Barack Obama Formally Nominated
In a unanimous vote made on the Democratic National Convention
floor, Barack Obama was formally nominated as the Democratic presidential nominee, the first African-American to win a major party
nomination in American history. Chants of “Yes, we can" filled the hall
following the historic roll call. It also brought closure to a two-year
political struggle with chief Democratic rival Sen. Hillary Clinton.
Obama will deliver his acceptance speech tonight in front of 75,000
people.
Biden, Clinton, Kerry Go On Attack
Sen. Joe Biden also accepted the vice presidential nomination last night after
a blistering series of speeches by high-profile Democrats criticizing John McCain's favored policies and promoting Obama as our next commander-in-chief. Biden said the "Bush-McCain foreign policy
has dug us into a very deep hole," and Sen. John Kerry lambasted
"Candidate McCain," who he argued only vaguely resembles "Senator
McCain." But the speech of the evening came from former President Bill
Clinton, who claimed unequivocally that "Barack Obama is ready to be
the president of the United States."
McCain Has Chosen Running Mate
Hoping to deflect attention from Obama's speech this evening, McCain has announced he has chosen a running mate and will notify
the candidate today. According to aides, McCain will roll out his
nominee in three-state tour this weekend, with rallies planned in the
battleground states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Missouri.
Jackson Jr. Sparks Convention Hug Fest
An emotional Jesse Jackson Jr. sparked what the Tribune
called "a surreal hugfest among bickering top Illinois Democrats"
during the Illinois delegation breakfast yesterday morning, culminating
in an improbable embrace between Gov. Rod Blagojevich and House
Speaker Michael Madigan. Jackson began the hugging spree after citing the importance of party unity as Illinois' own Barack Obama was elected the party's figurehead.
Blagojevich Wants Third Term
Although scandal has engulfed his administration and a number of
serious challengers have expressed interest in the job, Governor Rod
Blagojevich signaled his desire to run for a third term in 2010
yesterday in Denver. "I love my job. I think I am a great governor," he
told reporters. "There is more to do. I like my job and there is no
reason to think I don’t want to keep doing this job."
Obama Campaign Confronts WGN Radio
Conservative pundit Stanley Kurtz -- who has incessantly tried to
connect Barack Obama with 60's radical William Ayers -- is scheduled as
a two-hour guest on WGN Radio's "Extension 720 with Milt Rosenberg," a
development that's angered the Obama campaign. "WGN radio is
giving right-wing hatchet man Stanley Kurtz a forum to air his
baseless, fear-mongering terrorist smears," Obama's campaign wrote in
an e-mail to supporters. Democrats are asking their supporters to call the radio station to complain.
Over 500 Protest EJ&E Sale
Prior to a public meeting on the Canadian National Railway Co.'s proposed purchase of the Elgin, Joliet
& Eastern Railway, more than 500 area residents marched to
Barrington High School Wednesday to voice opposition. Chanting, "Stop
the trains," the protesters tied up traffic. "If we create enough of a
traffic jam," said Linda Reinhard, who organized the march, "it will
give people just a little taste of what's ahead if CN gets approval."
Rep. Melissa Bean, a critic of the deal, said as many as 40 suburban
communities would be impacted.
Image used under a Creative Commons license by Flickr user Squish E.
