Been enjoying your blog although previous attempts to leave messages have failed – we'll see if I can overcome the technobugs this time.

Wanted to share how surprised I have been to find myself very, very moved by many of the things we've seen from Denver this week. Now I know that it's all pretty tightly orchestrated, and I am pretty cynical, but I still found it — inspiring.

The first thing I watched was the role call — I do love the roll calls, with all the silly "home of blah blah" declarations and the waving of signs. Probably my earliest memory of conventions is the roll call (it's probably the 1964 I'm thinking of). I think they should always do them, even when the outcome is foregone. It's tradition, it's democracy in action – and hey, those people worked hard and spent their own money to get there, the least they can have is their 3 minutes of attention.

Anyway, as the roll call rolled on, I was surprised to find a lump in my throat – and when an elderly black gentleman from the south (I think Mississippi) stood up to declare his state's vote, tears were really flowing. I think it's because I grew up in the sixties and the struggles of the Civil Rights movement are still real to me? It's just not that long ago. Anyway, I thought it was a great testimony to what American can be when we commit to making a societal change for the greater good — something we seem to often doubt in this very cynical age.

I was moved, too, by Beau Biden's introduction, even though I knew I was being set up. But I like Joe Biden, I always have. At one time he was the only member of Congress with a child on active duty – I don't know if that's still true? Made me think he took the responsibilities a little more personally.

The "ordinary people" telling their stories last night was a brilliant stroke – and they did remarkably well!

I thought Obama's speech was good – not really high oratory, but effective.

And I don't quite know what to think about the closing benediction . . .

On to St. Paul.