For those of you who follow my blog, I normally do not write personal posts. I instead focus on issues pertaining to race, gender and voter’s rights. But I must digress this week as I attend my first Democratic National Convention. I will be live tweeting throughout the convention which officially starts on Tuesday. And for those who also follow me on Facebook, other photographs and posts will also appear there.
So, here’s how my first day of the journey went. I woke up very early to catch well a 9:30 am flight but didn’t want to do my usual cutting it close moment. So as I got to the metro station before 7:00 am, I was surprised to find that the Metro does not share my love of trying to get to the airport early on Labor Day. It was not open yet. So after leaving early, my early start was all for naught.
I arrived in time for my flight when the next obstacle was placed in my way. The plane decided to play a trick and sit on the runway for over 1 hour, allegedly due to rain in Philadelphia. I thought planes flew in rain but apparently they don’t when I am trying to get to Charlotte for the DC convention. Eventually, the plane took off.
I arrived in time to make my connecting flight to Charlotte with almost an hour to spare. My one hour lead time was reduced to 4 minutes when the plane again sat on the runway—this time in Philadelphia. When I and another DNC traveler arrived at the connecting gate, we had 4 minutes to spare.
Sitting next to me on the plane was a delightful woman named “Becky”. She asked that I not use her full name. Becky was traveling with her husband and son. We or mostly she talked during the whole flight. I told her where I was going. And she told me that she lived and was headed for Sarasota. When the plane was ready to land, she leans over and says to me. “You are the nicest Democrat I’ve ever met.” I took it as a compliment—of sorts. Becky, as you may have guessed, is a Republican. I didn’t want to get any details about the other Democrats she has met.
When I departed the plane I wished her well and told her I needed to get to the ladies room. As I was heading to the baggage claim, I run into “Becky” again. She seems like she’s seeing a long lost friend. And then she says she has two gifts for me. I said “really”? And she says yes but I must accept both gifts. And she hands me a bobble head of President Obama and one of Mitt Romney. No, this is not a joke. I could not make this up. I graciously accepted. And no, I did not throw out the Romney one.
When I arrived in Charlotte and after re-negotiating the cab fare situation, I arrived at my destination for the week. I met with the Maryland Women’s Caucus and Delegate Susan Lee at the Maryland party to interview them for my upcoming Women’s Media Center article. And then I get my next gift—a free cab ride. And since things come in three’s, I’m looking forward to my next gift.
Tuesday is the official start of the DNC convention and I look forward to all the convention has to offer. I will keep you informed.
Pete Kent says
Be sure to hold onto that Romney bobble head — it will only go up in value after his election! LOL
I know lots of Democrats, mostly from back east. They are increasingly judgmental and intolerant of others opinions, often ascribing to them false and derogatory motives. I can understand where your erstwhile travel companion was coming from.
Enjoy your time in Charlotte. I hope to check in and get your perspective on things. Try to keep it real and avoid the propaganda — we get enuf of that on CNN and MSNBC.
Cheers!
@petekent01 on Twitter