Gray Sasser

By Marisa Richmond

I have finally returned home from the 2008 Democratic National Convention.  There was much speculation in the media, and among many private citizens, over what would happen at this year’s convention.  I think it is safe to say that we far exceeded everyone’s expectations for success.  I do need to tell you little more about my final day at the DNC before I turn to more general reflections.

By Marisa Richmond

It seems everyday, I remember something from the previous day which I forgot to mention.  Last night, as I arrived on the floor, Babs Casbar, a transgender delegate from New Jersey came by to talk.  While we were chatting, I looked up to see Amanda Simpson jumping across the rows to join us.  So Tennessee “hosted” an impromptu transgender caucus on the floor.  I have had other opportunities to chat with other trans delegates on the floor (Laura Calvo of Oregon, Vanessa Foster of Texas, and, even though she decided not to associate with the rest of us, Marti Abernathy of Indiana).  I also lent my floor pass to 2 TN alternates so they could get down on the floor while I walked around the upper reaches of the Pepsi Center.  Alternates don’t get seats, so they have to sit up in the third deck unless a delegate trades credentials to allow them to get downstairs.  I wanted to allow others to have that experience.

Now, on to Wednesday.  Our breakfast speakers today were Congressman John Tanner, the only TN Democratic Congressman I had not previously met, and US Senate candidate Bob Tuke.  Tuke faces an uphill battle to unseat Lamar Alexander, but if he can pull it off, he will be a great Senator for TN and the nation.

By Marisa Richmond

Photo courtesy of Monica Helms

With the convention starting exactly seven days from today, I thought I would share my schedule with you, as it stands right now, so that you will have an idea what you can expect.