April D. Ryan

Senator Hillary Clinton stands before the Democratic masses. Critics want her to throw unequivocal support behind Senator Barack Obama at the convention podium tonight. The loss was not readily accepted by the Clintons or some supporters. Reports indicate 47 percent of Hillary Clinton supporters will support Senator Barrack Obama for President. A large number, 30 percent of her supporters say they will vote for Republican, John McCain or will abstain from going to the polls.

New York resident and Hillary supporter Reverand Susan Johnson Cook says unity will come.

Monday night the House Majority Leader, on the Convention floor of the Pepsi Center, rallied around Obama.

What can Hillary say to unify the party? Can the Democrats win, with the dis-unity cloud looming over the Convention, and less than 80 days to go before the General Election?

According to the Associated Press, three men initially feared were plotting to assassinate Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention are facing only gun charges. Authorities told AP, the three men and woman arrested Sunday are not expected to be charged with making threatening statements, conspiracy or other national security-related crimes. That story highlights what some call a need for heightened security at the Democratic National Convention. The security presence is at the highest levels.

The Democratic National Convention is a mix of democratic supporters, observers. On the fringe, there are protesters from almost every cause. That fringe is heavily watched by a stealth security presence in the Mile High city. There are layers of security in Denver and surrounding areas, with SWAT teams, local police, and Secret Service.

Some of the fringe protests include caravan of vehicles displaying a play on words, Obama Nation. Those vans were covered with graphic photos of an aborted fetus less than the size of a quarter.

Another protest resulted in streets being shutdown around the Denver Federal building. Arrests were made during that disturbance in downtown Denver, Monday.

The U.S. Secret Service is overseeing security and is prepared for a security breach. The federal agency has in place an active and an elaborate evacuation plan. Buses and staff are on stand by in case large numbers of people have to be moved in a hurry out of the area.

The masses have converged on Denver. Politicians, religious leaders, educators, and others make up the over 35 thousand are said to be in the Mile High City for the Democratic National Convention. In the crush of the crowd are spotted a host of celebrities, to numerous to name. Thursday Stevie Wonder is expected to address the convention crowd and sing. Do celebrities add to the convention activities or enhance your appreciation of the issues raised? Actor, activist and personal friend of Barack Obama, Hill Harper, is in attendance.

Actress Jasmine Guy was spotted in the Denver Convention Center on her way to participate in one of the many daily workshops this week.

Actress Lynn Whittfield was spotted. Whitfield has been an observer of politics for many years including being in attendance for the second Inauguration of then President Bill Clinton.

Gail King is, Oprah’s best friend, spoke of the Obama’s family unity.

The first night of the 2008 Democratic Convention is history. From those attending the event, it was riveting. Senator Ted Kennedy addressed the Convention as he battles brain cancer. He says America is in a season of hope. Michelle Obama, Senator Obama’s wife, spoke with tear filled eyes and a wavering voice about her husband. Emotion over came Mrs. Obama when she recalled her ride home from the hospital with her first daughter and Senator Obama was at the wheel making the cautious ride home. In the meantime, Fox News is reporting Senator John McCain is trying to trump the Obama speech. He wants to name his running mate Thrusday. That is the day Obama recieves the Democratic nomination. It would be four days away from the Official start of the Republican National Convention. In years past there had been a political courtesy to allow the Convention of the opposing party to happen with little interference. McCain was originally going to make the announcement Friday. Cornell Belcher, Democratic Pollster for the Democratic National Party does not believe a possible announcment will be a problem for the campaign. Meanwhile, that Thursday night is said to be a very special night as it will mark the anniversary of the 1963, I Have a Dream speech. That evening entertainer Stevie Wonder will be performing at the convention too. Do you think McCain should wait until the end of the Democratic Covention or make the announcement sooner?