Notes from the DNC - Dr. Christine Sierra

Posted on behalf of Dr. Christine Sierra



A Convention of Firsts

It didn’t take long to hear a common theme emerge from the delegates, elected officials, and party faithful gathered at the Democratic National Convention in Denver: an historic first will be set this week when a major party nominates an African American man as its presidential candidate. At Monday morning’s breakfast for the New Mexico delegation, a profound sense of history-in-the-making moved many a speaker and delegate. I spoke with three first-timers, for whom this convention is the first they have ever attended.

Laurie Weakhee spoke of her feeling of responsibility in contributing to the democratic process as a Native American woman and providing a voice for Native Americans in bringing real change in American politics. In this national staging of political interests, she stated, “the Native voice is very small but very precious.” She said she was excited to be here in Denver and pleased to have the support of tribal leaders who told her to “remember her roots” as she engaged in this national political process.

Debra Haaland also shares with Weakhee a native heritage, coming from Laguna Pueblo. And like Weakhee, this convention is Haaland’s first. She spoke of how “emotional” she is feeling about this convention because of her profound belief that Native Americans have an incredible opportunity to help to change the course of this country by electing Barack Obama. A real treat for Haaland was being chosen as one of four delegates from various parts of the country to greet Michelle Obama when she arrived with her daughters and mother at the Denver airport. To put it bluntly, Michelle Obama connected with her.

A former student of mine, Brian Eagan, is also a first-time convention delegate—alternate actually. I talked to Brian as we both left the Hispanic Caucus at the Denver Convention Center. He spoke excitedly about seeing so many famous people – politicians and members of the news media—that he’s only seen on television. Eagan prepared himself for this election season by attending Camp Obama in Chicago, where one is trained in field organizing following the principles and methods of the late Saul Alinksy, one of this nation’s most important community organizers. Camp Obama trainings were just conducted in Albuquerque last weekend, led by Marshall Ganz, who devoted many years as an organizer with the United Farm Workers Union (UFW).

The firsts extend to me as well. Although I teach American politics, I have never before attended a national party convention. Truth be told, I never felt compelled to attend one, viewing them as good political entertainment and something I could see on television. This year was different. I knew back in January that the most likely presidential nominee would be a woman, a Black man, or as a long-shot, a Hispanic man. Hence, I wanted to see an historic first in the making. What I am learning is that though scripted and staged as other conventions have been, Denver ’08 does appear to be special in personal ways to a great many people. It promises to be special in American history as well.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Christine Sierra