Convention 2008 Live Blog

SEIU Delegates Celebrate.

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:14:00 GMT

I just thought I'd share one of my favorite images taken during Barack Obama's speech to SEIU delegates and guests this morning. It pretty much sums up the mood on the floor. You can watch the full video on UStream.tv.

Fired Up! Ready to Go!.

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:08:00 GMT

I've returned to my post on the Convention floor (literally—I'm on the carpet). We just finished watching a fantastic video montage on Obama's life story, narrated by various SEIU leaders, member activists, friends and allies.

The film included Local 1 President Tom Balanoff and SEIU Field Director Madeline Talbott, who reflected on a pivotal moment in Obama's national political career—his speech at the Democratic National Committee Convention in 2004. Watching a clip of that speech here, in San Juan, with thousands of dedicated SEIU members and progressive allies, helped bring home Obama's message of uniting together for change.

The film ended with Obama leading members at the 2007 MPAC in a familiar chant for SEIU delegates: "Fired up! Ready to go!" Within seconds, delegates on the floor joined in, jumping to their feet, chanting and clapping in thunderous unison.

Awaiting Obama.

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:45:00 GMT

SEIU members are decked out in their SEIU Obama t-shirts today, awaiting the live feed of Sen. Barack Obama to the SEIU Convention this morning. News of Obama's clinching of the Democratic nomination spread quickly through the crowds last night, and was the topic of conversation on my bus ride to and from the hotel.

Adding to the anticipation of Obama's arrival, the front page of local San Juan Star featured Obama's nomination victory speech.

You can tune in to Sen. Barack Obama's speech, streaming live on the web, at www.seiu2008.org.

A Full Day of Debate.

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 17:27:00 GMT

I've been bobbing in and out of the main floor today, where members have been engaged in a robust debate over the future of their union. Below are just a few of the historic changes overwhelmingly passed today:

1. A member action and leadership program that commits local unions to increase the percentage of members in leadership roles to 10%.

2. Member Resource Centers which will help locals be more responsive to members' needs by providing professional representation in their language of choice – and make more resources available for member action, bargaining and organizing.

3. During the Iraq war debate, several members spoke out who've lost family members as a result of the conflict—resulting in some tearful moments on the floor. Delegates voted resoundingly in favor of bringing U.S. troops home immediately.

I just left the floor—it's 5:20pm, and delegates are still speaking on the floor, passionately debating proposals. The latest is a proposal to unite long term care workers into one local in every state, in order to achieve bigger gains for workers by improving our ability to work with allies, government bodies, consumers and employers. It's a testament to the dedication of SEIU members, and the spirit of our union.

A Nursing Report on Our Healthcare System.

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:53:00 GMT

We're deep into another round of voting by SEIU delegates—this time on a wide range of amendments and resolutions related to SEIU's fight for healthcare reform. Cathy Glasson, RN, of SEIU Local 199 in Iowa, just rose in favor Resolution 105B and 118. Cathy introduced herself in true RN fashion—with a nursing report typically written during a hospital's change of shift:

"I'd like to give a nursing report on the state of our current healthcare system."

"Patient admitted over 20 years ago in declining health, now in critical condition, deteriorating rapidly. Patient has weak, thready pulse. It's been hemorrhaging its RNs for past 20 plus years. Plan to transfuse with SEIU members immediately and resuscitate the patient."

She continued, "It's not only my responsibility, but my duty to stand up and lead in the fight for quality, affordable healthcare for all—and that's exactly what I plan to do."

SEIU delegates voted, passing resolution 105B and 118.

Lunch Recess: Member Speak-Out.

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:19:00 GMT

Local 880 member Alberta Walker reacts to President Andy Stern's announcement that SEIU now has two million members.

Donna Edwards: "I Know What It's Like".

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:06:00 GMT

Donna Edwards, who defeated Maryland's 4th congressional district incumbent Al Wynn in the 2008 Democratic primary, just left the Convention stage to a standing ovation.

Edwards spoke to SEIU delegates about her own struggles, and how these hardships inspired her to run for office. I've tried to capture part of her speech below.

"I know what it’s like to stand on the side the road, with a baby carriage, waiting for the bus in the freezing rain and sleet. I know because that is my life."

"I know what it’s like to get up in the morning, and to worry about how you’re gonna feed yourself and your child. I know that because that is my life."

"I know what it’s like to try to put yourself through school—I had $100,000 of student loans that I just paid off in January—and I know what it’s like to struggle to build your home, only to have something to happen for chance and you’re on the brink of losing it, and you can’t even declare bankruptcy, because that’s not gonna get you out of the hole either."

"...So, that’s why I decided to run for Congress."

Donna Edwards is what political change looks like. Todd Beeton over at MyDD.com also commented on Edwards' speech.

Anna Burger: "He is our candidate.".

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:08:00 GMT

Good morning, from San Juan, Puerto Rico. I'm seated on the main floor, listening to Secretary-Treasurer Anna Burger speak on how we build a permanent pro-worker political majority in the United States and globally. It's no secret that SEIU members have vigorously campaigned for presumptive Democratic nominee Sen. Barack Obama this election year—as state senator, U.S. Senator, and now, as President of the United States. But we've also hit the streets for candidates like O'Malley of Baltimore, Patrick of Massachusetts, and of course, Donna Edwards of Maryland. (To watch the live video feed, via UStream.tv, visit our homepage, www.seiu2008.org.)

"Working families haven't had this much at stake, or had such a clear choice, in a long time. The time is now to make the next Congress a workers' Congress. And the time is now to elect Barack Obama to become the next President of the United States."

The crowd rose to its feet.

Anna continued, "He is our candidate, because Barack Obama is one of us."

When we're on the topic of Sen. Barack Obama, it's not hard for SEIU members to get excited. Anna concluded, "Together we can do anything."

(Tomorrow, Sen. Barack Obama will address SEIU's 2008 Convention via live feed.)

Loretta Brings the Crowd to Its Feet.

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 15:00:00 GMT

A Virginia homecare worker named Loretta Murray just brought the entire room to its feet.

"I've been working in homecare for 20 years. 20 years barely making minimum wage. Struggling to feed my family. Finally, I have a chance to make a difference. Together we're going to win. We're going to make a change. We're going to open some doors...Yes, yes, yes WE WILL WIN! God bless you."

2,000,000 Members Strong.

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:28:00 GMT

President Andy Stern warmed up the crowd by reminding us, "When we fight together, and unite together, we win together far more than any one of us can win on our own."

With that, Andy announced that SEIU is now 2,000,000 members strong. A woman sitting near me from SEIU Healthcare Local 4 turned to a fellow delegate and exclaimed, "WOW!"