Pictures from KC convention
Pictures from King County convention
There was some contentiousness during the last hour and a half, during the debates over platform planks and rules. One man walked out mad, others were reprimanded for "speechifying". Other objectors were asked to suggest alternate language to the platform committee. We ran out of time before the resolutions.
But first, the speeches:
Darcy Burner's speech was eloquent in that simple and sincere style most people can relate to. The former Microsofty said becoming a mother 3 years ago spurred her desire to turn our country to a better direction. She appeared modest yet confident, and unfazed by the probability that she would be the target of smear attacks by Republicans during this campaign season: "I have no skeletons in my closet, so they'll have to invent some." I think she's noticeably more confident than at the Crab Feast in February. My husband was "blown away" by Darcy. I'm still trying to persuade him to canvass for her, like I plan to do next weekend.
More below:
Ivan says the marching band thing is commonplace at Dem conventions. Maybe so, but it rubbed me the wrong way. Because this convention seemed otherwise a low-key event. Every other VIP, including McDermott and Inslee, ambled into the hall with no fanfare and chatted with delegates before taking the podium. I suppose if I loved Cantwell, I might've found the drum-and-cymbals intro exciting, but since I don't, it seemed pretentious.
She did give a rousing speech with a strong, confident voice. To her credit, she acknowledged upfront that the party is a big tent with differing points of view: "So I wish Mark Wilson luck, but not too much." Yes, the so-called "Year of Transition" for Iraq that bugs David so much was mentioned, but mostly she spoke about reproductive rights, education, and energy policy, if I recall.
I thought Mark's presentation was the smoothest I've seen him. He had only 3 minutes to speak, and had timed it perfectly. He started out thanking the party for receiving "even an outsider like myself" graciously, and giving him the privilege of speaking to the delegates. A little about his own family and background as a Marine and Veteran for Peace, then on to issues. He said that if you want a bi-partisan politician, vote for Cantwell, because he intends to be an obstructionist to the Bush agenda.
The other candidate for WA Senator was Hong Tran. She made good points, but sounded a little nervous and went over the 3- minute time limit. She was about to be cut off abruptly, but many audience members called out "let her finish!"
Candidate Rodney Thom, who recently switcherooed from Repub to Dem in the state legislature, was also an effective speaker. He was low-key, but his most memorable line was: "I've met Dave Reichart, I know Dave Reichart, and he's dumb as a rock." That drew gasps and snickers.
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