DNC Check In: Courpas Scores Passes to See President Speak

Westminster resident Corynne Courpas served as a delegate at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. She has been active in the Carroll County Democratic Central Committee since 1990, and has served in officer positions, including her current position as treasurer.

Courpas is sending daily updates from the Convention in North Carolina. 

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Thursday, Sept. 6, 3 p.m.

With change in venue and corresponding loss of about 40,000 seats, we were concerned about getting in to hear the President tonight. But, good news! We have passes and will be heading into town shortly!

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Thursday Sept. 6, 10 a.m.

Scott and I took some time off yesterday afternoon to explore beautiful downtown Charlotte.  Had a great lunch to unwind and prepare for a big night.  After making our way through the maze of protesters, button hucksters and t-shirt vendors, we wound up appearing live on MSNBC.  No, we didn’t get interviewed, we just showed up in a crowd shot.  

Last night’s convention spotlighted two issues that are near and dear to my heart, women’s rights and business.  My first motivation to get involved in the political process, oh so many years ago, was when I realized that women were treated unequally.  Last night’s speakers reminded me how far we have come, but how much further we have to go.  Seeing so many dynamic women like Cecile Richards, Elizabeth Warren, and Maryland’s own Barbara Mikulski on the stage was proof that given the opportunity, women will rise to the occasion.  Then Sandra Fluke reminded us some women are still bullied and harassed, and that we still have work to do.  I am so proud to be part of the Party that stands up to this kind of abuse and even invites Sandra to speak at our Convention.  Women like her are our leaders for the future. 

I was moved when business leaders shared their own personal stories of how the President’s policies have helped them become more successful in their field.  In my job, I consult with dozens of small business owners each week.  When I was listening to  speakers that spanned the spectrum from CEOs of Costco and Carmax to a small craft brewer from Virginia, I could relate to the struggles that these people face.  Hearing their stories made me understand even better that President Obama is on their side.   The former employees of companies decimated by Bain Capital provide the only contrast necessary in the choice we have before us.  They told stories of the pain caused to families of workers who were fired when their companies were taken over.  Many had been employed for years and their jobs, security, health care and benefits were taken away while the board of Bain became rich. 

Then there was Bill.  Although the nostalgia in the hall for President Clinton was clear, there was even more nostalgia for the change he was able to bring in the 90s.  He cleaned up after the first Bush, and now President Obama has to clean up after the second one.  When it comes to moving a crowd, there is nobody like Bill Clinton….unless it would be Barack Obama.  Can’t wait for tonight.

We were disappointed to learn yesterday that the DNC has moved tonight’s session from the huge Bank of America Stadium to the much smaller Time Warner Cable Arena, due to weather forecast and safety concerns.  There are hundreds of good Democrats here in our delegation that had credentials for the stadium that are now unable to attend.  The State Party is doing a great job of putting together a party for tonight so that we can all watch the speech together.  We are still trying to score passes, but will probably wind up at a downtown restaurant near the hall with our friends.  We are looking forward to participating in a conference call with the President at 1:20 pm today.

Fired up and ready to go from Charlotte!

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