Vice Presidential Nominee Joe Biden just sent out this email...

Amanda --

A few hours ago, Barack Obama was officially nominated as the Democratic candidate for president of the United States.

And just a few moments ago, I accepted our party's nomination for vice president.

I made my case to everyone watching -- Barack Obama will secure America at home and restore our reputation abroad. And John McCain will only extend the failed policies of George Bush.

But this isn't my moment. It's all of ours.

And the fight ahead will be like nothing you've ever seen.

The stakes couldn't be higher, and Barack and I need your help right now.

Please make a donation now and support this campaign to bring the change we need:

https://donate.barackobama.com/tonight

Thank you for making this possible,

Joe

Earlier today at the Convention, veteran and former "Dinner with Barack" guest Michael Wilson puts Barack Obama's name into nomination as the Democratic nominee. Watch the video below...

 

In this election, Latinos are an important constituency group, and Barack Obama is firmly committed to the issues that are important to the Latino community. Take a moment and watch this video. It highlights the efforts of Latinos around the country in building our grassroots movement.

 

8:22 PM (local) -- The biggest moment of the night is about to happen: Senator Joe Biden will step up to the podium any minute to accept the Democratic Party's nomination to be Vice President of the United States. Joe is considered by many to be the most knowledgeable foreign policy expert in the U.S. Senate. A vocal critic of George Bush's mishandling of the war in Iraq, Joe's international stature will help Barack restore our standing and reputation in the world.

He'll talk about his journey from working class Scranton to the Senate - a journey that he took without ever forgetting his roots and the struggle that working families face. Senator Biden will also explain who Barack won't just repair the damage of the last eight years, but will stand with the middle class on every issue form jobs and wages to health care and retirement savings.

Joe's speech is one you're not going to want to miss.

7:45 PM (local) -- Bill Clinton just electrified the convention with his full-throated endorsement of Barack Obama and his plan to restore our standing in the world. Bill made it clear that Barack is "ready to lead," and "ready to be President." We've got a lot more coming up tonight, make sure you stay tuned to the blog and the convention.

6:58 PM (local) -- A few minutes from now, former President Bill Clinton will deliver an address to the assembled delegates and Americans everywhere. One of the most beloved figures in American politics, Bill Clinton presided over an incredibly prosperous decade in American history. He also knows full well the challenges and choices that face our nation's chief executive. President Clinton will talk about why Barack Obama is the right person to lead America.

As president, Bill Clinton helped grow the middle class, and lifted millions out of poverty. The years of his presidency were marked by peace and prosperity. President Clinton knows well what's at stake in this election, and he's going to make America's choice very clear.

He'll lay out the choice we face on foreign policy: Barack Obama's plan to responsibly end the war in Iraq and finish the fight in Afghanistan, or John McCain's plan to stay in Iraq indefinitely.

If you haven't been watching the convention yet, now is the time to tune in.

6:40 PM (local) -- Delegates in the convention hall will soon be hearing from Xiomara Rodriguez of Nevada. A 20-year veteran of the Coast Guard, she is also a grandmother and small business owner. Xiomara believes that Barack Obama will ensure every soldier and veteran in America is properly taken care of by the government, and that small business owners are protected in today's turbulent economy.

Before the Nevada caucus, Xiomara lent her voice to the campaign, asking over 4,000 Nevadans to sign pledge cards for Barack. A proud member of Bikers for Obama, Xio is also one of our bilingual volunteers. Read more about her story here.

6:09 PM (local) -- Michele Jones of Washington, D.C. is about to speak. A former enlisted member of the U.S. Army, she will also speak on behalf of military servants and their families. Prior to her retirement, Michele was the highest ranking enlisted woman in the Army. She is also the first woman to serve as Command Sergeant Major of the Army Reserve.

5:40 PM (local) -- Just a little bit ago, Senator Hillary Clinton graciously moved to suspend the roll call of the states and nominate Barack Obama for President of the United States by acclamation. All the votes of the delegates will still be counted, and Barack is now officially our party's nominee for president.

Now, Mark Docherty of Michigan is addressing the convention. A former member of the U.S. Army and a fireman in the Hazardous Materials Division, Mark understands the importance of having government support for critical services. He believes that from infrastructure funding to ending the war in Iraq, Barack Obama will be a president that all Americans can rely on.

Mark is also active in his local firefighters' union. He says of Barack, "He has a record of supporting the issues that are important to firefighters, It's especially important in Michigan, where (local government) revenues are dropping. That means we lose equipment, manpower and services." To read more about Mark, check out this story in the Detroit News.

3:37 PM (local) -- Just a moment ago, Michael Wilson of Florida stood before the assembled delegates to nominate Barack Obama as the Democratic Party's nominee for President of the United States of America. A lifelong Republican and Air Force medic, he is a veteran of the war in Iraq. Mike is inspired by Senator Obama's courage, sound judgement, and determination to restore our country's standing in the world. Michael believes that Barack Obama reflects "what America is, and what America needs."

In September of last year, Michael shared a meal with Barack in Nashua, New Hampshire. Click here to read about what they discussed.

Barack's nomination will be seconded by Senator Ken Salazar of Colorado, Congressman Artur Davis of Alabama, and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz of Florida.

3:24 PM (local) -- In just a moment, a speech nominating Barack Obama as the Democratic Party's nominee for President of the United States of America will be given.  It will be followed by three seconding speeches.

3:00 PM (local) -- The gavel is about to come down on the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. Tonight, Democrats will come together to nominate Barack Obama and Joe Biden to be the next President and Vice President of the United States.

Tonight's speakers will focus on Barack's plan to secure America's future through a new, tough foreign policy that isn't beholden to either party. Instead, Barack and Joe Biden offer a strong, smart, American foreign policy that makes us more secure at home and advances our interests in the world.

The speakers tonight come from all walks of life, but they all share Barack's vision of making America stronger and safer. We'll continue to highlight the voices of people who have empowered this campaign - regular Americans from across the country. They know that John McCain will only bring more of the same failed foreign policy that has left us isolated in the world and they're joining with Barack in calling for change.

The highlight of the evening will of course be Senator Joe Biden's acceptance of the Democratic Party's nomination for Vice President. Joe brings to the ticket both his incredible experience with foreign policy gained as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and his down-to-earth working-class roots from his Irish Catholic upbringing in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He'll share his personal journey with the American people, and explain how Barack Obama has demonstrated the judgment we need in our Commander-in-Chief.

Also speaking this evening is former President Bill Clinton, who will discuss the success brought by his term in office and the stark choice that Americans now face: Barack Obama's new, stronger foreign policy, or four more years of George W. Bush in the guise of John McCain.

Tonight is, like the last two nights, a different kind of convention. America will hear from a former President to average citizens struggling just to get by. Watch a live stream of the proceedings on DemConvention.com, and keep checking back here at the HQ blog for important updates.

What a day!

We woke with the sun this morning to get to Curtis Park here in Denver for our service project with the DNC's Delegate Service Day. Watch a recap of the service project below:

Following the service project, we headed back downtown to drop by a meeting of the DNC's Hispanic Caucus. Michelle spoke before the group and echoed a key message from her speech Monday night: we must fight to make the world as it should be - not settle for the world as it is.

Michelle's message was warmly received. Toward the end of her remarks, the crowd jumped to their feet and erupted into several rounds of robust cheering: "Si se puede! Si se puede!"

This is a historic election -- and not just because Barack is at the top of the Democratic ticket. It's historic because of what's at stake for our shared future and our children's future.

This election is about the Latino families who are often the first ones hurt by an economic downturn and often the last ones helped by an economic upturn. It's about the Latino communities that have been devastated by the housing crisis. There are so many urgent problems that we must address in this election. That's why Barack is running for President. Because he believes that if we come together, and work together, we can build the world as it should be.

In the world as it should be, anyone willing to put in an honest day's work can make a good living and support their family--because we'll have an economy that works for all Americans--not just on Wall Street, but on Main Street, too.

After the Hispanic Caucus, we headed over to the Denver Convention Center and paid a visit to the DNC's Black Caucus. The crowd - which didn't know Michelle would be joining them - was elated to see her!

Michelle's message to the Black Caucus focused on themes of equality and justice:

I'm particularly glad to be here on a week that commemorates some of the great strides our nation has made toward equality and justice.

Eighty-eight years ago yesterday, the 19th Amendment became law, guaranteeing women the right to vote. And tomorrow will be the 45th anniversary of when Dr. King stood up in front of the Lincoln Memorial and lifted our sights and our hearts with his dream for America.

We all know that our country's journey of equality is not yet finished. But this week, we celebrate how far we've come--and how deep our shared capacity is to break through any barriers that stand in the way of our progress as a nation.

Tonight Michelle is at the Pepsi Center and is looking forward to hearing from the Vice Presidential nominee of the Democratic Party -- Joe Biden! He's scheduled to speak around 8:30 Mountain Time/10:30 Eastern Time. Stop back by the Obama campaign's blog for the latest coverage of Joe's speech.

Although Kathy calls herself an “unlikely” delegate candidate, her odds were actually pretty good. Her hometown of Joe Town, population 100 (mostly Amish), was allowed to send one person to the convention, and Kathy was elected!

This is not really a surprise considering the hard work she has put forth for the Democratic Party. While initially a Hillary Clinton and John Edwards supporter, Kathy is more concerned with uniting the Democratic Party for Barack.

Kathy is a super volunteer when it comes to in canvassing—she’s knocked on hundreds of doors in both her county and surrounding counties, debating with republicans in their living rooms, and calling fellow Iowa residents on behalf of the Democrats since January of 2008. In fact, due to her efforts, her local caucus went from 23 attendees at the last caucus to 200 this year.

Kathy’s family spent 14 hours squished in a car to make it all the way to Denver where Kathy can work to fight for the issues she cares about the most. Her family -- husband Scott, son Zachary, and daughter Cassie -- joined her at the delegate breakfast yesterday.

Kathy chose to home school them because of her strong dislike for the No Child Left Behind Act. She explains that while the Act looks good on paper, the idea is not working because there hasn’t been enough reallocation of funding. Additionally, schools are now teaching kids information that is only relevant to pass the state tests.

This lifelong Democrat has proven that one voice can go a long way. Kathy suffers from an arthritic condition called Fiber Malaga (which didn’t stop her from canvassing all over Iowa), and therefore speaks on behalf of those with disabilities. She serves on the Platform Committee and attended the meeting in Pittsburg where she introduced a platform for disability rights.

Kathy says that she is simply a mom, a part-time librarian, and “someone that cares about where the country is going.” Others say she’s a warrior for change.

Not long ago, in the midst of a formal roll call of the votes of all the delegates, Hillary Clinton made an announcement from her place on the floor among the New York delegation, moving to suspend the roll call and nominate Barack Obama as the Democratic candidate for President of the United States:

On behalf of the great state of New York, with appreciation for the spirit and dedication of all who are gathered here, with eyes firmly fixed on the future, in the spirit of unity... let's declare all together, with one voice, right here and right now, that Barack Obama is our candidate and he will be our president.

Clinton's motion suspended the rules while still formally counting state votes, and after a unanimous round of "ayes" Nancy Pelosi closed the proceedings, declaring Barack Obama the official nominee of the Democratic Party.

Here is the video of this incredible, historic moment:

Nevadans will join their neighbors tomorrow to watch Barack Obama accept the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. Supporters from all over the state have opened their homes to share this historic moment with fellow supporters in their communities.

Nancy is a proud grandmother hosting a house party in Henderson. Nancy worked as a precinct leader for Barack during the caucus and is currently a neighborhood team leader in charge of nine precincts. One of her favorite moments of the campaign was when she greeted an out-of-state volunteer who she agreed to host for the last month of the Nevada caucus.

"I expected a 27-year old from California," Nancy remembers. "I wound up hosting an 80-year-old semi-retired math professor from New Mexico. But it worked out, and we have remained close friends ever since."

Kristy, lead female singer of the Platters, will perform at Nancy's party.

Meanwhile, in North Las Vegas, Anne Zarate will be inviting her neighbors to watch Barack accept the nomination. An ardent supporter of Senator Clinton during the primary, Anne is a precinct captain for the general election who, like Senator Clinton, understands the stakes of this election. Anne's story was reported today in the Las Vegas Sun:

Zarate went through what she referred to as "a month of pouting."

...But, slowly, the anger subsided.

"I thought, 'What's it really about?' " she said. "It's about the issues and the country and who's going to take it forward. I thought they both presented a lot of opportunity for hope and moving forward. Obama is an extraordinary person, and economically, I couldn't reconcile where the Republicans are taking us."

Up in Reno, Marsy is hosting an event at Flowing Tide Pub & Grill. Marsy moved to Nevada four years ago. Originally a New York native, Marsy became passionate about fixing Nevada's broken health care system.

"In New York City, if you work for a company with two or more people, you get health care," Marsy explains. "I was shocked to find that if you work for a company with less than twenty people in Nevada, employers have no need to provide health insurance. And we kept getting turned down by insurance companies."

This injustice inspired Marsy to get involved as a volunteer with the Washoe County Democrats. An Edwards supporter during the caucus, she knows that Barack's plans for health care make him a great candidate for President.

The stories of hosts like Nancy, Anne, and Marsy demonstrate that no matter who you supported during the primary, we as Democrats must celebrate tomorrow night in unity with our friends and neighbors. With 150 convention watch parties throughout Nevada, there's certainly a convention watch party near you.

Join your neighbors in watching Barack accept the nomination.

No group better personifies the American ideal of service than our veterans. Senator Obama has a strong commitment to men and women in uniform, not only while they serve, but for the rest of their lives. Please watch this video from the convention. It features veterans sharing their own personal stories, and why they know Barack will be the best Commander-in-Chief for the welfare of those who have given our nation so much.

Student for Barack Obama has become the backbone of our grassroots movement. From Iowa to the convention, young people are coming out in record numbers to take part in the political process. They’re voting, volunteering, and most importantly, organizing in their communities to propel our movement for change.

The Students for Barack Obama video features students and young people taking about their role in the campaign. As one Georgetown Law Professor notes, “For the first time in their lives, [young people] have faith that their efforts will amount to something.”

The Obama campaign is powered by the enthusiasm of our young supporters. And based on what they’ve already done so far on this campaign, we can’t wait to see what this generation will do for America in the future.

Watch the Students for Barack Obama video here:

 

Women are going to make all the difference in this election. We can’t win this one without you!  In the Women for Obama video, Barack and Michelle ask women to volunteer, knock on doors, make phone calls, recruit their friends, and be a part of making change happen.

As Barack says in the video, “Women have always made the difference in every election. This year, your voice -- your vote -- will he the deciding factor in forging a new future for America.”

Watch the new Women for Obama video here:

 

It's official -- Barack Obama has been nominated by acclamation.

He is the Democratic nominee for President of the United States.

You did it.

Seniors for Obama will play a special role in this election. We’ve built a grassroots movement to get Americans of all ages involved, and seniors can help us build a future that will be strong for our children and grandchildren. The Seniors video features Barack’s goal of economic security. As Barack says, “I believe Americans who worked hard their entire lives have earned the right to dignity and security.”

Watch the new Seniors for Obama video here:

Check out this video that was shown just a bit ago at the convention. It highlights Barack's commitment to the fundamental equality of our LGBT brothers and sisters.

 

Our campaign is built on a strong foundation of grassroots organizing – of friends talking to friends, neighbors talking to neighbors, and ordinary Americans working for change in their communities.

The Asian American and Pacific Islanders video features AAPI supporters from across the nation explaining why they support Barack Obama. As Barack’s sister Maya says, “It’s time for us to speak out to reach out, to raise our voices collectively and individually and make sure that the concerns of the AAPI community are heard.” As one supporter in the video notes, Asian Americans are stepping up to volunteer for Barack because “we are asked to be part of something larger.”

Watch the new AAPI video here:

Our campaign is built on a strong foundation of grassroots organizing – of friends talking to friends, neighbors talking to neighbors, and ordinary Americans working for change in their communities.

Constituency groups play a key role in this movement, as they connect Americans in distinct communities with others who share their goals for change.

In the African American constituency video, Barack speaks about his time as a community organizer in minority communities. His supporters say Barack “know the importance of registering and getting out the vote.” And, they realize “he can’t win without us.”

Today was the third day of constituent caucus meetings at the Denver Convention Center. At many of the meetings the focus turned to the nuts and bolts of field work and voter contact. Throughout the primary and now on into the general election, this campaign's organizing philosophy has been built around peer-to-peer contact -- friends talking to friends, neighbors talking to neighbors. Constituency groups play a key role, as personal interactions and relationships within communities are far more efficient and effective than any television ad or mailing.  

Howard Dean made appearances at a number of the caucus meetings, emphasizing the importance of repeated, face-to-face contact with voters within your community, whether organized through campaign field offices or using our online tools.

Michelle Obama spoke at the Black Caucus, having just come from the Delegate Day of Service outing. Michelle acknowledged the two anniversaries that bookend today's event -- yesterday's 88th anniversary of the women's right to vote, and tomorrow's 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech at the Lincoln Memorial. But she also acknowledged that there is still much work to be done, echoing her speech from Monday night in which she called on Americans to "fight for the world as it should be."

In addition to the speakers and trainings, a number of the caucuses featured the debut of their respective constituent videos. These videos  will be used as tools for supporters at house parties and community meetings to help share Barack's personal story with their friends and neighbors.

Below is the first of the videos debuting today -- Rural Americans for Obama:

Like a lot of busy Americans, Barack has to put a little bit of planning into where and when he will be able to watch highlights from this year's Democratic convention as he campaigns across the country. Very often he has to rely on the hospitality of others to catch a few minutes of the convention on TV.

Monday, Barack was welcomed into the Girardeau household where he watched Michelle deliver her convention speech. The Kansas City family joined Barack in the living room on couches and ottomans as Michelle took the stage.

Barack was proud: "I thought she was good. She was fantastic." When his daughters Sasha and Malia walked out he added "and it's the peas!"

On Tuesday, Barack dropped by a convention watch party in Billings, Montana, surprising the 15 guests of Eran Thompson, who is one of Obama's local field organizers. Barack led the move to switch the channel to CSPAN in order to watch Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer's speech. The group then watched Hillary Clinton's speech with rapt attention.

"That was excellent, that was a strong speech. She made the case for why we're going to be unified in November and why we're going to win this election. I thought she was outstanding," Barack said afterward.

Enjoy this video from Monday and slides from Tuesday:

Arun Chaudhary
August 26, 2008
Billings, Montana