Farewell, Mr. President

Air Force One took off from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport around 10:20 this morning, marking the culmination of the Democratic National Convention.

The week has been filled with protestors, convention goers, speeches, T-shirts and buttons! The biggest upset, however, was the change in venue for the President’s speech from the Bank of America stadium to the Time Warner Cable Arena. Community credential holders were able to listen to a conference call from the President instead, and encouraged to organize or attend watch parties with friends.

Nonetheless, the President gave his speech and the best quote of the night was: “I recognize that times have changed since I first spoke to this convention. The times have changed – and so have I. I’m no longer just a candidate. I’m the President.” This profound statement defined the difference between President Obama and his opponent-experience on the job.

Some of us may be happy that “this is all over,” others are saddened. If you call Charlotte home today, you’re probably proud. The next step for the nation is to continue to organize voter registrations, then get out to vote.

Day four of the DNC…check.

~Lachelle Pulliam~

The Daily Show at the DNC

John Stewart taped The Daily Show at ImaginOn tonight. Taping began at 6 pm but apparently, some people were in line at 8 am! Yes, 8 am. Staff handed out tickets just after 2 pm, and by then there were multiple lines of people waiting for a chance to see Mr. Stewart and the production.

It was well worth the wait. Before the show John entertained questions from the audience. His political correspondents “complained” about how tight the security in the area is, in their feature at the top of the show. John’s special guest of the night was Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). Senator Gillibrand put out a call to women to “get off of the sidelines and into the game.” She argued that if more women were in Congress, Congress could focus on crafting solutions to America’s problems rather than engaging in partisan bickering. John was not convinced!

As usual, John took a not so funny subject-politics-and made it entertaining yet informative.

Day three of the DNC…check.

~Lachelle Pulliam~

Governor Perdue, This One’s for You!

The gavel came down, marking the start of official DNC business.

Not long after, the Honorable Bev Perdue welcomed all to the great state of North Carolina. Governor Perdue, North Carolina’s first female Governor, shared a message of support for her party’s nominee. A  staunch education advocate, Governor Perdue praised President Obama because “[he] gets it on education.”

Madame Governor, you “get it” on tenacity. For women on both sides (or neither side) of the aisle, Governor Perdue has been an example of commitment and courage, particularly over the past two years. During that time, she vetoed 19 bills passed by the General Assembly-an assembly largely made of men.

With all due respect, Governor Perdue appeared to struggle at times to get her words out above the crowd’s roar-understandably. Perhaps she was thinking of a dear friend she lost less than two months ago. After all, NORTH CAROLINA was hosting the Democratic National Convention and her mentor and friend-the late Honorable William L. Wainwright-was not there with her to experience such an historical event.

Madame Governor, I “get it.”

Day two of the DNC…check.

In Loving Memory of North Carolina State Representative William L. Wainwright, D-12.

~Lachelle Pulliam~

The DNC Begins

It’s here! The Democratic National Convention (DNC) has finally began! For those who didn’t scurry out of town to avoid the mayhem, this convention promises to have at least one event for you.

Festivities for the public kicked off around 10 am today, and boy could you tell! Though today was my first time riding the Lynx light rail, from what I heard, it has never been that packed! The rail cars were stuffed with those sitting, standing, and sliding! Next stop…Carolina Fest-The DNC’s family-friendly festival, complete with music, information booths, fun activities and more.

The highlight of the event may have been Fuel Pizza’s booth. Led by a Fuel chef, children were able to make a pizza from scratch using fresh, locally grown vegetables. After crafting their pizzas, children stood by patiently waiting for their numbers to be called, the sign that their pizza was ready! As an added bonus, Fuel served ice cold water for everyone. The booth quickly became a popular stop!

Day one of the DNC…check.

~Lachelle Pulliam~