Lowlights Of The Democratic Convention

The 2012 Democratic convention is now part of history. We'll all be waiting to see if The One gets any kind of post-convention bump. We'll all be discussing with our families and friends whether or not Obama still has a vision, or is simply suffering from delusions. We'll buzz about both the lengthy nomination speech from Bill Clinton, and the sermon from nominee Barack Obama.

So, just for fun, I would like to hear from all of you what you considered the lowest point of the convention.

For me, the worst moment of the convention (for Democrats) occurred early on, and wasn't part of the speechifying. Democratic Convention Chairman (and mayor of Los Angeles) Antonio Villaraigosa presided over the adoption of the Democratic platform. “God” had been clearly and intentionally removed from the platform. Also, the previously pro forma confirmation of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel had mysteriously disappeared. Many Democrats were not happy about either of those deletions.

Here's how the New York Post described the ensuing debacle:

“The document now includes language from the 2008 platform — which had been stripped out — saying Jerusalem “is and will remain the capital of Israel. The parties have agreed that Jerusalem is a matter for final-status negotiations. It should remain an undivided city accessible to people of all faiths.”

Also back is are these words: “We need a government that stands up for the hopes, values and interests of working people and gives everyone willing to work hard the chance to make the most of their God-given potential.”

Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland proposed the motion., saying “faith and belief in God is central to the American story” and “President Obama recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and our party’s platform should as well.”
But when a voice vote was called, the “nays” appeared to at least match the “ayes” — as they did a second time.

“I . . . I . . . I guess, I’ll do that one more time,” said the obviously flustered convention chairman, LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
Then, despite a third attempt resulting in a similar response, Villaraigosa declared, “In the opinion of [the] chair, two-thirds have voted in the affirmative. The motion is adopted, and the platform has been amended.”

That sparked a chorus of boos from the floor, while supporters tried to cheer the passing of the measure.

“I only have concerns about those who said ‘no,’” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “The people of Israel deserve to know America has their back.”
Earlier yesterday, the move to remove Israel from the platform provoked ridicule from Mitt Romney and his fellow Republicans, and surprised and angered pro-Israel Democrats.

Bronx Rep. Eliot Engel was relieved that the pro-Jerusalem language was restored.
“It was a terrible mistake. It was a faux pas. Jerusalem is the eternal, undivided capital of Israel,” Engel said.

The episode exposed tensions within the party, put Democrats on the defensive and created a public-relations spectacle.”

So—what do you think was the lowest point of the convention? Sandra Fluke (the Georgetown sperm bank)? Or maybe Michelle Obama, who humanized her robot husband? How about Bill Clinton who called Republicans liars (without any sense of shame about his own impeachment, or his disbarment for committing perjury)? Joe Biden, the Blitherer-in-Chief? Or perhaps Barack “you didn't build that” Obama himself.

All comments are fair, including what you might think that the Democrats did right.