Watching the DNC from Argentina
Democrats Abroad Argentina watching the Convention, originally uploaded by blmurch.
This evening's party at Sugar was a lot of fun. I got to visit with friends and family and see some of the great speeches from this year's Democratic convention. Al Gore gave a good one on climate change, Bill Richardson spoke eloquently in both English and Spanish and then out came Obama. He rocked the house. He promised a lot of stuff and I don't know that he'll be able to come through on everything, but if he can at least TRY and get half-way there, he'll be doing better than what we've been dragged through the past eight years.
The crowd in the bar was quiet during Obama's speech and at the same time they would burst out when inspired. The alcohol was flowing and the bartenders were slammed, but it seemed like everyone was enthusiastic and engaged. My mum recorded people's thoughts on the process and spoke with Argentines and Americans and Democrats and Republicans and got a good gauge of people's reactions. For me, it was interesting to talk with an Argentine who couldn't believe that people weren't being paid to be there. They filled up that stadium out of love and enthusiasm for the democratic process and to witness history being made.
I've been watching the speeches on c-span online here from Argentina. I'm really glad that I'm not trying to watch them on the television because it seems like the pundits aren't really showing the speeches. They think that their innane commentary and stooopid drama is more important. I just wish they would shut up. But, it seems like I'm not the only one who is frustrated. The Daily Show has some good laughs at their expense as well. BTW - how awesome is it that The Daily Show is available online in all their full-episode glory. I don't even mind the commercials; they're not that long and the volume isn't spiked.
All in all, it was a good time. I'm inspired again by the faith that Obama has in all of us to participate in the Democratic process and make history and CHANGE.