Day IV: Oo, more exciting speakers! And Hillary Clinton accepts the Nomination

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Not to keep anyone in suspense, Hillary Clinton, dressed in an all-white suit, accepted the nomination with a powerful speech.  Earlier in the evening, these are a selection of what we heard:

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolfe --the only Democrat governor who was elected in 2014-- gave a calm, reasoned speech that I was pleased to see and hear.  I know very little about this man, not having TV in our household, so it was good to get to know him a little better.

Former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm gave a super enthusiastic speech, laced with a lot of humor.  This is one crazy gal, and I can hardly believe that the staid Michiganders could have elected her as Governor.  She danced up to the microphone, and blasted the audience with an incisive, yet humorous, criticism of Donald Trump.  Hillary Clinton is such a reasonable choice for President that not a lot that is new can really be said in her favor.

Then came two consecutive speeches by Republicans.  One, who had been a member of the Reagan administration, gave a careful speech in which he outlined the reasons why he chooses to vote with Democrats this year.  Few things at this Convention cheered me up more than this speech and the next.  Democrats with no opposition in Congress can be dangerous to both the country as a whole, and to themselves.

The second republican who spoke was a woman called Jennifer Lim, who echoed the sentiments of the previous speaker, and probably did more than anyone else to moderate any remaining hostility towards the Republican Party among the Democrats.  I must try and figure out exactly what the philosophical differences are between the people in the two major parties who are driven by philosophical matters rather than emotion.  Most of that is obvious to those who have watched the political scene for a long time, but for me, I have to study this thing carefully.  As expected, both speakers were received graciously, and cheered quietly.  I was impressed that the speakers themselves appeared confident to expect nothing less.

Dallas Sheriff Lupe Valdez.  An important thing to bear in mind is that immigrants from the southern US border, whom we describe as Hispanics, are also of Native American blood.  Obviously not a native English speaker, Sheriff Lupe struggled to express her compassion and her dismay at the growing suspicion between the police and minorities, without framing it in terms of gun possession.

This was the first time I saw Chloe Grace Moretz, an increasingly popular actress.  She was a relentless onslaught of earnest cuteness, and I am embarrassed to confess that I have forgotten most of what she said.  In my defense, I think cuteness is the major weapon in Ms. Moretz's arsenal, and until she grows into her adult self, her cuteness will obscure the serious points she would like to make.  I went back to view her speech on Youtube, and it was mainly addressed to the youngest voters, encouraging them to register and vote this November.

Katy Perry gave a performance that was received well.  She spoke a few sentences on behalf of Hillary Clinton, with whom she has been on the campaign trail, evidently.

Chelsea Clinton gave a protracted speech about growing up with the Clintons, and introduced her mother, Hillary.  (It is very possible that Chelsea will hold national office someday, and I have a feeling in my bones that it might be at a very dark time for the US.)

That brings to a close the Convention, except for commentary from various sources, notably Trevor Noah, and Stephen Colbert.

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