SCDems News
Obama delegate ready to cast vote
August 19, 2008
An eagle eye around recent Democratic Party events might have spotted an odd memento. Amid the countless T-shirts and bumper stickers touting the party nominee, a few buttons show Sen. Barack Obama's name and face, along with the name "Paul Richardson."
Who?
Richardson is a chemistry professor at Coastal Carolina University who was elected within the Democratic Party as one of South Carolina's 45 pledged delegates to the Democratic National Convention, which starts a week from today. As Richardson campaigned to be a delegate for Obama, he printed up the buttons, and laughed this weekend when told a few are still floating around party events.
Richardson leaves Sunday for Denver, where he will have a full schedule attending meetings in the mornings and speeches from party leaders each night.
Question | What will people get out of watching the conventions?
Answer | I really think they're going to see how well Democrats are going to lead us into this new era, the type of plans they have to really push this country forward.
More than anything, you've got to understand that this is going to be an historic event. It's going to be the first time an African-American is going to be nominated to run for president. Everyone should watch. It's going to be one of the most significant political events of the last couple of decades.
Q. | What will your role be at the convention?
A. | Specifically, my primary role is to cast my vote for Senator Obama. My other responsibility is casting a vote for the Democratic platform.
Q. | What's going on with Obama's VP pick? Do you have a favorite?
A. | I'm not really 100 percent certain. It's going to be interesting. With less than a week away, I don't think we're going to hear much until we're really close to the convention, to really ramp up the excitement.
I have my personal choices, but I'll keep them to myself. It's the candidate's choice, and I'm anxiously awaiting to see who Senator Obama picks.
Q. | How has the campaign changed since the end of the primaries?
A. | It's now more focused on going after McCain, and bringing all the Democrats into the fold.
I think it's the same issues. What people care most about are the war in Iraq and the economy.
The Sun News
