The Democratic National Convention - Day 1

As I sat at Dulles International and watched the opening speakers at the Democratic National Convention, set against the backdrop of the dramatic stage at the Pepsi Center, I could barely contain my boredom. True to form, the Democrats opened their rally for party unity by showing viewers why they have struggled for power over the past decade: they fail to impassion people who are sympathetic to their policies. In this age of political apathy, it is no longer enough to just have the right answers, you must inspire people to act.

Whilst the Republican Party has turned "getting out the vote" into an art form, the Democrats have been stuck in the 20th Century, one of the main reasons behind their lack of political success since 1994. It is in this area where this election should be different: Obama inspires Democrats like no leader they have had since JFK.

As if to prove the point, the inspiration of the night came during Michelle Obama's appearance on stage. Sure they may have gone a bit to far with the "I love you" bit at the end, but nobody was bored. Praise is deserved for Michelle for saving an otherwise mind-numbing opening day!

Within her speech, there also seemed to be clues as to the kind of first lady she intends to be. As someone who believes that a spouses involvement in politics should stop at handshakes and pillow talk, I was relieved to see that she seems to see her greatest task as First Lady to be supporting the President and their children. There is nothing wrong with a First Lady holding their own opinions or even publicly expressing them, but abusing their proximity to the President by pursuing their own political agenda (Hillary) is shameful.

And so at the end of the night, the point that stuck with me was just how much the Democratic Party needs Barack and Michelle Obama right now.

Washington