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Massman returns from DNC with greater enthusiasm for Obama
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By Tom Murphy
Caledonia Argus
The Democratic Party’s nomination of Barack Obama for President of the United States was an historic occasion and Julia Massman of Caledonia was there to witness it as a member of the Minnesota delegation. She returned home last week after the four day convention in Denver.
It was a parade of famous people to the podium. “How could you not find a good one in that group,” she responded when asked to rate the speakers? “Some were wondering if there were too many great speakers.
“But nobody upstaged Barack Obama. His talk at the stadium was just wonderful.
“It’s about talking to people we don’t agree with,” she says of Obama’s words.
“One on one- what a difference it makes,” she said of her many conversations. Right from the beginning, she met and visited a half hour with a Democratic national committee woman from Vermont. For Julia, that first conversation set the tone for her experience. “That conversation was worth the trip to the convention alone.”
It was about finding common ground and working together within the party for the good of the country.
Julia and her husband, Laverne, were driven to Denver by two of their children.
Obama’s acceptance speech was a highlight. “He is a stronger, more confident presidential candidate. He has always been inspiring with a message of hope, change, and promise. He’s moving forward and he now knows of the possibilities for change.
“There was a definite excitement that America can become again what it once was,” she said. “It will be with Barack Obama. He knows Americans will have to participate in this effort and have the courage to vote for change in order to achieve that promise.”
Another feeling was the many kindnesses she experienced. “People were so generous and welcoming. I never felt alone. At the end of the stay, I felt I knew most of the people in the delegation.” Former vice-president and delegate Walter Mondale sat behind Julia. “We had conversations and he was very sociable.” As one of 88 delegates from Minnesota, Julia is thought to be the first person from Houston County to attend the Democratic National Convention.
Co-chairs of the Minnesota delegation were United States Senator Amy Klobuchar and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. “They were with our caucus at all times. I can’t say enough good things about how well our elected representatives treated the delegates,” she said. “We developed a real closeness in the delegation.
“Wednesday afternoon was very memorable. We took turns making our ‘x’ in the box of our choice for our party’s presidential candidate, then signing our name next to our vote. Many took pictures of each other as we fulfilled our appointed duty. I was told these documents were placed in the national archives. The result was tallied and announced to the convention and public in the roll call of the states,” Julia remembered.
Most of the convention was held in the Pepsi Center. The Minnesota delegation had a great location to see the speakers.
“I love Michelle Obama. She is so natural,” Julia said of the spouse of the presidential nominee. “I would like to have her as a friend. I see her as kind, caring, and very intelligent.
“Ted Kennedy was great and Dennis Kucinich was literally jumping up and down. Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, U.S. Senator Bob Casey, Al Gore and John Kerry, they were all impressive.”
Julia spoke glowingly of the speech of Brian Schweitzer, the governor of Montana. Like everyone else, she’ll remember Barney Smith. “His line was just precious.
“Amy Klobuchar gave a terrific address. I am told I was seen three times on national television. One time, people saw us dancing to, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” and “You’re Still the One.” It was after Senator Klobuchar gave her talk,” she recalled.
“Hillary Clinton’s speech was perfect. No one could have asked more of her. She was very brave, very strong. I know she genuinely succeeded in uniting the party,” she stated. The media was concerned about whether the Democrats could come together. “I know we did,” Julia said. “I sensed it everywhere. There is unity for the sake of the country.”
Julia defends demonstrations. “If they are peaceful and purposeful, they are a freedom and are just as necessary a part of democracy in support of your issues as being a delegate.”
Just as she took the time at the convention to visit with people who were “polar opposites” to some of her beliefs, she believes it will require neighbors to engage in conversation with neighbors. “Whether or not you agree, talk in a softer, peaceful, more engaging way about the future of America.”
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