The first day was really great, except for a tourist boondoggle Michele and I fell into. Oh well some times advertising works.. Let's talk about the best part of the day.

We started with the excitement of getting our credentials and having our delegation breakfast. The mayor of Orlando Buddy Dyer spoke as did the Mayor of Los Angeles.

We got on the bus to go downtown and on walks Bob Graham. It always fun to see top statesmen.

Soon it was 2:00pm and time for me to get on the bus to go to the Pepsi center. After the usual bus ride, walk to and through security it was on to the grounds of the DNC convention. I had my Florida attire on as did the entire delegation and mine had pink flamingos pinned to my shoulders.

I was easily identifiable as a Florida delegate and the press cameras started clicking away. I made it to location on the floor and it was so cool. On the FLOOR in the Front!

The major theme of the Night was meet the Obama's . Most of the speakers were from Barack's service in Illinois and also in the US Senate.

I am going to move quick because the day is already moving fast. Last night Michelle O was super. In all of our busy lives it is sometimes hard to digest all that is presented to us. But it is so different when you can look at them live in person (also thanks to the HD Big Screens). Her sincerity as a mother a woman a devoted spouse and a proud American. I just have to say it a 19 year marriage two beautiful kids, and a partnership like the Obama's is the American dream. Now contrast that with ... oh well mom says If you can say it nice..

Today at breakfast we had Alex Sink the State of Florida CFO speak,  a very fine woman. And Senator Nelson explained how the Obama campaign is listening to how to handle Florida.. because we are special. He spoke of the swing votes on the I4 corridor and how when Senator Obama came to Florida he went from St Pete to Titusville. No accident, he listens.

Let's talk Joe Biden, what do you need in a VP, 1) It must feel right for the party and does it ever, 2) He has to be able to handle himself in the VP debate.. Joe Biden? slam dunk. 3) He must be a strong campaigner. That we now he will do for Senator Obama.

Lastly and most exciting, I ran into Will. If you look back in my post he hosted me as I meet Senator Clinton. The Clinton campaign is so wonderful to me. He offered Credentials for Michele TONIGHT!! Nothing is ever 100% but we hope to meet him later today and pick them up. So Hopefully we will both be in the hall tonight!

More pictures at http://picasaweb.google.com/barrybirdwell/DemsUniteDNCDay1


More to come

PEACE!