Kalyn Free says she thought no one could receive a more rousing reception than Hillary Clinton did at the Democratic National Convention in Denver — until Hillary’s husband, former President Bill Clinton, strode to the podium.
“I have never seen a reception like the one President Bill Clinton received — thunderous applause that seemingly never ended,” Free said.
Free, a former Red Oak and McAlester resident, is attending the convention as a superdelegate pledged to Barack Obama. She joined those giving the 42nd president a thunderous welcome.
“Everyone was on their feet, clapping and waving flags,” Free said. “Every seat in the Pepsi Center was filled. People were standing up in the aisles.”
“I didn’t think that he could possibly receive a warmer reception than Hillary, but he did, which clearly shows the depths of admiration and affection our party has for him.”
Free noted that Clinton said he’s behind Obama and the 18 million Hillary Clinton supporters who voted for her in the primaries will also support the Democratic nominee.
“The yielding of the floor to New York to put Barack Obama over the top and Hillary’s gracious announcement of the roll call vote was the perfect topper to the class act performance of last night,” she said.
Free, who now lives in Tulsa, is the director of Indian’s List, which advocates the election of Native American candidates.
She said another Wednesday night highlight had been U.S. Sen. Joe Biden’s acceptance speech of the vice presidential nomination.
“I love Joe Biden — always have,” Free said of the Delaware senator.
“His authorship of the Violence Against Women Act has saved lives,” said Free. “As you know, I am most passionate about domestic violence and child abuse issues, and abused women and children have never had a better friend in Congress than Joe Biden.”
She said she considers Biden the perfect compliment to Obama.
“Our party now has our Democratic dream team,” she said.
Free said other highlights at the convention on Wednesday included U.S. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., and Iraqi War veteran and double amputee Tammy Duckworth, who said “We are all dishonored when veterans sleep in our streets.”
Now Free is looking forward to seeing Obama accept the Democratic Party’s nomination tonight at Mile High Stadium in Denver.
The event has been moved to the stadium to try and accommodate everyone who wants to attend.
“Oklahomans are driving up,” Free said, adding that her nephew and his friends are among those traveling from Oklahoma to watch Obama accept the Democratic presidential nomination.
“Tonight will be historic,” she said.
Local News
Clinton tops Clinton
- Local News
-
-
Foul tasting water won't last
McAlester’s drinking water is safe to drink and the color, taste and smell will improve soon, according to Pete Stasiak McAlester city manager.
-
Alexix Futisha is named Little Miss Choctaw
McAlester’s Alexis Futisha has been named Little Miss Choctaw for District 11.
-
From the Capitol: Talk about fiscal irresponsibility
Will Rogers said, “I love a dog — he does nothing for political reasons.”
-
Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma signs lease in McAlester
The Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma has found a location and will be moving to McAlester possibly as soon as July, according to Susan Tilkin director of communications for the organization.
-
Rescued horses doing well
Quarter horses rescued in July by the Pittsburg County Sheriffs department are doing well, according to Joel Kerns Pittsburg County Sheriff.
-
Lt. Gov. Lamb lauds region for Work Ready Certification
Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb stopped by the Kiamichi Technology Center in McAlester on Friday to help celebrate the teaming of 15 Southeastern Oklahoma counties as Oklahoma’s Premier Certified Work Ready Region.
-
School board president steps down
A seat on McAlester Public School’s Board of Education has been vacated by President Anne Walker, who has left the position after 15 years, according to MPS Public Relations Specialist Debbie Watkins.
-
From the Capitol: OSP closing F cellhouse
Monday evening the governor put out a press release titled, “Budget Deal Reached: Fallin and Legislative Leaders Announce Fiscally Conservative Budget with Targeted Funding Increases.”
-
Three local men dismissed from grand theft charges
Three Pittsburg County men were dismissed from theft related charges Monday (May 21) in Pittsburg County District Court.
-
Gas prices down, police patrols up for Memorial weekend
Gas prices are down this Memorial weekend but the people expected to be on the road is up and so are the number of patrol officers on duty.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Beryl Makes Landfall on Florida Coast
UN Blames Syrian Forces for Shelling Houla
Raw Video: Gay Protest Blocked in Moscow
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Man Rescued From River in China
Beyonce Entertains the First Family
Celtics crush Sixers in Game 7
Alleged Lego Thief Faces Felony Charges
Has Snooki Named Her Baby?
Heat Wave Warms Holiday Weekend
Inspiration for the class of 2012
Colorado College Student Shot While Trespassing
Will Smith & Josh Brolin on "Men in Black 3"
80-Year-Old Skydiver's Nightmare Jump
JWoww Sizzles in a Black Bikini
Sliders on the Grill
Cruise ship crunch
Backstage With Beyonce
Ultimate Creamy Potato Salad
Pope's Personal Butler Under Arrest
Jenny McCarthy's New Man
Tyler's Classic Coleslaw
Britney Spears Under X Factor Fire
Flesh-Eating Bacteria Victim Hits Milestone
