A Democratic National Convention Interfaith Gathering was held at "2:00 pm MT, at the Wells Fargo Theater, inside the
Colorado Convention Center." It was the first time the DNC has hosted such an event and was "the first official event for the 2008 Convention [...] The event [was] free and open to the public, but tickets [were] required."[1]
Kathryn Ida of the
Buddhist Association at University of Colorado.
The
Secular Coalition for America has argued that while the event was "designed to showcase the 'diversity' and 'shared values' of the party and achieve a 'spirit of unity,' it would, in fact, marginalize those Democrats who do not practice religion." The Coalition wrote to chief executive officer of the Democratic National Convention Committee, the Rev. Leah Daughtry, stating that it "expressed the Coalition's willingness to discuss ways to make the convention more inclusive."[4]
Monday, August 25
The theme for the day was "One Nation", with
Michelle Obama as the "headline prime-time speaker."[5] She was introduced by her brother,
Craig Robinson.[6]The Work to Come: A Tribute to Senator Edward Kennedy, directed and produced by Mark Herzog and Chris Cowen in association with
Ken Burns, was introduced by Kennedy's niece,
Caroline Kennedy.[7] Senator Kennedy was not expected to attend the convention due to his illness, but nevertheless made a surprise appearance and speech in the evening. A video about former President
Jimmy Carter's humanitarian work was also shown, followed by a brief appearance by the president and former president himself, accompanied by former First Lady
Rosalynn Carter.[8]
The Platform was adopted by voice vote with no real debate.
Reg Weaver, President of the National Education Association
Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers
Tuesday, August 26
The theme for the day was "Renewing America's Promise."[9] Senator
Hillary Clinton was the headline prime-time speaker and former Virginia Governor
Mark Warner delivered the keynote address on Tuesday night.[9]
Obama and Biden were both formally chosen to be the Democratic nominees for President and Vice President by acclamation, put forward by former rival Senator
Hillary Clinton.
Barack Obama himself made a surprise appearance after Biden's acceptance speech and praised the performances of his colleagues and his wife Michelle. Obama also reminded delegates to attend his acceptance speech the following day.[10]
Sister Catherine Pinkerton delivered the benediction for the night.
Principal speakers
Joe Biden, United States Senator from Delaware and 2008 Democratic nominee for Vice President of the United States
Maxine Waters, United States Representative from California
Robert Wexler, United States Representative from Florida
Results of delegate voting
Along with presumptive presidential nominee Barack Obama, former opponent Hillary Clinton's name was also placed in nomination for president.[11] The Los Angeles Times noted that this has occurred before:
Jerry Brown's name was entered into the roll call after losing to
Bill Clinton in 1992;
Jesse Jackson and
Gary Hart also had their names added after losing to
Walter F. Mondale in 1984.[12] In 1980, Senator
Ted Kennedy's name was entered into the roll call after losing to
Jimmy Carter.[13] In addition, Clinton became only the fourth woman to have her name placed in nomination for president at a major party convention. U.S. Sen.
Margaret Chase Smith of Maine was placed in nomination at the 1964 Republican convention, and U.S. Rep.
Shirley Chisholm of New York was placed in nomination at the 1972 Democratic convention.[11] In 1976, anti-abortionist
Ellen McCormack had her name placed in nomination along with
Mo Udall,
Jimmy Carter and
Jerry Brown.[14]
President
Democratic National Convention presidential vote, 2008
Obama was formally selected as the Democratic nominee through
acclamation, put forward by formal rival Senator
Hillary Clinton of New York, offering her own delegates to Obama and motioning to suspend the rules of the roll call.
Vice president
Joe Biden was nominated by acclamation on a voice vote.
Thursday, August 28
The theme for the day was "Change You Can Believe In."[5]
Rabbi
David Saperstein gave an invocation prior to Obama's speech.
Progressive pastor
Joel Hunter offered the benediction after Obama's speech. Speaker Pelosi adjourned the convention after the benediction.[17]