2008 Democratic National Convention Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by Elbra Wedgeworth President Chair Denver Host Committee The following is a transcript of a speech, as prepared for delivery, by Elbra Wedgeworth at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday, August 28, 2008
Elbra Wedgeworth Democratic National Convention Thursday, August 28, 2008 Remarks as Prepared for Delivery
Good afternoon. It's great to be with you today at Mile High Stadium. And I gotta tell you, right now I feel a mile high. I want to tell you about a young African-American girl who grew up in Denver's poorest neighborhoods but had the support of a loving family to make her dreams come true. This girl grew into a woman who served on the Denver City Council and during that period joined her colleagues to compete for the Democratic National Convention, to bring it to her hometown. And now that woman stands before you today, in this wonderful stadium, on this historic day, when we will hear from the next President of the United States, to welcome America to my hometown, Denver, Colorado. As president of the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee, and on behalf of all the residents of Denver, it's been our pleasure to have you as our guests this week. We hope that you have gotten to know our great city and our wonderful state of Colorado a little better, and that you'll come back again. We call this the New West; the states of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada and Arizona, all battlegrounds in this critical election. We bring new energy and new opportunity through our innovation, our ideas and our passion for change. And in November, it's that energy of the New West that will deliver the change we need when we help America send Barack Obama to the White House. Denver has always been a proud Democratic city, one that believes in diversity. From its first Hispanic mayor, Federico Pena, to its first black mayor, Wellington Webb, to our current mayor and my friend, John Hickenlooper, we elect leaders based on their ability to deliver the change we need. And on November 4, Denver is going to deliver for Barack Obama. And I know Denver is not alone. Let me ask you: Are you ready for a change? Are you ready to elect Joe Biden and Barack Obama? As Nelson Mandela once said "it's the light, not the darkness, that most frightens us." As individuals we need to find that light within ourselves. As Michelle Obama said earlier this week, it's time to stop doubting and start dreaming. And on this, the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech, we have a chance to make this dream come true.
So it's time to campaign like we've never campaigned before. Let's do what we are destined to do and honor the legacy of all who have made this historic candidacy possible. In the great American tradition, Senator Obama has not let circumstances define him. He has defined himself by his hard work, the courage of his convictions and the content of his character. And with our help and hard work, President Obama will lead us to become a better nation. Thank you, and let's go win this election.