I’ve always loved the roll call at Democratic conventions. We joined this one in progress. I was initially befuddled by the addition of DJ Cassidy then thrilled by the obvious delight delegates took in the proceedings. As Michelle Obama said last night, “Hope is making a comeback.”
In addition to the state theme songs, there was the usual rhetoric about the greatness of their state from the delegates. I prefer the delegations where the big machers let the ordinary people do the talking. I realize that Gavin Newsome never met a camera he didn’t love but give someone else a chance next time. Of course, he’ll be a former Governor by 2028.
The Obamas were typically brilliant, but Michelle’s speech topped Barack’s. He was as funny and eloquent as always, but he played some of his greatest hits whereas Michelle’s speech was new to me. I remain, however, fired up and ready to go, especially after this sly dick joke from the 44th POTUS:
Obama: Here is a 78-year-old billionaire who has not stopped whining about his problems since he rode down his golden escalator nine years ago. There's the childish nicknames, the crazy conspiracy theories, this weird obsession with crowd sizes pic.twitter.com/WGwNOFinHK
— Acyn (@Acyn) August 21, 2024
Another highlight was Doug Emhoff’s speech. It was a great introduction to his wife for those who don’t know much about her. Doug was also funnier than a Capuchin monkey down your trousers. I decided to give the ferret the day off.
Let’s circle back to that remarkable musical roll call. I salute whoever came up with the idea. It was also beautifully executed. Not all the songs were to my taste but the overall effect was stunning. Uh oh, I sound like Gordon Ramsay. I’ll try not to call anyone a donut.
Here’s the whole damn song list courtesy of the Hollywood Reporter:
Alabama: “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Alaska: “Feel It Still” by Portugal. The Man
American Samoa: “Edge of Glory” by Lady Gaga
Arizona: “Edge of Seventeen” by Stevie Nicks
Arkansas: “Don’t Stop” by Fleetwood Mac
California: “California Love” by Tupac and “They Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar
Colorado: “September” by Earth, Wind Fire
Connecticut: “Signed Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder
Delaware: “Higher Love” by Whitney Houston and Kygo
Democrats abroad: “Love Train” by The O’Jays
District of Columbia: “Let Me Clear My Throat” by DJ Kool
Florida: “Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty
Georgia: “Turn Down for What” by Lil’ John
Guam: “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter
Hawaii: “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars
Idaho: “Private Idaho” by The B-52s
Illinois: “Sirius” by The Alan Parsons Project
Indiana: “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” by Michael Jackson
Iowa: “Celebrate” by Kool & the Gang
Kansas: “Carry on Wayward Son” by Kansas
Kentucky: “First Class” by Jack Harlow
Louisiana: “All I Do Is Win” by DJ Khaled
Maine: “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon
Maryland: “Respect” by Aretha Franklin
Massachusetts: “I’m Shipping up to Boston” by Dropkick Murphys
Michigan: “Lose Yourself” by Eminem
Minnesota: “Kiss” and “1999” by Prince
Mississippi: “Twisting the Night Away” by Sam Cooke
Missouri: “Good Luck, Babe” by Chappell Roan
Montana: “American Woman” by Lenny Kravitz
Nebraska: “Firework” by Katy Perry
Nevada: “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
New Hampshire: “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
New Jersey: “Born in the USA” by Bruce Springsteen
New Mexico: “Confident” by Demi Lovato
New York: “Empire State of Mind” by Jay Z and Alicia Keys
North Carolina: “Raise Up” by Petey Pablo
North Dakota: “Girl On Fire” by Alicia Keys
Ohio: “Green Light” by John Legend
Oklahoma: “Ain’t Goin Down” by Garth Brooks
Oregon: “Float On” by Modest Mouse
Pennsylvania: “Black and Yellow” by Wiz Khalifa and “Motownphilly” by Boyz II Men
Puerto Rico: “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee
Rhode Island: “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift
South Carolina: “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine” by James Brown
South Dakota: “What I Like About You” by The Romantics
Tennessee: “9 To 5” by Dolly Parton
Texas: “Texas Hold ‘Em” by Beyonce
Utah: “Animal” by Neon Trees
Vermont: “Stick Season” by Noah Kahan
Virginia: “The Way I Are” by Timbaland
Washington: “Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore
West Virginia: “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver
Wisconsin: “Jump Around” by House of Pain
Wyoming: “I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas
Virgin Islands: “VI to the Bone” by Mic Love
I have nothing else to say except for this: The last word goes to The Ultimate DNC Roll Call.
The roll call was great, sans two items. One, my home state of Colorado finishing its call with Giddyup is just…so hokey. Colorado is not just cowboys and miners anymore. Second, my current Guv, Newsom. The man spoke for what feels like 3 minutes, which is 2:50 too long. I can’t wait for him to look around after he leaves the Governor’s Manse, realize his moment is done and gone, and heads for a cushy no-show job at a think tank somewhere.