Democrats in Chicago: The General Session - Videos and More!

The main event for the 3 day-long DNC Meeting in Chicago was Saturday's General Session. The General Session brings together the full membership of the DNC to conduct the official business of the Democratic National Committee.

Governor Dean speaks with DNC Finance Chair Phil Murphy before the meeting begins.

Governor Dean gets ready to bring the meeting to order.

Governor Dean brought the meeting to order shortly after 10 a.m. and things got underway.

The officers of the Democratic National Committee during the General Session in Chicago.

There was a presentation of the colors and the Pledge of Alligence. Then, after it was determined a quorum was present, Governor Dean turned things over to Chicago Mayor, Richard Daley, who welcomed Democrats to Chicago. You can watch Mayor Daley's speech here.

After Mayor Daley spoke, we watched a video montage on the most recent national organizing event, The Democratic Reunion. You can watch that video, here.

Governor Dean then took to the stage. His speech focused on how important it is that we work together to move America in a new direction. You can view Part I of his speech, here and Part II, here.

Following Governor Dean, we heard from Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. He gave us a sneak preview when I caught up with him Friday evening, but his full speech was pretty terrific. You can watch it here, and the conclusion, here.

After all these speeches, it was time to get down to business. It was at this point that the DNC voted for the changes in the 2008 Delegate Selection Rules.

While still preserving the first in the nation status of the Iowa Caucuses and New Hampshire Primary, the DNC opened the primary process up to two additional states, Nevada and South Carolina.

We believe this will better reflect the rich diversity of our Party. And, in addition to adding regional diversity to the process, we'll open up a dialogue that will engage a broader range of people to talk about a wider variety of issues. This will enable the Democratic Party to choose the strongest candidate to be our Presidential nominee.

Following this historic Rules vote, it was back to the speakers. Congressional Candidate Darcy Burner and Ohio Secretary of State Candidate Jennifer Bruner were up next. They both gave fantastic speeches.

Darcy Burner and Jennifer Bruner

Darcy spoke passionately about the importance of taking back the House this November. By entwining her personal story with her core convictions, she delivered a powerful message about the need for a new direction for America. Watch Darcy, here.

DNC Vice-Chair Susie Turnbull introduced Jennifer Bruner, who is running for Secretary of State in the battleground state of Ohio. Jennifer talked about the importance of down ballot races. She also talked about the importance of voter protection and the need to return to running free, fair, open and honest elections in Ohio. You can watch it, here.

Back stage as Jennifer Bruner speaks.

After Jennifer and Darcy spoke, the DNC officially passed 13 resolutions as presented in the report from the Resolutions Committee.

DNC Members also heard officer reports from the treasurer, announcements from the Secretary, and a brief report from newly elected National Finance Chair, Phil Murphy.

The last major speech was given by Reverand Jesse Jackson. You can watch clips from his speech, here.

C-Span was in the house, broadcasting live.

After a few short announcements and a final benediction offered by the Chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party, the meeting adjourned and history was made.

Comments (6) «

Thank you! I love the speeches. Darcy Burner is a barn-burner. I wish we could have a reunion in CT with Ned Lamont and show party loyalty - with great speakers and Ned lamont as host.

1

MaryinSeattle on August 21, 2006 at 10:44 PM

Thank you! I love the speeches. Darcy Burner is a barn-burner. I wish we could have a reunion in CT with Ned Lamont and show party loyalty - with great speakers and Ned lamont as host.

2

MaryinSeattle on August 21, 2006 at 10:45 PM

Hmmm....I think I am alittle worried now about this post after watching and read the ad that Darcy Burner put out.

Read MyDD:

So that's the ad.

Notice anything missing? I-R-A-Q.

Notice anything else missing? Well if you saw this ad, you wouldn't know whether Darcy is a Democrat or a Republican. (That is a failure to take advantage of the 'Republicans Control Congress' message, which is that when voters know who controls Congress, they vote for the other party.)

Notice anything else missing? Bush.

In other words, this ad is a complete failure.

and then we have this post by FDL:

Somebody needs to step forward and defend the creation of this ungodly Darcy Burner ad. I know Democratic consultants are notoriously loathe to put their stuff through focus groups before launching horrendously expensive media buys, but aside from all the important political points it manages to not hit, it’s an amateur night stinker with all the warmth and charm of a 1950’s Soviet training film on the dangers of VD.

3

PeppermintLizzy on August 21, 2006 at 11:30 PM

Aaarrrggghhh....the blockquotes did not show up, maybe I am just too tired tonight.

(not listing everything I worked on today)

4

PeppermintLizzy on August 21, 2006 at 11:38 PM

I loved the Darcy ad, and told them so.

5

Nash on August 22, 2006 at 10:16 AM

IF we are to succeed and make some changes and convince people to take an interest in this Party..then the people attending this event that was telecast on C-Span MUST look attentive when there are speakers. I watched this and was appalled that while people were speaking there were people on cell phones, talking to others at the table and getting up and walking around. At the close of this meeting there were far too many empty chairs. All of these actions or inactions imply that even those in the position to attend and vote on issues are really not interested so how can it be expected to get the interest of the home audience?? PLEASE REVIEW THE TAPE AND SEE IF YOU TOO WOULD LOSE INTEREST BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF INTEREST OF THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE. I feel very strongly that a big mistake has been made and hope BEFORE the next televised meeting that an announcement will be made requesting everyone to look attentive and not leave until after the closure of the meeting, or send out a memo as to not take a chance on the announcement being televised. Sandra Covello

6

SimpleeSandeee on August 22, 2006 at 07:30 PM

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