Written Report on 1st Day of 2020 Democratic National Convention

I thought the first night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention, the first virtual convention ever held, was truly effective.   Not only because of what the well-known speakers said, which was passionate and true and highly effective, but also because of several speakers I don't recall seeing before at any national political convention.

Probably the best of these not-yet-famous people, certainly what moved me the most, was what Kristin Urquiza said.  Her father, a Trump supporter, died of COVID.  His only pre-condition, Ms. Urquiza said, "was that he trusted Donald Trump".  That statement not only rings true to the soul, but shows that Ms. Urquiza has a future in the political world, if she wants it.

Now to some of the people we already knew.  I thought Bernie Sanders gave the best speech of his life tonight.  He spoke plain truth to his millions of supporters, which didn't include me.  But every word he said made eminent sense.  His confessions of a progressive -- his confessions about why he was supporting Joe Biden for President -- should be a handbook for every rational person.  In a phrase, they explained the dangers of Trump (which we already know), but also how Biden's positions take important steps towards what Sanders wants, most importantly universal health care.  I hope those points become known and are believed by every progressive.

I thought the Republicans supporting Trump were convincing, and, for some reason, even more so Biden's rivals in the Democratic Primary, like Bernie.  In addition, the more moderate Amy Klobuchar continues to impress as one of the most sensible thinkers and speakers in America.   Andrew Cuomo didn't run for President this year.  But his dealing with the COVID pandemic in New York -- we now have just a one-percent infection rate in this state, after starting out as the most infected state in country -- was masterful, including his daily briefings (which I said at the time were akin to FDR's fireside chats during the Great Depression).  His speech tonight followed in that tradition.

And then there's Michelle Obama.  She already ascended to being far more than a former First Lady.  But tonight she hit new heights, of passion, compassion, and just clear common sense.  Her speech was a pleasure and an inspiration to hear, and I hope that it gets everyone who voted for Barack to vote for Biden this time around.   Her plea that we should vote as if our lives depended on it was never more true.

And I'll be back here tomorrow with thoughts on what tomorrow's segment of the 2020 Democratic National Convention brings.

See also Report on the 2020 Democratic National Convention, Day 2 ... Report on the 2020 Democratic National Convention, Day 3