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Seeking To Unite Citizens During A Troubled Time

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By DAN GELBER

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 24, 2008

There was a time when political conventions were judged by their balloon drops and big hats. This Democratic convention will definitely not be one of those years. This year the Democrats will meet with a seriousness of purpose that reflects the great challenges that lay before our nation. We believe that our nominee will be the next president. But we also believe that Sen. Barack Obama will inherit looming foreign challenges, a country that is badly divided and a domestic economy in disarray. So our burden will be to not merely excite the party faithful, but to reach out and articulate the kind of serious change that so many right-thinking Americans yearn for.

The Republicans don't really have that same burden. They don't intend to articulate their vision of tomorrow. They have had near-total control over government during the last decade so it's hard for them to paint a tomorrow that is different than the reality they've already created. That is why the Republican message has not been about what they will do, but rather simply a campaign to tear down our nominee. That's the only hand they've been dealt and they will play it every day on the airwaves and in viral Internet messages.

So it is my hope that our convention will be a time to define the movement that has embraced our nominee. People want change so badly they can taste it. Sen. Obama did not create this movement, rather it found him and he has become its voice. We will have to show those who seek a new direction where we hope to go.

For many it will be about restoring our nation's credibility in the world; or searching for a social justice that seems lost. Others are simply looking for a president who is looking out for them and their economic dreams. Many will want specifics. How will we deliver health care to the millions - including the 4 million in Florida - who are uninsured? Is he serious about forging ahead to real energy independence?

In short, unlike Republicans who can only hope to win through division, Democrats this year must win through uniting - and that begins by putting forth for all Americans a vision they can rally around, and a president that can lead the way.

If we do that I believe we will carry Florida in November. The challenges facing our nation are more pronounced in Florida and it will be hard for Florida Republicans to point the finger anywhere but at themselves since they too have had total control for a decade. It will still, however, be up to Democrats to make their case.

Yes, there will be big hats and plenty of balloons and, at times, the fanfare will be choreographed. But for me, the goal of this convention will be to let Americans know that we are ready to right the ship.

Dan Gelber is Democratic leader of the Florida House of Representatives

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