Wednesday- Day 4

              As I stated previously, my prediction that each consecutive day will be better than the previous continues to hold true as we go into the final day of the Democratic National Convention as well as the final day of our stay in Charlotte. We woke up slightly later today than yesterday and left a little before 7AM.  After another excellent breakfast, several enthralling speeches by prominent political and social figures such as Rev. Jessie Jackson, and interviews with the Maine delegation, we departed for the convention center. With the First and Second Ladies present at some of the caucus meetings several of us wanted to attend, we stood outside the heavily guarded and access restricted caucus rooms for about thirty minutes with the aspirations of catching a glimpse of these two prominent figures. With no success, everyone decided to head elsewhere. This is when Max and I decided to head out on a search for activists together.

              After less than fifteen minutes of walking in one direction behind some police officers we came upon an abortion/pro-choice standoff. It was interesting to be at the heart of the yelling and screaming. We came across a reporter from the local NPR partner station; she told us that there was going to be an Occupy rally at 3:15PM by the convention center. As we were leaving the scene, Dr. DeWitt called me and told us that we could meet at Panera Bread several blocks over to discuss developments. He also informed us that we would be shadowed by the Chronicle of Higher Education for an hour or two. We were very excited to hear this and after meeting with the two gentlemen that would be following us and after getting miked up, we headed out on another expedition in search of protesters until the Occupy protest time arrived. We utilized our “follow the police” axiom and ended up at a street corner with several different protesters. I interviewed a Wall Street protester with a large red 99% flag and a marching drum, and Max interviewed a colorful individual in support of “super president” Obama as he referred to him. We continued on our way towards the convention center and our cameraman took photos and video of us throughout.

              Once we arrived at the convention center our shadow team wanted to interview us in regards to our research and overall experience at the DNC and subsequently did so. They commended us on our interviews and afterwards allowed us the opportunity to further express our gratitude to all who made our amazing trip to the DNC possible: Dr. DeWitt, Dr. Swint, Dr. Azriel, Democratic Party of Georgia Chairman Mike Berlon, Ms. Angelia Knight, the Department of Political Science and International Affairs at KSU, and the KSU administration. After our interviews we said goodbye and thank you to our camera crew and headed towards the former Occupy protest spot of yesterday. We arrived there but there was no one there; traffic was flowing smoothly. We did encounter two PETA activists and the Chiquita Banana Girl. Within ten minutes, several police officers started coming up the street and shortly behind them were the remnants of yesterday’s Occupy group marching towards the convention center. We tagged along the rear of the march and followed them to their final congregating location. At this point, we were on a street corner, embedded within a group of anti-abortion, Occupy, and Legalize Marijuana activists. We conducted our field observations and interviews and received notification from Dr. DeWitt that we were meeting at Panera again to head back to the hotel. We made it to Panera and while waiting encountered Erin Burnett from CNN. After everyone else arrived, we snapped a picture with Ms. Burnett and headed towards the van; at this point we also came across Julian Castro. We took pictures with him and continued on our way.

              Arriving back at the hotel we had over an hour and a half to rest before we were to head out for our watch party at Winthrop University. When there we met with the Winthrop students and also welcomed a party of British students visiting the United States. We had a very stimulating discussion with one very bright British student, Shaphar Dixon. She was wonderful in answering any questions we had about Great Britain. The food at this event was very appetizing. At the conclusion of this event we headed home and watched the rest of the convention speeches, catching Bill Clinton’s speech just in time. After the speech and delegate count we all headed to bed and called it a day, a very good day. 

President Bill Clinton Addresses the Democratic National Convention

WHAT MORE CAN I SAY?

What could I possibly say to sum up the events that have taken place today? Day three of the convention proved to be one that surpassed every expectation I could have ever had. To think that, after meeting delegates and being able to share in their experience, there could possibly be more to come seems like a dream turned reality. The third day of the Democratic National Convention opened my eyes to this experience on an entirely different level.

                To start, we returned to the hotel of the Democratic Party of Georgia to share in one last breakfast. Contrarily, this breakfast was more than just fresh fruit and five cups of coffee. What I witnessed was something far greater than sharing a meal. In respect to the party delegates, they have been up long hours adamantly supporting a cause that contributes to making significant changes in the lives of Georgians and that of all Americans. The dedication and determination was evident today. They all were tired, but that concern was tertiary to the overarching issues of pushing forward to nominate the president to run for a second term and ensuring that Georgia does all that it can to ensure such. In addition, we were graced with the presence of Jesse Jackson and Mayor Kevin Johnson. These are two great men that offered rousing speeches to motivate us all. After breakfast, we transitioned back into budding researchers and journalists. All over the hotel, we had the chance to conduct interviews, present surveys, and exchange contact information with delegates from the likes of Maine, Minnesota, and Georgia. But this is only where the fun began; I had the chance to be interviewed by a few young journalists who offered me the chance to share my experiences. I sincerely thank them for that. Once breakfast was over, for me, the true experience took shape.

                Return me to the streets of Charlotte! Today, my mission was to simply capture as many surveys from activists that I could, but so much more took shape. Dr. DeWitt and Dr. Azriel presented and amazing opportunity for myself and Plamen Mavrov; the Chronicle of Higher Education began to follow us on our search for activists. To have the opportunity to conduct research and share this experience with the Chronicle in Higher Education was truly special. First, it allowed our research to be captured as we walked up the streets of Charlotte. Second, and most important, it allowed me to team up with Plamen and really implant ourselves in the events. Plamen and I scouted for potential protest activity and set off on a quest to gain a true understanding of socio-political activism. We found ourselves helping each other present surveys, we collaborated on where the activists would be, and we pushed each other to get truly immersed in the activities of the street. We followed protestors as the changed locations, exchanged shouts with opposition, and made their voices heard. What better way to understand how grassroots movements shape our society and policy than to experience it first-hand. We found ourselves standing shoulder to shoulder embedded in a protest taking place outside the convention hall and down the streets of Charlotte. I was honored to share the experience of actively conducting research with such a great person and brilliant mind. For me, the highlight of the day rests upon the fact that Plamen and I had the chance to share in a research experience that only comes once in a lifetime. The credits for today can only be attributed to my appreciation for research that has been fostered to levels beyond my imagination. Today was truly special; my desire to pursue political science and research was expounded by today’s course of events. It was a long day, but one yielding many fruits.

Democrats Abroad

Wednesday, 9/5/12

   Today was another great day for me.  I interviewed the Chair-elect of Democrats Abroad John Eastwood and two other members for my first story. I was impressed with these delegates’ loyalty to their country and their desire to exercise their voting rights and really remain a part of the political system from abroad.

 My video project turned out ok despite a few technical issues. I chose not to go out with the group in other to finish an online class assignment . Hope to do a profile on an elderly couple at the convention.  I can’t believe tomorrow is the last day of the convention. Each day has been an amazing experience and I don't expect tomorrow to be any different.

Best day ever!!!

Aside from the lack of sleep and exhaustion, today was the best day of this entire trip!!! As stated yesterday, we began our day with a breakfast provided by the Georgia Delegation; just when we tought things had gotten predictable, we got a huge surprise. Reverend Jesse Jackson walked through the doors, stopping by our table to greet us. My Roommate Gillian and I were fortunate enough to get a shoulder tap from him; sounds crazy but that right there woke us up!! Chairman Mike Berlon then made the day's schedule announcements and introduced the Reverend to the delegation. His speech was extremely uplifting, bringing a message of hope, change, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Afterwards, the delegates were given a brief recess before the arrival of the next speaker. My classmates and I also took advantage of that time to get some more surveys completed for our projects. We were fearful that the delegates would be resistant to filling out the surveys due to fatigue or annoyance from the previous day's work; but it was the opposite. Not only did they participate, but they were encouraging others to do the same. Afterwards, we proceeded towards the convention center to take part in more caucus meetings. To our surprise, we found out that First Lady Michelle Obama had spoken at the Women's caucus!! And we missed it! To make matters worse, 2nd Lady Jill Biden was scheduled to speak at the Youth caucus, but the security around the ballrooms was so intense we couldn't get in. Gillian an I were unwilling to give up, and after 30+ minutes of waiting, we were finally allowed to enter; this time we did see who we had come to see. Jill Biden made a brief appearance from the center of the room, allowing us to take pictures with her. After the caucus meeting ended, we took a lunch break, then regrouped and decided to head back and get ready for our next event. As we passed the local Panera Bread ... We saw CNN news anchor Erin Burnette! She was generous enough to let us take a few pictures with her. Little did we know that a bigger surprise was awaiting us further down the road; keynote speaker Julian Castro right there in front of us I was so shocked!! And exited at the same time! We couldn't contain the excitement and we off course asked for a picture. Afterwards, he thanked us for our participation at the convention, and encouraged us to stay involved. I still can't believe that we were so fortunate to be at the right place at the right time to meet all these wonderfully people! Later in the afternoon, we got the opportunity to go to Winthrop University and engage in various discussions with a few students as well as some British foreign exchange students. The topics Ranged from foreign policy, to the correct British pronunciation of Harry Potter. Around 10 o clock we decided to end our trip, and rush back to the
rooms in order to hear Bill Clinton speak. This pretty much sums up this day. Had a blast today and I look forward to doing so again tomorrow !

This morning the day began with the alarm clock blaring in my head. It was very hard to get up but eventually I got up and ready to do some schoolwork. We headed to breakfast with the Georgia Delegation and got a very special treat. Jesse Jackson gave a fiery speech at the breakfast and prompted everyone to rise to their feet and get fired up. His speech was short yet inspiring, he also reminded us that the Democratic Party must remain united and reelect President Obama. Once he finished giving the speech we went to other state delegations in order to conduct our survey. We headed to the Maine state delegation as well as the Minnesota delegation. Both delegations were friendly and eager to help us with our survey; they also wished us the best of luck with our studies. After we finished with all of the interviews we headed to the Convention Center to attend more caucus meetings. We headed to the Youth Council where we heard from some wonderful speakers, one of those speakers was Dr. Jill Biden. She was a graceful speaker and walked around the room and met many people. I even got to meet her and shake her hand, needless to say it was a wonderful experience. After attending some more caucus meetings we headed back to the hotel so we could get ready for a watch party later tonight. While on the way back to our van we met CNN’s Erin Burnett and also Julian Castro. They were both very friendly and agreed to take pictures with us which we of course took full advantage of. We headed back to hotel and got ready to head to a watch party in South Carolina. This professor from Wynthrope University invited us to a watch party with her college class. It was a great opportunity and they were very welcoming. We left in time to watch Bill Clinton’s speech back in our hotel and of course the former President hit it out of the ball park. His phenomenal speech made a perfect pitch for the reelection of Barack Obama. Tomorrow should be another packed day with speeches and raw emotion here in Charlotte. This convention has so far been one of the most remarkable experiences of my life.

Today was spent much like yesterday in terms of logistics and events.  However, while here I’ve quickly learned to expect the unexpected.  Even though what appears on primetime television for the DNC is generally highly scripted, the caucus meetings and other events help to take high-profile attendees and put them in the shoes of normal people, forcing them to be seen and interact with fans.  Recognizable people in the media and politics are swarming this event because of its magnitude.  I think it shows a lot about a person’s character when they make the effort to come to large public events like this because it shows a genuine passion and dedication.  One of my favorite quotes to live by is “Work hard.  Stay humble.”  It is really refreshing to see individuals who hold up that standard and try to educate rather than walk over.  

While I am enjoying my free time, for journalists, politicians, and others attending events such as these this job is “work.”  For me, it is such a thrill to be here, and I’m not sure that I would ever want a job so intense that it would cause me to lose seeing the fun and excitement behind politics (Seeing so many professionals here reminds me that a good job in politics will let me attend events like this!).  On a side note, administering surveys is a fairly straightforward job with the occasionally awkward introduction or disinterested conventioneer.  Today, I spotted Gloria Allred just sitting at a table like all of the other lunch-eating patrons, typing away on her computer and seldom looking up.  Considering the lunch tables are my favorite spot to hand out surveys because of its convenience, I kept wondering what would have happened had I blindly walked up to her with a survey in hand.  None the less, despite my monotonous job as Queen survey hand out-er, I refrained.

Expect The Unexpected

Today was remarkable.

I don't really have the words to describe all the events that took place, but I'm a journalist so I kind of have to come up with the words, right?

My mantra of the day became "expect the unexpected". When I woke up this morning I was more tired than I had been the other days and I was worried I was starting to lose my mind a little from the whirlwind that has been this convention. However, this morning I proved to myself that I could interview someone (not just anyone, but Jesse Jackson and the Mayor of Minneapolis) at any time and handle myself in a professional manner.

I wasn't even planning to interview Jesse Jackson. When he walked into the breakfast this morning I have to admit I was filled with self doubt, not the sheer determination I later found myself having. I concluded in my mind that there would be absolutely no way to be near the man in the first place, and I didn't think he would actually take the time to stand for a minute or two with a student journalist.

Oh how I was wrong.

Dr. Azriel helped me scope out Jesse Jackson and prepare three questions to ask him. I was stunned when Jesse Jackson, himself pulled me aside and help me at an arms length (literally) after he gave his speech. He quickly but very intelligently answered my three questions about race and how it was affecting the election and then off he went.

Before I knew it, Dr. Azriel and I were running down the hall to grab the Mayor of Minneapolis. I did the same thing, and was pleasantly surprised at how kind the Mayor was and how he took the time to answer my questions.

What did I do after these two fabulous interviews? I called my Mom. Yes, she was proud.

Later at the breakfast I had the opportunity to ask a few questions to Mayor Kasim Reed's Chief of Staff about the Marriage Equality Platform and I hope tomorrow I will be able to use those quotes when I do a story about the last LGBT caucus. I'd also like to sneak into the Women's Caucus tomorrow, maybe see some interesting faces.

The other highlight of the day was running into the Mayor of San Antonio and convention keynote speaker, Julian Castro. I had heard some people had seen him wandering around earlier. When I heard we most likely wouldn't be seeing President Obama speak tomorrow, I felt disappointed, but decided that if I ran into Mayor Castro, I could leave the convention in a content manner. Right after I came to this conclusion we were lucky enough to take a photo with the man himself.

Lastly, on the way back to the hotel this evening I was praying and hoping I wouldn't miss former President Bill Clinton's speech. I saw President Clinton speak in Atlanta in 2008 and have always been a fan of his speaking style and politics. Once we parked, a bunch of us made a run for it, hoping we weren't missing word of this inspiring speech.

I am truly grateful I am at a place with talented and intelligent students who care about the world as much as I do. Ever since being here and being around the Communication students and Political Science students, I have less fear about the future.

Elizabeth Warren: 'Americans Are Fighters'

Kennesaw State POLS and COM Students Run Into Keynoter Julian Castro!

Plamen Mavrov and Max Harris getting ready to hit the field with videographer for the Chronicle of Higher Education

Meghan De St Aubin interviews Reverend Jesse Jackson at today's breakfast with Democratic Party of Georgia

 

Obama Convention Speech Moved From Stadium

By JEFF ZELENY

11:09 a.m. | Updated CHARLOTTE, N.C. – President Obama’s plans to deliver his acceptance speech on Thursday evening at an outdoor stadium rally has been foiled by a forecast of rain and heavy thunderstorms, aides said Wednesday, forcing organizers to scramble and move the final night of the Democratic National Convention indoors.

His appearance at Bank of America Stadium here was an effort to reprise the enthusiasm that surrounded Mr. Obama’s campaign four years ago at Mile High Stadium in Denver when he accepted the Democratic presidential nomination before nearly 80,000 supporters. The campaign viewed the stadium as more than a scenic backdrop, but an opportunity to organize thousands of grass-roots activists.

“We have been monitoring weather forecasts closely and several reports predict thunderstorms in the area,” said Steve Kerrigan, the chief executive officer of the Democratic convention. He said the venue change was an effort to “to ensure the safety and security of our delegates and convention guests.”

It was a disappointment for the Obama campaign, which had been working for months to build a crowd of at least 65,000 supporters for the president’s speech on Thursday. Campaign officials hoped that a packed stadium rally would answer the lingering questions about whether the energy surrounding Mr. Obama’s re-election bid is less than his first race four years ago.

A day after Jim Messina, the campaign manager, pledged to go forward with the outdoor speech “rain or shine – unless there’s a safety issue,” organizers concluded Wednesday morning that the weather was too unpredictable. The campaign dismissed suggestions that they would have had trouble filling the seats, which were distributed to people who volunteered on the campaign or waited in line for hours to get tickets.

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/05/obama-convention-speech-moved-from-stadium/

Wednesday Convention podium schedule

 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (LOCAL)

Call to Order
The Honorable Antonio R. Villaraigosa
Chair of the 2012 Democratic National Convention Committee
Mayor of Los Angeles, California

Invocation
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, 10th Episcopal District
First Woman Elected Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

Presentation of Colors

Pledge of Allegiance

National Anthem
Branford Marsalis
Saxophonist, Composer, and, Bandleader

Remarks
The Honorable Luis V. Gutierrez
Member of the US House of Representatives, Illinois
The Honorable Diana DeGette
Member of the US House of Representatives, Colorado

The Honorable John A. Pérez
Speaker and Member of the California State Assembly
The Honorable Thomas M. Menino
Mayor of Boston, Massachusetts
The Honorable Judy Chu
Member of the US House of Representatives, California
Steve Westly
Former State Controller and Chief Financial Officer of California
                                           
An Economy Built to Last Video: Small Business

Remarks
The Honorable John Larson
Democratic Caucus Chair and Member of the US House of Representatives, Connecticut
Ken Myers
Deputy Sheriff, Carroll County, Iowa

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (LOCAL)

Remarks
Richard Trumka
President of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL–CIO)
The Honorable Steve Israel
Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
Member of the US House of Representatives, New York
The Honorable Patty Murray                    
Chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
Member of the US Senate, Washington
The Honorable Pedro R. Pierluisi
Chair of National Community Mobilization for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
Non-Voting Member of the US House of Representatives, Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico

An Economy Build to Last Video: Energy

Remarks
Tom Steyer
Co-Founder of Advanced Energy Economy
The Honorable Charles E. Schumer
Member of the US Senate, New York

Remarks from Members of the Congressional Black Caucus

The Honorable Karen Bass
Member of the US House of Representatives, California
The Honorable Al Green
Member of the US House of Representatives, Texas
The Honorable Emanuel Cleaver, II
Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and Member of the US House of Representatives, Missouri

Remarks
The Honorable Dannel Malloy
Governor of Connecticut

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (LOCAL)

Remarks
Denise Juneau
Superintendent of the Montana Office of Public Instruction
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Democratic Leader and Member of the US House of Representatives, California
The Honorable Tom Vilsack

Women of the US Senate

Remarks
The Honorable Barbara Mikulski
Member of the US Senate, Maryland
The Honorable Arne Duncan

Progress for People Video: Education

American Voices Remarks
Johanny Adames

Remarks
The Honorable Jim Hunt
Former and Longest-Serving Governor of North Carolina

Remarks and Video Presentation in Memoriam
Presented by Harvey B. Gantt
Former Mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina

Live Performance
Jessica Sanchez
Singer/Songwriter

8:00 PM – 9:00 PM (LOCAL)

Stronger Together Video: Women’s Health

American Voices Remarks
Elizabeth Ann “Libby” Bruce

Remarks
Cecile Richards
President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America

The Honorable Steny Hoyer
Parliamentarian of the 2012 Democratic National Committee Convention
Democratic Whip and Member of the US House of Representatives, Maryland
The Honorable Barney Frank
Honorary Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee GLBT Council
Member of the US House of Representatives, Massachusetts

American Heroes Video: Veterans

American Voices Remarks
Ed Meagher

Remarks
The Honorable General Eric Shinseki
The Honorable Michael Nutter
Mayor of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Honorable John Hickenlooper
Governor of Colorado
Sister Simone Campbell
Executive Director of Roman Catholic Social Justice Organization, NETWORK
The Honorable Jack Markell
Governor of Delaware

9:00 PM – 10:00 PM (LOCAL)

Remarks
The Honorable Karen Mills

Progress for People Video: Small Business

American Voices Remarks
Bill Butcher

Remarks
The Honorable Kamala D. Harris
Attorney General of California

Stronger Together Video: Immigration

Remarks        
Benita Veliz
DREAM Act Activist
Cristina Saralegui
Journalist, Actress, and Talk Show Host
Sandra Fluke
Attorney and Women's Rights Activist

Austin Ligon
Co-Founder and Former CEO of CarMax, Inc.

An Economy Build to Last Video: Auto-Industry

American Voices Remarks
Karen Eusanio

Remarks
Bob King
President of the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW)
Randy Johnson, Cindy Hewitt, and David Foster
Former Employees at companies controlled by Romney’s Bain Capital

The Honorable Chris Van Hollen
Former Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
Member of the US House of Representatives, Maryland

10:00 PM – 11:00 PM (LOCAL)

Remarks
Jim Sinegal
Co-Founder and Former CEO of Costco
Elizabeth Warren
Candidate for US Senate, Massachusetts

Nomination Process Set-Up

Remarks
The Honorable Antonio R. Villaraigosa
Chair of the 2012 Democratic National Convention Committee
Mayor of Los Angeles, California
President Bill Clinton
42nd President of the United States

Closing Segment

Roll Call Vote
Alice Germond
Secretary of the Democratic National Committee

Benediction
Rabbi David Wolpe
Sinai Temple, Los Angeles, California

Retire Colors

Recess
 

http://www.wcnc.com/news/dnc-charlotte-2012/top-links/Wednesday-Convention-podium-schedule-168559776.html

Ted Strickland Addresses the Democratic National Convention