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Local Dems pleased with Obama's speech
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Friday, August 29, 2008 10:15 AM EDT
With the Democratic National Convention now in the books, local Democrats weighed their opinions - and they couldn't be happier.
Corunna resident and Democratic delegate Duane Zuckschwerdt was in Denver with his wife Connie to witness the speeches, including the final speech from Democratic candidate Barack Obama.
“I thought it was fantastic,” Zuckschwerdt said during a phone interview from Denver. “I think the message is clear and I thought there wasn't one stone left unturned. I just watched one home run after another. And the people in Denver have been the most gracious hosts.”
While he was impressed with each of the major speakers, Zuckschwerdt said the Obamas stood out.
“I have never heard a (potential) first lady deliver a punch like Michelle Obama,” Zuckschwerdt said. “If you walk away from that convention without at least a sense of respect and pride for that family, then I feel sorry for you.”
During the week, the media and critics focused on the divide created within the party after a long primary season.
“I think it was all media hype,” Zuckschwerdt said. “I was a Clinton delegate and I knew a long time ago that I would be supporting Obama. I heard a media person on TV say that it would be the first convention where they could interview delegates in the crowd that wouldn't support the nominee. That was ridiculous. To be here and see the emotions on people's faces was amazing. It's one of the most emotional conventions I've ever witnessed.”
Zuckschwerdt had something to say to those not able to attend the convention or tune into the coverage on TV.
“Invest the time to go wherever you have to, to watch what happened,” he said. “Once you hear it and don't care, that's fine, but you have to at least listen. I will be watching the Republican National Convention (beginning Sept. 1), just like I always have. I've heard a lot of good things come from it. People at least need to give (the Democratic Convention) the same opportunity to make up their minds.”
Zuckschwerdt said the Republican Party will have a lot to address during its convention.
“I didn't see any chink in the armor (at the DNC),” he said. “My guess is the Republicans are thinking ‘Oh my God, what are we going to do?'”
Shiawassee Republican Party Chairman Sam Burwell said he was not impressed with Obama's speech.
“It was just another one of these fluff speeches,” Burwell said. “I was a little disappointed that there weren't any more specifics. I didn't really hear anything new.”
Burwell said the Republican Party needs to continue with its own goals.
“John McCain has some good ideas and specific plans and that's what he needs to stick with,” Burwell said. “I don't think they need to come out with an attack. I don't really feel a need for them to address what went on in Denver - I think people can make up their own minds.”
Area Democrats shared Zuckschwerdt's view of the convention.
“I was really pleased with the convention,” Shiawassee Democratic Party Chairwoman Carol Spaniola said. “I thought (Obama) laid out his position very clearly and dealt with the issues that are really affecting the Americans.”
Local blogger and Democrat Christine Barry said the speeches not only addressed issues facing the country, but locally as well.
“I thought (Barack Obama's) speech was great for Michigan,” Barry said. “He addressed the economy and so many things that relate to us. And every speaker made it clear that their candidate was Barack Obama.”
Barry did find a few faults throughout the course of the week.
“If I was a Republican, I'd point out that (Barack Obama) only talked about national security for about five minutes,” she said. “He did it because the economy is in such turmoil, but if I'm John McCain, I would point out the national security.”
Barry said the economy was still the most important issue to her and Shiawassee County.
“Having a president focus on (the economy) was great for us here,” she said. “I was really pleased with the whole theme of the convention. I think Hillary (Clinton) said people felt they were invisible and that's something we can identify with. (Obama's) campaign has already been out there in Owosso and Shiawassee trying to energize people. That's why I believe him.”
- Contact Nathan Bruttell at 725-5136 extension 231 or nbruttellarguspress@gmail.com.
Comment on this Story
Kevin Michael Brown wrote on Sep 1, 2008 6:34 AM:
(Is Barack Obama's vice president choice a good one?
Yes, they'll win in a landslide
It's OK, there were better candidates
It's too early to tell
No, he should have picked Hillary Clinton
It doesn't matter, John McCain is going to win)
If you look at the middle responses and realize that they could very well be Obama LEANERS, it makes the number look a little less strong for McCain.
(189 to 181) "
bojangle wrote on Aug 31, 2008 8:01 PM:
Lynn wrote on Aug 30, 2008 1:35 AM:
This would have seal the convention.
The race was very close and since Obama won he should have been humble and offered vice-president to Clinton. Also, since Michigan nor Florida votes counted he should have offered vice-president to Clinton. It was a total slap in the face when Clinton was not even on the short list. This was not a Christian nor humble more. Now, we have to deal with the Republicans bringing a woman in and maybe win this election. This is a disgrace. "