DALLAS SOUTH » Uncategorized

Witnessing History

Shawn Williams — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:24:09 +0000

For the most part, you don’t know when a historical moment until after it happens. Sometimes you try to guess, but you can never be too sure. History was my favorite subject in school and those moments are always on my radar.

With that said, I’m not sure I would have travelled to Denver for the DNC convention were I not invited as a blogger. I would have missed something special had I not. I’ve heard from many friends and family members that they were “jealous” of the opportunity that I had this week…but still they were happy for me. Who could have imagined itwould have all played out like it did?

On Wednesday I witnessed a significant moment that didn’t dawn on me until after I went back to review the tape as they say. The DNC staffers were giving “podium tours” to the bloggers during the roll call. When we walked into the arena and up above the stage, they were on the “M” states. By the time we walked off stage and back down to the bloggers, lounge Senator Clinton made a motion to suspend the rules and nominate Senator Barack Obama by acclimation. The folks at home knew this before hand, but it was a bit of a shock to most of us to say the least.

I rushed into the convention hall with my flip video camera in tow in order to get the reaction of the delegates. After reviewing the YouTube (YouTube channel shawnpwilliams) I realized that as I entered the hall just as Speaker Pelosi called for the vote on Clinton’s motion and eventually put Obama’s name into nomination.

Pelosi let us know that Obama had accepted the nomination and went on to announce when and where he would give his acceptance speech. That, in fact, was the very historical moment when the vision and dream became a reality.

I’m sure I’ll find more moments as I look back through the pictures, video, and my barely functioning brain. Gotta run, heading outta Amarillo to Dallas.

Still Divided

Shawn Williams — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:58:20 +0000

Even after Hillary Clinton’s speech, a speech which Fmr. Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk said she delivered “masterfully” the Texas Delegation is still divided. As B Rob has said throughout our stay and as Mayor Kirk mentioned in our conversation, Texas’ Primary vote was split right down the middle. So the tension in Texas stems from such a close vote.

At the end of breakfast, Clinton supporters sought a represtative during the roll call process to ensure the vote goes smoothly
. Mayor Kirk, who is the Obama campaigns #1 person in Texas, says he trusts the process. But he is clearly ready to move past this…as are the majority of convention attendees.

Every speaker that comes to Texas says the pary is unified, yet Texas still is not. The Clinton holdouts are not the majority…but they sure are loud.

Shawn P. on 570 KLIF at 7:05 AM

Shawn Williams — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:47:37 +0000

Shawn P. (that’s me) on KLIF 570 at 7:05 AM with Jeff Bolton. He’s said it will be a great conversation.

Bryan hits the DNC 2008.

BhRob — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:20:35 +0000

Hi Dallassites, I’m finally here. This is my first real post outside of Twitter. I’m pumped and ready to hit it.

B Rob



Clinton Supporters looking to force V.P. fight from the floor
Shawn Williams — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:15:19 +0000
Just bumped into a young man here at the Red Lion Hotel that’s passing around a petition to nominate Hillary Clinton for Vice-President from the floor.  
He says he needs 300 delegate signatures -and Mrs. Clinton’s approval- to force a vote.  He’s gotten 50 so far.  Look for more on this from Dallas South tomorrow.




CNC (Clinton National Convention) in full effect
Shawn Williams — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:19:11 +0000
I’ve held my peace about as long as I can.  Earlier this week as I planned for my coverage of the Democratic National Convention in Denver, I got a look at the schedule of speakers.
I was excited to learn that Michelle Obama is the headliner for Monday’s opening night.  She will be introduced by her brother, and have the opportunity to shine in front of a large American viewing audience.  Then things take a turn.
Hillary Clinton is the main speaker on Tuesday.  This is not a surprise and it doesn’t bother me one bit that the runner up for the Democratic nomination would be afforded such a stage.
But on Wednesday night, we will get another shot of Clinton juice as Bill is scheduled to take the podium.  This is exactly why his wife will not be the nominee on Thursday.  The man doesn’t know when to take a back seat.
Under normal circumstances, hearing from one of two living Democratic Presidents would be a really good thing.  But after the bitter (probably could have chosen a better word) Democratic Primary that raged througout the Spring -due in part to his comments- Clinton will not be received favorably by many  Obama supporters.  It’s just too much.
Now we learn that Hillary Clinton’s name will be put in nomination along side Senator Barack Obama’s.  In a statement, Obama says “I am convinced that honoring Senator Clinton in this way will help us celebrate this defining moment in our history and bring the party together in a strong united fashion.”
Yet a Pew Research center poll shows Obama is favored by 72% of Clinton supporters.  Yes the 18% who say they will vote for McCain present a problem, but what block votes more than 3/4 besides Black folks?
Even the coveted “White Evangelical Christians” go about 3/4 for McCain and 1/4 for Obama, nearly identical to how they split their 2004 votes between G.W. Bush and John Kerry.  
It seems like the Clinton’s are treating the convention like a 2012 warmup, but they’ll receive a cool reception from many of us..




LIVE BLOG HERE: DNCC Brainstorming Session
Shawn Williams — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:00:43 +0000





Link to Blog Talk Radio
Shawn Williams — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:53:00 +0000
Click here to catch me on the Kevin Ross show tonight at 9:30 Central and 10:30 on the east coast.  We’ll be discussing blogger integrity.




DONATE TO DALLAS SOUTH CONVENTION COVERAGE TODAY!!!
Shawn Williams — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:47:46 +0000

I am almost halfway to my $1,500 goal in fundraising for the DNC Convention.  As many of you know, Dallas South was selected by the Democratic National Committee as a credentialed blogger for the historic event in Denver this Summer.  I am raising funds to help purchase equipment needed to cover the event as well as for travel expenses.
Please take a moment to click on the Chip In widget above and make a secure donation to this effort via Pay Pal.  If for some reason you are unable to do so and would still like to contribute, send me an email to shawn@dallassouthblog.com.
God Bless!
Shawn




SOUTH OAK CLIFF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS MEET WITH CONGRESSWOMAN JOHNSON IN WASHINGTON, DC
Shawn Williams — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:41:14 +0000

 

Washington, DC – (Thursday, June  19, 2008) –   On  Thursday, June 19, 2008, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson met with  75 South  Oak Cliif High  School students and their administrators on the  steps of the U.S. Capitol. The students are in town touring universities and  gaining insight on applying for and attending college.
 
“It was a great pleasure to meet these  exceptionally bright students in our nation’s capitol. These young people  are the future of our country and I came away from our meeting today even more  optimistic about the future of our great nation,” said Congresswoman  Johnson.  She stressed to the students the importance of a strong high school  education as a foundation for success.  Congresswoman Johnson told the  students, “While it’s not the easiest choice to as a young  person, putting your education first, studying hard, and receiving good grades  is the best decision you can make for yourself.”
The Congressman welcomes student groups from  all over the 30th Congressional District to visit Washington, D.C. Her office can assist schools with  scheduling tours for various attractions including the Capitol Building, White House, Supreme Court,  Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and the Library of Congress. You may  contact Congresswoman Johnson’s Washington, DC  office by calling (202) 225  - 8885 or faxing (202) 226 -1477.