Guest-blogging the DNC: Joel McNally
As carefully scripted as modern conventions are, organizers only hope for some real moment that electrifies the audience and raises excitement to a level that can’t be pre-planned.
Such an unforgettable moment at the Democratic National Convention was the surprise appearance of President Barack Obama on stage embracing former Democratic President Bill Clinton after Clinton renominated Obama with perhaps one of the best speeches America ever heard from a man who loves speaking.
Clinton is not one to stick to scripts anyway. Wisconsin delegates sitting to the right of the stage could see the teleprompter repeatedly come to a halt as Clinton soared free-style with some of his best lines.
Not only was there point-by-point refutation of dishonest Republican budget claims, but Clinton raised the usually unspoken issue of racial hatred for the country’s first African American president.
“Though I often disagreed with Republicans,” Clinton said, “I never learned to hate them the way the far right that now controls the Republican party seems to hate this president.”
Clinton said Obama obviously could work with honest political opponents because he hired several cabinet members who supported Hilary for president. “Heck, he even appointed Hilary.”