Today began with the Meet the Candidates breakfast allowing us to meet multiple new people running for office (find out more information in the the Up and Coming Class post). From there we proceeded to a Campaign briefing on the general election with the Democratic National Committee strategists.
The campaign briefing included a Q & A. We got a look at the "battleground" states for the upcoming election. The states considered "in play," meaning they could go either way, include Nevada, Montana, North Dakota, Colorado, New Mexico, Alaska, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. These states will likely receive some visits in the next 60 days.
After the briefing I dashed to the Nebraska delegation luncheon hosted by the APTA and Christina went to a luncheon for Community Mental Health. Both luncheons offered the opportunity for networking with groups.
After the luncheon, I attended the rural caucus and got some good information on how the campaign is approaching rural issues. Amy Klobacher of Minnesota said she believes that the campaign is receptive to learning about the unique needs in the rural community and examining ways to meet those needs.
From there, we met with Ruth Berenbeim , a proud AOTA member here in Denver and she attended the convention with me. On the way to the convention floor we stopped in at an event for Senate Majority leader Harry Reid of Nevada and again shared with him our Grip and Grin campaign information and tips. We arrived at the convention via our favorite Pedicab driver, Matt, and were seated in the convention center to see the roll call vote. California and Illinois passed during the roll call and on the second calling of Illinois they passed to New York which then brought out their own Hillary Clinton to make the motion to cease the roll call and declare Barack Obama the Democratic candidate. The motion was seconded and passed.
As the other convention proceedings have proven, the Democrats had a full line up carefully orchestrated to finish with a bang. Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the House led a tribute to the 88 year anniversary of women's voting rights and we heard from many women of the House as well. Melissa Ethridge performed with a patriotic mix that concluded with God Bless America. Also at the podium tonight were Senator Harry Reid, Majority Leader of the Senate; Former Secretary of State Madeline Albright, Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana, Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts. We watched a video honoring our veterans, their service and their commitment to our country before hearing from former President Bill Clinton. The former president could not get the crowd to quiet down to begin his speech--he received a great welcome from the crowd. The night culminated with Senator Joe Biden of Delaware accepting the VP nomination and giving his acceptance speech. The noise in the Pepsi Center during this time was off the charts. The excitement and energy is visible in the arena. When Senator Biden concluded he was joined by surprise guest Barack Obama himself. Just when you thought the energy couldn't go higher it did. A wonderful night with lots of excitement for the Democratic party!
We concluded with a post-gavel celebration of Senator Biden's nomination and saw and heard from him in a more intimate setting. Ruth seemed to enjoy the opportunity to be able to be a part of the process. Perhaps Ruth can add to this post what she experienced in her time at the convention.
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5 comments:
Amy -
It sounds like you have had a very productive time at the conference and that you are representing OT very well at this important convention. It is great that our national leaders in AOTA are able to get face to face with elected officials who are instrumental in making decisions so important to Occupational Therapy.
When you speak of OT - do most people have a good understanding of what we do? Did you hear any first hand stories about how OT touched a member of their lives? Great job - thank you for attending on behalf of OT.
Amy,
Wow, I want to echo Sue’s posting, you clearly have been very busy. We are so fortunate to have you, Ruth and Christina representing occupational therapy and AOTA at the convention. I am eager to hear more about the issues discussed in the luncheon for Community Mental Health, rural community as it relates to healthcare and education and who are the Up and Coming Class.
As a result of attending the convention, have you identified anyone new for us to meet on September 22nd on AOTA Capital Day?
I am looking forward to your next posting.
Monica
Sue and Monica,
Great questions! Senator Klobacher of MN had a great story today where she received great gains after a hand injury on the campaign trail when she sought occupational therapy treatment. Grip and Grin inevitably leads the Congresspersons to have a story of injury on the campaign trail. I did have a great dialogue with Senator Mulkulski of Maryland when she took my hand and said "I do know what you all do, you help so many people, I appreciate you." She is a social worker by trade and it was a great experience.
There is still a need to get the occupational therapy message out there. Education on who we are, what we do and our vital role in the health care team for is a message that we cannot let rest for a minute.
Amy
Monica, I forgot to mention we are working to line up a great speaker for Hill Day and began the dialogue this week at an event we attended. So, everyone book your tickets to DC on for September 22nd you will not want to miss this Hill Day!
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