NPR: Dems Still Struggling To Unite

Dems Still Struggling To Unite

Hi, Everyone. It's Cheryl Corley, here in Washington, D.C. Tell Me More's host Michel Martin and producer Teshima Walker are on the ground in Denver covering the Democratic National Convention (DNC). They're blogging each day giving you a backstage pass to what's happening at the DNC.

It seems the unity Democrats hope to portray still is in the making. On the show today, Michel told us the tension is still thick between supporters of Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Elbra Wedgeworth, the woman who led the charge to bring the convention to Denver expects all to be resolved this week.

Also, Denver's Deputy Mayor, Guillermo Vincente Vidal, talked to us about what the convention will mean for the city. He is also the author of a memoir called Boxing for Cuba. Vidal hopes the convention will also help shape how the United States approaches immigration issues in the future.

Of course, every night the DNC will feature a keynote speaker. Tonight it's Michelle Obama, potentially the country's next first lady. We profiled Obama's professional life on the show today and, tonight, she's expected to talk about why she believes her husband is the best person to lead the country.

Speaking of which, all this week, Tell Me More will hear from different voices about what the possibility of having an African-American in the White House means to them. We're calling the series WHAT IF?. Today, our first guest was Eric Holder, Jr., who helped lead the search committee for the Obama's running mate.

--Cheryl Corley

Michel Martin

2:24 PM ET | 08-25-2008 | permalink

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2:24 PM ET | 08-25-2008 | permalink

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A colleague and I were just talking about the conundrum of being Michelle Obama. Here is a strong woman, who is graceful in her delivery, quick witted, a mother who appears to balance, has a husband who shows sincere love for his spouse, highly accomplished and still manages to be a snappy dresser. All kidding aside, I cannot understand how or why there is even discussion on her person or demeanor. I just heard a woman (Hilary supporter) say "Michelle needs to show us she's not so hard," not so hard? I clearly do not know the definition of hard. I say it's a conundrum because with all of the stereotypical things that are often said about minorities in general but specfically about African-Americans here is a model American family. What's to debate or dissect?

I also just experienced the McCain ads with the Hilary supporters now backing McCain. Is that not blatant racism? How does one completely change an ideological view when their candidate is not chosen. To say that switching to support McCain is anything but racist is lie.

I am a latina, married, mother of two, who for the first time, with great confidence can tell my children that they too can be the president. Yet all they see is a family being scrutinized. It's not for indiscretions or questionable behavior or morals, but really for the complete opposite - they are an accomplished family of color who have a genuine love and respect for each other and it scares the hell out of everyone.

Sent by Monica De La Rosa | 7:58 PM ET | 08-25-2008

I hope that those women who moved to the McCain side have looked back long enough to see what grace and acceptance look like. Hilary Clinton is the personification of those two attributes. Of course she's disappointed at losing, Obama would have been just as disappointed. They both put in tremendous energy , and both wish to serve people. Hilary Clinton recognizes that its less about her and more about the ideals she believes in. She firmly believes the Democrats are better positioned to give this country better than it has had in 8 years. She expressed the wish that her supporters do too. My suggestion is that those who left in self-serving anger, stay with the McCain side. You were our weak links. Stay there and weaken them!

Sent by diedra m knox | 10:56 AM ET | 08-28-2008

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"Nothing is assumed." That's the unofficial motto of Tell Me More, the new Monday-Friday talk show with host Michel Martin. Grounded in lively interviewing and compelling storytelling, the program seeks to present diverse new voices, cross borders, challenge conventional wisdom and discover how other people think.