To Matt Rowe the biggest surprise at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte was the animated, fist-pumping speech by former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm.To Janet Payne, the most suprising thing was an early morning pep talk by Donna Brazile, vice chair of the Democratic National Committee.But both Virginia delegates to the convention Sept. 3-6, it was a week they will never forget.
Ms. Payne, a member of the Fredericksburg and First Congress District Democratic Committees, and Mr. Rowe, chairman of the Caroline County Democratic Committee, enthralled club members at the Sept. 20 meeting with stories of their personal experiences as convention delegates.
The delegates confessed that they didn’t get much sleep during the convention. They had to be up for 7 a.m. delegation breakfasts, where they obtained their credentials, and usually didn’t get back to their hotels until well past midnight.
Ms. Payne said it rained in Charlotte every day of the convention and each day she had to use an umbrella. But when she arrived at Time Warner Cable Arena the security officers would confiscate the umbrella.
Ms. Payne said the convention program was exceptional, but her favorite was the speech by First Lady Michelle Obama in which she said, “The presidency does not change the man; it reveals the man.”
Mr. Rowe said he was moved when looking out over the arena full of all types of people, united in a common set of beliefs and values. He said the reason he became a Democrat is because, “We have the facts on our side. We don’t have to twist and distort the truth. That makes it a lot easier.”
Ms. Payne complimented the Democrats of Lake of the Woods for having such a dynamic and involved membership. “I applaud you for what you are doing,” she said. “It’s wonderful to see your strength and your energy.”