Category: Marisa Richmond

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

First, I have to start, once again, with one major correction & a couple of comments I neglected to make yesterday.  When I was discussing that fiery Clinton caucus meeting, I said it was Sylvia Woods who caused some consternation.  It was actually Betsy Reid of West Tennessee.  With all that has been happening here, I try to remember with whom I have been talking, and then I sit down to write at 1 am, and that name is still stuck in my mind, so I apologize for the error. Then, I forgot to mention that we made a full delegation group photo after breakfast, minus Al Gore.  And, with all of my activity, I was forced to miss the reception hosted by former House Majority Leader Kim McMillan, who is running for Governor.  I will make it up to her by attending her next TWO free receptions!

Now, today was the final day of the convention.  Since I fly back to Nashville tomorrow (actually, later today), I will hold off on full details until I am back home.  I will, however, just say that I am still winding down from the most incredible single event I have attended in the political arena.  I saw The Beatles over 40 years ago, and I was at the 1984 Olympics Soccer Final in the Rose Bowl with over 100,000 people, but tonight was an event that can truly change the world.

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

First, before I get to Tuesday’s activities, I just want to follow up on a couple of items from yesterday.  I forgot to mention that during the Black Caucus meeting, we were interrupted TWICE by protesters claiming that Obama did not care about blacks & supported genocide of blacks.  Both protesters, who happened to be white, were outshouted by the crowd chanting “O-BA-MA” until the cops ran in & dragged them out.  How ironic, but there are cops everywhere…

And when I shown on CNN lat night, I neglected to mention that the person next to me was Dan Lawson, a delegate from Maryville, TN.  Sitting just outside the shot (which is apparently available on, where else?, You Tube), was Charlene Kilpatrick, a TNDP Executive Committeemember from Chattanooga who was sitting in front of me, State Rep. Joanne Favors of Chattanooga on my left, and behind me were Chip Forrester of Goodlettsville, the TNDP Treasurer, & Congressman Jim Cooper.  If anyone wonders why I ran to be a delegate, it is the opportunity to rub elbows with major players like this.

By Marisa Richmond

Well, the first full day of the convention is over.  I have to start with one correction from yesterday;s post.  I said I had met Alex Darsinos.  I meant Alex Cleghorn of the Transgender Law Center.  Since it was after midnight here when I wrote, & I did have more than one cocktail last night, I hope I can be excused a moment of brainlock.

Turning to today, we started w/our daily TN breakfast.  Our speaker was Fabian Bedne of the Middle TN Hispanic Democrats.  He did a great job talking about why Dems need to be reminded on issues of diversity & remain committed to supporting the American Dream for all.