Obama campaign intensifies at Democratic convention

Canada News.Net
Monday 25th August, 2008

Democrats opened their national convention on Monday, with a special appearance by the ailing, Senator Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts.

A primetime speech by Obama's wife, Michelle, also headlined the convention's first night.

Delegates ratified the Democratic Party platform, which had been tailored by Barack Obama to include complete redeployment within 16 months from Iraq, a new health care package for all Americans and an economic stimulus package and higher taxes on families earning over $250,000 a year.

The Democratic Party delegates also strongly supported the Roe v. Wade decision, which was passed to give women the right to choose a safe and legal abortion.

While the convention was taking place in Denver, Mr Obama was campaigning in Iowa, the first in a string of swing states he is visiting en route to Colorado.

However, he will attend the fourth and final day of the conference, when he will formally accept his candidacy.

He will deliver his acceptance speech on Thursday at a football stadium, before a crowd likely to total 75,000 or more.

Then he and Senator Joseph Biden of Delaware, his vice presidential running mate, will depart for the autumn campaign.

Prior to the opening of the Democratic Party convention, Hillary Clinton once again called on her followers to support the party's presidential candidate, Barack Obama.

Hillary Clinton was Mr Obama's main rival for the nomination as Democratic candidate, but lost the primaries.

Public opinion polls are making the presidential race a close one, with Republican John McCain neck and neck with the Democrat candidate.

Have your say on this story