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Blogging from the convention: A busy first day at the convention

This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon: August 26, 2008 - Hello! My name is Amanda Montee. I am a Missouri at-large delegate, and I am pledged to Sen. Barack Obama. I am from St. Joseph, but I attend the University of Kansas where I plan to graduate this May with a Bachelor's degree in political science. Next fall I hope to attend law school.

My name may be familiar to you. My mother, Susan Montee, is the state auditor.

The first time I saw Obama speak was when he visited Kansas City to campaign for Sen. Claire McCaskill. I support Obama for president because I know Obama can bring about the changes in Washington that we desperately need. I believe that Obama's progressive policies will provide us with solutions to our economic and energy problems; and they will also restore our reputation around the world. We need a leader is that person.

I am happy to be representing Missouri in Denver and look forward to sharing my experiences there with you.

Editor's Note: Come back to the Beacon throughout the day and evening during the Democratic convention to get updates from bloggers and our reporter, Robert Joiner. You'll get similar coverage and blogging from the Republican convention.

Monday August 25, 2008 - 10 a.m.

Today is the first day of the convention. I am so excited! I got to Denver Friday evening.

The Missouri delegation met at 8 this morning. We heard from Missouri's Democratic Party chairman, John Temporiti, who emphazised unity and a great beginning to the convention. He then introduced Sen. Claire McCaskill and U.S. Rep. William Lacy Clay; both spoke about Barack Obama. McCaskill stressed Sen. John McCain's support of President Bush's policies and the inability of those policies to help the people of Missouri. McCaskill told us about her faith in Obama to help Missourians and her belief that Missouri will elect Obama president in November.

10:30 p.m.

I just returned to the hotel where the Missouri delegation is staying. This afternoon I attended the Unconventional Women event at the Denver Performing Arts Center. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi spoke at the event. She talked about balancing family and a career. She also talked about being a woman in Congress and the difficulties that come with it. Pelosi encouraged the women in the audience to pursue their goals and to challenge gender stereotypes. 

Tonight the convention was very special for me and other Missouri delegates because our senator, Claire McCaskill, was a headline speaker! And she was great! My favorite part of Claire's speech was when she talked about how Missouri is at the center of the issues of this election. We can see the problems with the current administration and the need for change. I also thought that it was very nice that McCaskill's children were given the opportunity to introduce her. They were great on stage as well!

Another highlight of my evening was when President Jimmy Carter sat down in the row in front of me. I waved at him with another Missouri delegate, Linda Nolan, and he blew us a kiss!! Unfortunately, I was unable to get a picture with him because he was surrounded by Secret Service. But I will remember this even without a picture!

The atmosphere at the convention was exciting and all of the speeches were great. I can't wait until tomorrow!!!

Amanda Montee is blogging from the Democratic National Convention.