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Delegates entering the California Democratic Convention hall in San Diego today have been greeted by 14 foot banners: "Investigations, Accountability, IMPEACHMENT Is On Our Table" and "Diplomacy, Not Warfare: DON'T ATTACK IRAN" and "Diplomacy, Not Warfare: END THE OCCUPATION OF IRAQ"
The PDA presence here is ubiquitous -- our green "End the Occupation" stickers are on most peoples' chests, no matter who they're supporting for President.
One of the thorniest issues at the convention for the state party leadership is impeachment. It's clear to everyone that the overwhelming majority of delegates want Congressional leaders to move expeditiously toward impeachment of this reckless Bush/Cheney regime. This evening, the wrangling over a party resolution on the question will continue in committee. It may break out into a floor fight Sunday.
Today, several presidential candidates addressed the full convention, beginning with Sen. Hillary Clinton. The room was packed and the reaction to her stump speech was fairly favorable. But not totally. She referred to the Iraq invasion as a "blot" on our national leadership, criticizing Team Bush for not listening to the cautions coming from military leaders. Of course, Sen. Clinton failed to heed all the warnings herself by voting to authorize the war. As hundreds of delegates hoisted their HILLARY placards, a couple dozen delegates had doctored the placards to read "Anyone but HILLARY." An ABC camera crew interviewed one of the "Anyone but" delegates who explained her difficulty in supporting a candidate who had been so wrong on Iraq and other issues.
Sen. Barack Obama has big support among the delegates, especially younger Democrats. His stump speech was greeted enthusiastically. His specifics on big issues, such as healthcare, seem to fall far short of what the country needs. Telling middle-class Americans that they'll be able to buy into the Congressional health plan is great...but the problem of the uninsured is that they can't afford to "buy into" health plans, Congressional or otherwise.
Sen. Dodd spoke next, with little support in the room. He's referred to as one of the "major" candidates.
Rep. Dennis Kucinich was the last presidential candidate to speak today, and his progressive agenda was enthusiastically received by delegates. When he mentioned his resolution that contain Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Cheney, the crowd erupted in support. California Party chair Art Torres, was on stage to witness the enthusiastic support for impeachment among the delegates. Kucinich has far more support and presence here than candidates like Dodd, Sen. Biden, Gov. Richardson, who are referred to as "major candidates" in the corporate media. On Sunday, former Sen. John Edwards and others are expected to speak.
One of the real inspirations today was an address to the whole convention from Congressional Progressive Caucus co-chair (and PDA board member) Barbara Lee. The Oakland/Berkeley congresswoman has huge support among rank and file Democrats. PDA members will be attending a dinner tonight with Rep. Lee.
Right now, it is unclear whether the California Democratic Party will take an historic step forward in speaking out on impeachment. The smoke may not clear until tomorrow. Stay tuned.
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