While many people watched the recent political conventions on TV, Woody Kaine ('10) got the opportunity to experience the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in person.
Kaine traveled to Denver, Colorado, the location of the 2008 DNC, with his brother, Nat Kaine ('08), and his father, Gov. Tim Kaine. The convention, which lasted from August 25-28, was held to rally the party around the Democratic presidential nominee, Barack Obama.
Due to the long battle in the Democratic primaries, as well as to what some consider a slight of Hillary Clinton as Obama's V.P. pick, some media commentators have highlighted Clinton supporters who are now voting for McCain.
However, what Kaine saw at the convention led him to believe that the situation has been overanalyzed, and even misrepresented.
“I think the disenchanted Hillary supporter turned McCain supporter thing has been blown way out of proportion, said Kaine.
“It seemed like everyone I talked to was supporting Barack wholeheartedly, no matter who they liked in the primary,” said Kaine.
“Everyone was just really excited to be there and to nominate Barack,” he said.
During the four days that Jon Stewart was hosting The Daily Show in Denver, Gov. Kaine appeared as a guest on the show. Gov. Kaine was considered to be on the short list for Obama's V.P. pick, and during the interview, Gov. Kaine discussed the vetting process.
“I did get to meet Jon Stewart, and he seemed like a nice guy," said Kaine. [Having my dad on the show] was pretty cool."
The last night of the convention was held at Invesco Field at Mile High, home of the Denver Broncos. In front of a sold out stadium, Gov. Kaine addressed the crowd, and later that night, Obama formally accepted the Democratic presidential nomination.
“It was just amazing to be there for a speech like that,” said Kaine. “In addition to the historical aspect, it was really cool to be there at a speech with 80,000 people. [That] makes it feel so much more exciting.”
Obama is the first African American presidential nominee for a major political party, but Kaine noted another historical feature of the Obama campaign.
The Obama campaign has relied heavily on small donors to help finance the campaign, creating a far-reaching network of those who contribute to the campaign.
“The grassroots support that [the Obama campaign] has gotten, especially through the Internet, will be something people will be studying in AP U.S years from now,” said Kaine.
Earlier this summer, Kaine volunteered at the Obama Headquarters, where he registered voters and canvassed. Although he supports Obama, Kaine believes that everyone should participate in the campaign process.
“No matter how much time you have to help, [campaign headquarters] can find something for you to do. Even if it’s just for an hour or two after school, it is important to get involved.”
Photo by Woody Kaine (’10).
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