MARILYN STRICKLAND: DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION, AUG. 29, 10 A.M. >>>

Barack Obama's acceptance speech at Invesco Field was a big event.  Big in every sense of the word.  The big venue held 84,000 people.  Expectations weren't just mile high.  They were five miles high.  It was a significant moment in history.  The world was watching.  Political heavy hitters and celebrities galore were present.  The event took place on the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.  Obama handled his business with a performance that was moving, specific in detail, and a show of strength.  He shared his vision, outed the opposition and took them to task about personal attacks on his patriotism and integrity.  He challenged his opponent to debates about foreign policy and national security.  He looked like a commander in chief - a true statesman.  He made us feel hopeful about the future and emphasized that we all have a role in improving it.

This event, however, wasn't  just about politics.  It was a celebration and our state delegation fulfilled its responsibility with honors.  We turned our aisle into a makeshift dance floor.  Gov. Chris Gregoire, Congressmen Jay Inslee and Jim McDermott, and Sen. Rosa Franklin joined the party.  Spike Lee stopped by and grooved with us for a minute. Bill Richardson and Al Gore gave stirring speeches laced with wit.  Why do former presidential candidates become stellar speakers AFTER they stop running for office?

What a great evening.

A dear friend of mine who lives in New York is not a fan of the Democratic Party. He is a Republican turned Independent.  Just after Obama's speech, he sent me a text message and said that this is a proud moment for all Americans, regardless of political affiliation. CNN contributor and former Republican presidential candidate Pat Buchannan was gushing about Obama's speech and called it the best convention speech he's heard by a presidential nominee.  Our country may be divided when it comes to some issues, but for one night, most of us stood together to witness history and progress.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my experience at the convention.  It has been an honor to represent the 6th Congressional District of our state and a bigger honor to represent Tacoma.

Tacoma City Council member Marilyn Strickland is blogging the Democratic National Convention for the Weekly Volcano. She is an Obama delegate.

LINK: Democratic National Convention
LINK: Tacoma at the DNC