James Roosevelt
Monday, August 25, 2008 at 03:15 PM Thank you, Eliseo, and hello to all the participants at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. It is an honor to have served as the co-chair of the Credentials Committee along with my fellow co-chairs. Let me also say what a great honor it is to help nominate our next President of the United States, Senator Barack Obama. On Sunday, the Credentials Committee adopted the recommendations contained in the Standing Committee report. Consideration of this report is the first order of business for the 45th Democratic National Convention, so that delegates and alternates here today can be officially seated. This year’s nominating process was an extraordinary marathon of contests. Our primary calendar reflected a diverse and open process that was new and exciting. There was historic voter turnout and an enthusiasm about the election that engaged and encouraged people to participate in the process for the first time. This enthusiasm has carried on even after the last contests in Montana and South Dakota, and I’m excited that we all stand united here today to get on with nominating Barack Obama, the next President of the United States! I am pleased that as part of this committee’s report to the convention, Senator Obama and the Democratic Party recognize that we must be united in our determination to change the course of our nation. All Democrats who share this vision must know that they are full partners and colleagues in this historic mission and, as such, the Credentials Committee recommends that each and every delegate from Michigan and Florida shall be entitled to cast one full vote at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. At this very moment, our country is standing at a crossroads. The Democratic Party is standing united, representing different races, cultures and religions. United we can do amazing things for people across the country. United we must stand, starting with all 56 states and territories standing together today. It is now my pleasure to introduce to you the former Secretary of Labor, Alexis Herman.