Got to attend the democratic national convention last week. I'm so glad I did it! I almost didn't make it because I was in Hawaii on Monday and Tuesday shooting a trailer for the Hawaii International Film Festival. But I thought I'd make the effort since it was promising to be such a historic event. Arrived Wednesday morning on the red eye and hit the ground running. Unfortunately, I was running the whole day in my high heels. Silly me, thinking I would try to look cute at all those interviews and appearances. Scored a floor pass thanks to my friend in the campaign, but the floor filled up so quickly that I wasn't able to get down there at first. They closed the floor just as I was getting checked in. But figuring it was a once in a life time opportunity I decided I was going to sneak in anyway. I reverted back to my high school days of sneaking into clubs and concerts and made it just in time to see Bill Clinton speak. Got caught and sent away about half way through though, because I couldn't find a place to sit. So then I managed to sneak into the club lounge where they had food. Got a bit of nourishment and rested my burning high heeled feet while I figured out another tactic. When I snuck back onto the floor the third time I found the Hawaii delegation. Not hard to spot wearing lei's, aloha shorts and waving shredded ti leaves. So I hung out with them throughout Kerry and Biden's speeches.
One of the members of the Hawaii delegation
My view of Biden from the floor.
The final day at Mile High Stadium was a day to remember. The speeches were awesome and being down on the floor experiencing it live and up close was an experience I'll never forget.
We had a beautiful air conditioned suite with tons of great food and private bathrooms, but Daniel Dae Kim and I wanted to rough it on the field with the Hawaii delegation. We sat in the hot sun for hours, but celebrating with the Hawaiian delegation made it all worth it. We all cried and hugged when Obama accepted the democratic nomination, even the men. Congressman Neil Abercrombie knew Obama's parents at the Univeristy of Hawaii and even knew Barack as a baby so this was very personal for him. I couldn't help but cry when I saw him gush with tears of pride and joy. He was joined and embraced by former Governor John Waihe'e and campaign volunteer, Chuck Freedman. It was a proud moment for Hawaii.
On the floor of the Invesco Stadium.
Gov. John Waihe'e, Chuck Freedman, Cong. Neil Abercrombie embraced with tears when Obama accepted the nomination. ||