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(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., smiles as he watches Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., speak at the Democratic National Convention from Billings, Mont., Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008.
DENVER — Third Congressional District Delegate Mike Evatt’s experience at the Democratic National Convention has been heady. Wednesday in Denver, he had breakfast with former President Jimmy Carter.
Evatt, a 45-year-old Seneca resident and Cryovac employee, said Democrats were unified behind presumed nominee Sen. Barack Obama despite reports to the contrary.
As a delegate for former Sen. John Edwards, Evatt said he went to the podium Wednesday following a speech by Carter and asked fellow Edwards delegates to vote for Obama.
“I’ve been a loyal Edwards delegate in 2004 and 2008, but we have so much at stake,” Evatt said. “We must not let the media spin this. The Democratic Party is absolutely unified.”
According to Evatt, Sen. Hillary Clinton, and Obama’s advisory during a heated primary, “knocked one out of the park” in her highly anticipated speech Tuesday.
Another third congressional delegate, Tremain Mattress, concurred with Evatt’s assessment.
“You’re seeing a unified Democratic Party, not based on gender or race or anything other than progressive politics,” said Mattress, an Obama delegate. “Sen. Clinton has done phenomenal work, and is a brilliant woman, who came very, very close to the nomination. People who were crying during her speech were overjoyed because she’s accomplished so much.”
Mattress said former South Carolina Gov. Richard Riley, a Clinton delegate, had been vocal in Denver about throwing support behind Obama.
A 27-year-old Duke University law student, Mattress was anticipating his vocal and written delegate vote for Obama on Wednesday afternoon. As a delegate, the vote is Mattress’ primary function in Denver. But he’s also attended various caucuses, including sessions regarding education.
“You go to those and report what you’ve learned at the convention back to your state,” said Mattress, an Oakway native.
With a major American party on the precipice of nominating a black presidential candidate for the first time, Mattress said the significant was palpable.
“I think everyone senses this is a historic moment, not only for the Democratic Party, but for this country. This county has always been based on ideals. And I think a lot of people are viewing this race in the lense that we have with Barack Obama not an African American candidate, but we have the best candidate.”
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August 28, 2008
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I would hope that the voters of S.C. and the U.S. will think twice before casting their vote for Barack Obama.
He has already shown his inexperience in the company he keeps and statements he has made. We don't need to be giving a sitting president "on the job training" in the crucial times we are living. We don't know where he stands on issues from one day to the next...and I'm not sure he does either. Rest assured, if by chance Obama gets elected, taxes will be raised dramatically to pay for $500 billion in new big government programs at a time when businesses and families are facing soaring fuel and food prices.Someone is going to have to pay for these programs that Obama puts into place (they don't come free) and the mistakes that his bad judgement brings into play. The Obama adminstration will remake our health car system in the image of the government-run socialized health care systems of Europe. This we absolutey do not need. Some of the problems we're experiencing now will only multiply. Voters desperately need to look at the baggage Obama would be bringing with him, should he be elected, to the highest office in the nation. Who do you REALLY trust to occupy the White House? Even his V.P. selection, along with the Clintons and other members of his own party stated they didn't think he was ready to lead the nation. However, they have to go with his nomination now because of the tremendous quagmire that could be caused other wise. THINK...THINK...THINK...BEFORE VOTING OBAMA!!