A celebration of women in politics

(This posting is about events that took place on Tuesday, but technical issues prevented it from being sent for publication on this site until today.)

By Diane Denish

DENVER — It was standing room only at the EMILY’s List reception as I sat on the floor in my suit with other women state and national leaders. I was surrounded by nearly 2,000 attendees, a virtual list of who’s who in American women politics. EMILY’s List is one of our nation’s largest political networks and financial resources for Democratic women. We were all there to celebrate the power of women as candidates, contributors and voters to ignite positive change.

I was wowed to see all of the female members of the Senate and Congress and felt a profound sense of pride as the first candidate helped by EMILY’s list, Sen. Barbara Mikulski, reminded us that we were celebrating the 88th anniversary of women’s suffrage. The audience was captivated as we heard from Michelle Obama, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton about building a progressive America.

Sen. Clinton’s comments later in the evening about the “sisterhood of the traveling pantsuit” and her mother being born at a time when women could not vote resonated with me, emphasizing the connection, camaraderie, pride and honor I feel to be a part of this Democratic convention.

After the EMILY’s List reception, I hopped on the Denver light rail with Sara to attend a reception sponsored by Tim Gill of the Gill Foundation at the Museum of Contemporary Art. One of the best things about this convention has been spending time with Sara and meeting her Democratic friends in Denver. It’s always wonderful for a mom to hear about her daughter’s great work and reputation.

After the reception, I continued my walking adventure toward Pepsi Center. As I stood in line, I visited with a young woman from Maine. I had taken off my shoes by then, which gave her permission to do the same, and soon we had other women in line barefoot. We laughed about it and took photos of our feet. I really enjoyed visiting with them and was charged by their enthusiasm.

Meeting people and having spur-of-the-moment conversations has been a highlight of attending the convention. I’ve met people from all over the nation and some from other parts of the world. People sometimes talk about how politics is the great divider; however, in Denver, I find that we are unified by our concern about what is happening in our country and by our commitment to electing a new president.

The highlight of the evening was to hear Sen. Clinton give the keynote speech. She was poised, gracious, funny and thoughtful — as always. I laughed and cried during her remarks and had a range of emotions that even surprised me. She was warmly received by everyone and exceeded expectations. Clearly, she has established herself as a national and world leader on many issues, and as she closed this chapter in her life there is no doubt another chapter is beginning.

After the session Claire Dudley, the Children’s Cabinet director, and I jumped the shuttle, stopped at the historic Brown Palace hotel for a toast to Hillary’s historic campaign year, and walked home a few more blocks. All along the way, delegates were celebrating the party unity that was so evident. From Johnny Rockets to the 16th Street Mall, there was music, laughter and the forming of new friendships.

At last, some 12,300 steps later we were back in our room. It was a day to remember and celebrate. Tomorrow is a new day. With the rush of the convention, we may not be able to write much until we start the journey home on Friday. In the meantime, I’ll keep walking, listening, learning and celebrating. Until next time. Hasta mañana.

Denish is New Mexico’s lieutenant governor. She is blogging on this site daily from this week’s convention.