Before her speech we saw an amazing montage voiced over by Chelsea Clinton.  It spoke of the dedication and the vision that her mom possesses and how it has helped her reach for the stars.  It was emotional and beautiful.  Then came Hillary with a speech that should have put an end to any punditry of tension in the convention hall and Democratic Party. 

Just before Hillary spoke, we heard from a leader I was not familiar with -- Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana.  Of course, after hearing his speech I was reminded of a guy I heard speak at the 2004 DNCC in Boston.  He was a phenomenal speaker who no one knew, but was able to get everyone fired up for the election ahead.  That guy's name was Barack Obama.  Hearing Schweitzer able to get the crowd screaming and chanting (think of him almost as a political cheerleader, but his cheers had more meaning to them), made me see him as a star to watch over the next few years.

Hillary showed similar energy and presence on the stage.  Her speech got everyone in the room ready to vote for Barack Obama and put an end to the ridiculous claims of tension over the delegate vote issue.  It was downright moving when her urging for delegates to vote for Barack Obama was put into play today at the convention.  The home state of the Candidate is usually given the privilege of casting the final nominating vote.  Today, Illinois (my great wonderful home state, the state of Lincoln, the butter cow and Woodfield Mall, and not to mention Barack Obama and the Cubs), deferred that honor to the state of New York.  Hillary Clinton then announced the votes that officially made Barack Obama the presidential nominee.  If that isn't party unity, I don't know what the heck is.

I was not a Hillary supporter in the primary.  Of course, I have known Barack Obama on a more individual level and he IS my senator, so it was never anything again Hillary and her abilities.  After Hillary's speech last night, I feel proud that my party has such great leaders and that we did have the ability to choose from the best of the best in the primary season.  Her speech was really one of the best I have seen in a long time, and I am proud to say that she is also a native Illinoisan.  And I am proud that she is a woman leader in the party.  More on that tomorrow.

p.s. I am beyond excited to see Barack Obama AND Jan Schakowsky both speak at Invesco Field tomorrow.  If you are not from Illinois, you may or may not know Congresswoman Schakowsky, but I can assure you (being a former employee of hers) she is an amazing leader in the party and one of the most progressive and thoughtful folks creating change in the world.  Having her speak the same night that Barack Obama delivers his acceptance address is almost more than my excited self can contain. :)