DAY 2 & 3

I apologize for not getting an entry in yesterday but the schedule has been grueling. Over the past two nights I have seen some of the most amazing things happen in American politics. I heard an inspiring speach by Governor Brian Schweitzer that energized a crowd of thousands, I watched a very heartfelt address by Senator Clinton that spoke to her supporter and Senator Obama's supporters as one group.
Today was no exception. The roll-call vote happened early this morning and if was somewhat of a stressful time because with any vote you never know what is going to happen. Then Senator Clinton came out of nowhere to end the process we all Clinton and Obama supporters came together in an amazing way. The patriotic rendition of "God Bless America" by Melissa Ethridge was incredible and full of love for the country that we all live in. Madeleine Albright's address was well thought out and suggested a path for the future. And Bill Clinton - what can I say, the man owned the croud this evening. He moved the healing process forward and put us on a path towards the White House. John Kerry had some great lines in regard to the Republicans. And in an emotional introduction Beau Biden introduced his father and Joe Biden did not disappoint. His speech was strong and heartfelt.
Finally, after Biden's speech the suprise of all suprises, the man him self. I was so excited... I trided hard to take a picture, but I was shaking so bad I couldn't take a picture without it looking blurred. TOMORROW WILL BE GREAT!!!!

If this is day 1 then we are in for a treat!

I can barley put into words what this day has been like. It is surreal to be able to walk among the leaders of our party and even stop to say hey! But let me start from the beginning.
This morning we had our Delegate meeting with special guests Kathleen Sebelius and Chet Edwards (they were great)! I also rand into the co-author of the book "Bush's Brain" Wane Slater. I was totally star struck and I hope I did not make a fool of myself. I was like "hey your Wane Slater" and he was like "ya, I am." Anyway it does not diminish the experience.
After the meeting I went down to the hotel's lower level to pick up my credential for the day. It was exciting and I got to meet some really great people from all around the state, but after being credentialed we all slowly began to move towards the elevators. A group of 5 enter the elevator and got stuck. We had to call the front desk from the elevator and for 15-20 minutes we all waited for maintenance to arrive. We all took turns introducing ourselves and we had a good chat, and once the problem was solved we moved on our separate ways.
We all then piled into several buses and went downtown to the Hard Rock Cafe reception hosted by Charlie Wilson. That was also amazing and during that time I again had to opportunity to meet some really diverse an interesting people. The conversions were outstanding.
After leaving I made my way down to the Preforming Arts Center were I watched the first half of a round table discussion on the "New Philanthropy" among the speakers were Ted Turner, Dr. L. Brilliant, Harry Smith, and others. It was moderated by Walter Isaacson and I learned a years worth of philanthropy in 40 minutes. These folks were so insightful and thoughtful in their speech I could hardly write fast enough to keep up with all of their ideas. Any it was truly amazing.
Now up to this point I had been having a great day, and it could have ended there but the best was yet to come! I walked from the Preforming Arts Center to the Pepsi Center to be there when the 3:00 PM gavel dropped. I made it in time and found a good seat in the Texas delegation spot (just under the BBC broadcasting booth... so look for me). I had no idea what what going to happen next. Howard Dean starts us off and a variety of speakers begin to take the stage. Some good some OK. So, I leave my seat and begin to walk around and I see this guy that is impersonating Barack ( he was scary good!) I kept wondering around and I see a variety of reporters walk by me including Terry Moran, Sam Donaldson, and Chuck Todd. I again am star struck. I go outside to do a phone interview with CBS 7 and then call and check in at home... then I'm off again fighting my way through this huge gambit of people and a gaggle of cameras and light move toward me and I feel like a deer in the headlights of a fast moving car and out of this tormoil emerges Governor Bill Richardson. I got to shake his hand! Then Charle Rangle from New York. I had to pinch myself I could not believe I was standing infront of all these people I've seen on TV.
I made it back to my seat to listen to the end of Nancy Pelosi's speech, and the announcer says please stand for President Jimmy Carter and Rose Carter (at this point I'm on overload) Then Jesse Jackson's Son comes out to speak and gave a marvlous speech that meant alot to me as a Democrat. But then... there was another roar in the crowd. and just one section over there was Senator Joe Biden. I rushed over to meet him and grab a few photos... that was awesome! Then as I returned to my seat I looked up and above the Texas delegation on the upper deck was Maria Shriver. WOW!
Caroline Kennedy came out next and introudce a touching video tribute to Edward Kennedy. I was awestruck, but just as it ended Ted Kennedy took the stage, and gave a great and uniting speech. Finally Michelle Obama took the stage and rendered a speech that was the best I had ever heard from her. It was perfect!
As our delegation was leaving Senator Binden left at the same time, and I got to say hello to him again as we all tried to exit the Pepsi Center. We then were wisked away to the Texas Delegation Gala at Mile High Station. It was amazing but it was getting late and I headed back to the hotel and got on the elevator again with one of the others who I was stuck with earlier. We joked about getting stuck, and as fate had it, the elevator got stuck again! Unbelievable, that is the day that I have had!
Love to Jen, Abby, and Jack

Sunday's Events

As soon as I hit the ground here it was work, work, work. I got to go mess around on the Denver light rail transit system so that I could find my way around. I was unable to attend the interfaith rally at 2:00 because my check in was delayed. But I did get to go to the kick off event, the "All-Delegate Celebration Recognizing Katrina Relief Organizations. WOW! What a gathering it was! It was staged in the Korbel Ballroom of the Denver Convention Center and I got to meet people from all over the US. It was amazing. To top it off there was a surprise speaker at the end of the celebration Chairman of the DNC Howard Dean. There are alot of thoughts running through my head as I am surrounded by all of these figures. I feel like a small fish in a very large bowl.

Finally in Denver

I just arrived at the Red Lion Hotel (the Texas Delegation Hotel in Denver). I have met several delegates from El Paso, Dallas, and Houston. Everyone is really excited and there is an intoxicating atmosphere everywhere from the Airport to the Hotel. I flew up with about 8 delegates from New Mexico and they say we need to do well in Lea County. Imagine that. David Rosen has been telling us this, and now even our people from New Mexico are telling us this. Anyway, I check back later. If anyone has any questions please leave a comment on the blog.

OBAMA BIDEN 2008!

The Obama / Biden ticket will be amazing. This is a ticket that every democrat can stand behind, and I know that we will be victorious in November.

RIGHT NOW

On Sunday I will take time away from my family, my profession, and my friends to step into a new and fascinating world of politics. I have often stated on this blog how much I have invested in this campaign and I wonder if my efforts will bear fruit as I travel to Denver, Colorado to do what I can to CHANGE the course of this nation. I am a small and relatively insignificant part of this process, but I feel like I am doing what it I should be done by all Americans. 

I am involved more than I ever have been and I look forward to learning more about this process so that I can share it with all that frequent this blog and beyond. Life is so curious. 5 years ago I never though I would be this involved. So many of you made this possible for me and I will always be eternally  grateful for your support. However, there are some people that have gone the extra mile to help me and I would like to thank them:

  Mike and Amelia Thanks for always being there you are passionate people and great friends

  Chris McCormack- You have always been so supportive I thank you!

  David Rosen- first as competitors now as allies, what a journey we are on!

  My Father Jack Hightower - who is my role model and my favorite person to talk politics with

  My Wife and Kids- Jennifer I know I will once again be gone to do my part to help Senator Obama and I'm sure that line has worn thin by now. But I do this so that our children can grow up in a world where they are taken care of in every way possible, I will do everything that I can to make you proud, but most of all I will take your love with me as I go to this event. You are always on my mind and I will miss you as I go to work. Thank you for all that you do to make our house a home and before long I will be back with stories to share with you. 

OK I had to get all of that out:

So where dose this leave me. 

I am PUMPED! 

It is time to "turn this thing around" 

RIGHT NOW !!! 

GET OUT AND HELP BRING HOPE BACK TO AMERICA!

10 DAYS LEFT

I can't believe that there are only 10 days until the Democratic National Convention in Denver. I am making reservations to every event that I can. My itinerary is getting full, and once I finalize it I will post it so everyone can follow what is going on. I can hardly wait. 

The campaign work in Midland has picked up as the big event (Moving Midland Forward) is coming up on Saturday at 2:00. For more information on this event please visit:

my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/44pjy

I'll Check Back In Later!