August 17th, 2020
My Dear America:
Any concerns about how things would go during the First Virtual Democratic Convention are over now. Whoever organized and produced this fine All Star filled Television Extravaganza should be extremely proud of their accomplishment. The evening was loaded with not only Democratic Luminaries but also plenty of lesser known Democrats, many of whom stole the show.
The Emcee for the Night was the lovely and talented Desperate Housewife herself and long time Democratic Party supporter, Eva Longoria. Eva did a great job keeping the show going strong. Except for a missed cue by Congressman James Clyburn, the Democratic Party TV Special running live on CNN, MSNBC and C-Span ran with the precision of a Barbra Streisand Special from back in the day when she still did Television Specials.
The show (And it truly was a show from start to finish) was fast paced and interesting, as well as very relevant. It started off with young kids from all over the country singing "The Star Spangled Banner" on Zoom. These kids could sing and sing they did. There were segments featuring several of Joe Biden's Democratic opponents in the Democratic Party Debates stating why they were now Joe Biden Supporters rather than rivals. It reminded me of the Doris Kearns Goodman's book, "Team of Rivals" and the unprecedented move by Barack Obama in hiring his Presidential Campaign Rival, Hillary Clinton to work as Secretary of State in the Obama Administration.
Speaking of Rivals, Bernie Sanders, looking fit and trim made it clear that he was on the Biden Team and he was strongly advising any and all of his Primary Election Supporters to get on board the Biden Train also.
Another surprising endorsement of Joe Biden was John Kasich, one of Donald Trump's opponents in the 2016 Republican Presidential Primary. Kasich's appearance tonight was no surprise by the time he appeared tonight, but it was still a stirring, encouraging request for Unity against Donald Trump who had proved to be incredibly, outrageously, reckless and a horribly disgraceful President. Kasich was joined by other well known long time Republicans who have had it with Donald Trump and recognize that their Country is far more important than their party. Of Course, Donald Trump, as well as Chris Christie railed against Kasich almost immediately on Twitter. Certainly Kasich had to expect some serious blowback from his Republican Party Toadies.
One of the most stunning speakers on the Democratic Party Convention Special was a young woman from the Southwest who explained that her father passed away about a month ago after listening to Trump telling his followers that they didn't need masks and didn't need to socially distance. She stated that her Father had been healthy before he listened to Trump and wore no mask when he went to a Karaoke Bar. According to the man's daughter the man's only Pre Existing Condition was that he trusted Donald Trump.
The main and last speaker of the night was Keynote Speaker, Michelle Obama. In her charming and sensible manner Michelle did what she had done on other Monday nights in past Convention Speeches. This very bright graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School and wife of former President Barack Obama once again hit it out of the park and made Democrats wish that she didn't hate politics so much.
All in all it was a Great night for Democrats and it was only the first night of this unusual but fascinating Virtual Democratic Convention.
My only criticism is that at the end of the night when Stephen Stills played guitar and Billy Porter sang "For What it's Worth" CNN and MSNBC cut to their Commentators. There was a simple solution, though. I switched to C-Span and listened to the great song in its entirety.
I can't wait for Tuesday Night.
Sincerely Yours
Jerry Gallagher
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