member of the senate for the past decades of my life, and the lives before I lived. Caroline made certain we'd remember as she detailed her uncle's contributions. Then, of all the speaker's to align themselves with Barrack, Teddy took to the stage in a robust, confident and endearing speech in which he promised to be present at all points in the Obama/McCain race and instilled hope and promise in us in assuring he'd be standing in much the same position this January. MSNBC was forewarned that he'd speak for 4 minutes and he far surpassed that anticipated time frame. He was as he's always been when dedicated to his craft and it only heightened the DNC's mission to further support Barrack Obama.

Now, Michelle. Oh Michelle. Her oratory delivery was one of the most spectacular I've yet seen. She pulled not the race card. She didn't dwell on the misgivings or hardships of her youth. Instead, she employed creative rhetoric in detailing her family's values with those of her husband in a tender, stoic and emphathetic manner. She spoke of balance, and her words, not necessarily detailing any political platforms only served to further promote her husband's position. It was beautiful. I'd argue she won the election for her husband. Commentators commented on her role in addressing the congregation today. If her main intent were to focus on delivery, she sunk it out of the park. Viewers identified with her. Felt comfortable with her. Weren't threatened or annoyed as they were with Mama Heinz. If she wanted to focus on content, she ace'd that as well, touching on some of the more intimate and immediate concerns we carry - the war in Iraq, family values, the economy in subtle, but demanding ways. She was both a vision and an inspiration, and her dialogue with her husband, that followed, in satellite television with her two daughters in tow, only perpetuated the belief shared by many that Barrack is truly a family man and that this 'illusion' isn't. That this is the American Dream realized. "With the current of history that meets the new tide of hope. You see, that, is why i love this country."-Michele Obama.

So much more to come. Until then vote with assurance. vote with heart.