BY JACK FARLEY
I must admit to approaching the Democratic National Convention with a healthy amount of news reporter cynicism, which means that I was determined to view the convention as an objective, unemotional reporter.
Needless to say, that approach became impossible when Tammy Duckworth, a disabled veteran, poured the story of her life and gallant military service over the rapt ears of her audience, bringing tears to the eyes of even the most-seasoned veterans.
To anyone that ever served in the military, as well as most others in the crowd, her words served to inspire the unparalleled patriotism that makes this country great.
Tammy set the stage for other speakers, from the lady whose daughter was saved by ObamaCare to the woman who inspired the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act to ensure equal pay for women nationwide.
All of the speakers seemed to highlight one of what turned into a deluge of laws that Obama put into place over the past four years.
Many of these actions Obama was able to do – even with Tea Party radicals opposing basically everything that he wanted to do.
While being reminded of all the actions which helped people – the youth of America, the elderly, veterans, and the average American – I was nothing short of amazed, especially after hearing the stories from the Republican commentators who tried to tell how little Obama has done.
The difference is that this time, there was no spin – just checkable facts that go beyond political spin of a party intent only on discrediting the other party.
The Republican cries of woe are forceful and ring well on that part of me that is cynical and likes to say ‘NO’ – even when I know that Romney has millions stashed in Cayman Island banks.
There was that not too subtle appeal to my better nature that electrified me on a personal level.
It was like having the devil on one shoulder telling me to accept the “Party of No” and move back to Ronald Reagan-style politics and having the angel of light on the other shoulder telling me to embrace the party that wants to drive this country forward. I must listen to the better angel.
So, yes, as a seasoned reporter of over 30 years, I did fail in my attempt to be totally objective and unemotional. But in this one instance, on this one night, I think that it was all worth it.
– Jack Farley lives in Oklahoma City where he is co-editor of The Labor Advocate
