DENVER _ It's Women's Day at the Democratic National Convention, and the activity level has definitely been kicked up a few notches.
Tuesday was the 88th anniversary of the signing of the 19th amendment giving women the right to vote, and we're celebrating with numerous events focused on women's rights.
Our delegation breakfast speakers were a lineup of dynamic, accomplished women, starting with our own first lady Michelle Paige Paterson. She was followed by Rep. Louise Slaughter (the second-longest-serving woman in Congress at 22 years), Caroline Kennedy, Rep. Yvette Clarke (who gave a tribute to the late Rep. Shirley Chisholm), and Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, from John McCain's home state, who's committed to delivering the state for Obama.
I'm sure this sounds like a lot of talking heads, and sometimes in the evening at the convention it feels that way, but the women who spoke this morning were top-notch and very energizing.
For someone like me who's juggled jobs, motherhood and elected office for more than 20 years, it's reaffirming to know I'm not alone and that we're continuing to work together to break the glass ceiling that still exists for women in America.
As they've said, Hillary put 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling, but it still hasn't fallen.
We're off to the Women's Caucus meeting, and then a lunch with Hillary Rodham Clinton sponsored by Women Count PAC.
Gov. David Paterson is addressing the convention early in today's schedule, and, of course, the highlight of this evening will be the speech by Clinton. New York should be proudly featured for that part of the evening's agenda.
The floor of the convention is a crowded beehive, and it took most of our delegation an hour just to get to the exits at the end of Monday night, only to be funneled into about an eight-person-wide fenced exit route to the street. Good thing the weather's perfect, because we do a lot of strolling.
Tuesday's events will close with a post-convention reception for the New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida delegations at Invesco Field.
Monday night was energizing with Sen. Ted Kennedy's presentation, which made us all remember what it feels like to be hopeful and to commit to working for a better world, followed by the heartfelt speech by Michelle Obama.
The night literally ended with a riot at our hotel when protesters entered the hotel, damaged some areas, and the police in full riot gear swarmed the hotel and put it in lockdown _ all entrances but one were sealed and elevators were stopped until the crowd was brought under control.
Fortunately, several of us were still on our way back from the Pepsi Center, most on foot because the shuttles take an hour to go less than one mile as a result of security measures such as road closures and changes in traffic direction.
Many shuttle drivers were imported and they don't know the roads, and the closures create havoc, though are a necessity given the thousands of people who have to wend their way to the key locations.
Despite the logistical challenges, you can feel the excitement and energy in the air.
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Former Oneonta Mayor Kim Muller is writing from the Democratic National Convention. Today's entry covers Monday night through midday Tuesday.
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