RI Delegation Welcomes a First-Night Speaker

CHARLOTTE, NC –– The Rhode Island delegation was buzzing this morning over last night’s speeches and events at the Democratic National Convention, and they had a surprise visitor when Gov. Lincoln Chafee stopped by their breakfast.

“We may have our differences back home,” Chafee told the delegates, “But here, we’re all united to support the re-election of Barack Obama”

From inside the hall, last night, probably not visible on tv,  the audience response seemed a bit muted when Chafee started off by talking about being a former Republican. But it was evident that the audience warmed up to him almost immediately, and by the end, he got an enthusiastic round of applause.

Asked how he felt the speech went, Chafee  told RI Future he was happy to have the opportunity.  “Those were some points that I wanted to share with Americans…strong feelings that I’ve had since my time in the Senate.”

But although it was his speech, Chafee was clear that his main mission was supporting the President. “I know conventions, the point is to promote the candidate; I wanted to make sure I did that.”

In addition to a lot of positive words about our our local favorite, delegates were also delighted by the rest of last night’s lineup.

Rep. Frank Ferri thought the whole evening was powerful.  “It was great to hear some positive messages,” he said. “Finally, let’s talk about what Obama has accomplished.”

Former gubernatorial candidate Myrth York particularly liked Cory Booker. “Cory was on fire,” she said. And she offered an observation about the picture offfered by the whole evening. “The party is young,” she said. “It has the look and feel of the future

Democratic National Committee member Frank Montanaro was especially moved by the video memorial to the late Sen. Ted Kennedy.  “As far as I’m concerned,” he said. “that was worth the show.”

And, of course, there was praise all around for the job that First Lady Michelle Obama did. Speaker Gordon Fox perhaps summed it up best: “Any man who has the sense to marry that woman deserves to be President.”