Hillary and the Democratic National Convention

On Thursday night, America began a new chapter in the City of Brotherly Love. In a moving speech to the Democratic National Convention, Hillary Clinton accepted her party’s nomination for president. Her speech was the high point of the gathering which was energetic, at times electric, and at all times unified.

She spoke about education, health care, security, diplomacy, immigration reform, values and job creation. She thanked President Obama, Vice President Biden, First Lady Michelle Obama and Bernie Sanders. They all gave moving speeches of their own that unequivocally supported Hillary and brought the party, including the young voters who Bernie Sanders inspired, to get involved.

Hillary spoke to Bernie and said, “Your campaign inspired millions of Americans, particularly young people who threw their hearts and souls into our primary.” Bernie won more under-30 voters than Clinton and Trump combined. Bernie moved the platform a touch toward progressivism with economic and social justice being discussed forthrightly, and that is a good thing.

Hillary Clinton identified that we are at a watershed moment because “powerful forces are threatening to pull us apart and the bonds of trust and respect are fraying.” She is right. What are we going to do about it?

She used the opportunity to show how sharp the contrast is between the nominees. She accused Trump of attempting to “divide us from the rest of the world, and from each other,” using fear to make us do his bidding. Hillary assured us it is not the time to be afraid. She said we do not need “to fear the future and fear each other.” We need to “ rise to the challenge” and “ build an economy where everyone who wants a good job can get one” instead of trying to “building a wall.”

She said she believes in a country where all children can dream and where those dreams “are within reach,… where families are strong, communities are safe, and … where love trumps hate.”
That’s the future, the nation and the dream that all Americans share. She promised that her “primary mission as president will be to create more opportunity and more good jobs with good wages in America.” She mentioned how Trump makes all of his products in China, India and Mexico but promises voters he will bring back jobs to America. As Joe Biden told the DNC, “ Malarkey!” She asked Trump to start living up to his promise to, “Make America great again … by actually making things in America again.”

She outlined a plan for ISIS and terrorism with strategies and with an honesty that the solution won’t be easy but with dedication and leadership America will prevail.

Michael Bloomberg added his voice to the notable people who are absolutely convinced that Donald Trump would be a disastrous choice for America. He said that there is only one choice for president of the United States and it is Hilary Clinton. Hillary reminded me of Terrence Mann in the movie “Field of Dreams” when he said, “America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It’s been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt, and erased again…baseball has marked the time…It reminds us of all that once was good, and it could be again.”

In Philadelphia, a former First Lady, former senator and former Secretary of State marked the time and reminded us that, “America’s destiny is ours to choose. Let’s look to the future with courage and confidence. Let’s build a better tomorrow for our beloved children and our beloved country. And, America will be greater than ever.”