On the DNC floor (Day 1)

Convention crackles with energy says Red Oak native, superdelegate FreeFree is the director for INDNS List, which advocates the election of Native American candidates. A member of the Choctaw tribe, she currently lives in Tulsa.

She felt the speech given by U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., in Denver on Monday night has already provided one of the convention highlights.

Free and the other delegates watched as the senator’s niece, Caroline Kennedy, introduced a special video tribute to him.

“What a champion for working class men and women, a champion for health care, an advocate for those who have no voice,” Free said afterwards.

“Then Sen. Kennedy came on stage and the love, affection, gratitude and respect for him was palpable. It was such a ‘feel good’ time. He gave a rousing speech, pledging to be in the Senate in January to help President Obama pass health care for all.”

“He is my hero,” Free said of Kennedy.And:Free also gave high praise to the opening speech of Michelle Obama, who will be the first lady if her husband is elected president.

“Her special relationship with her late father resonated with me and I know with every daughter who has been blessed to have such a bond with their father. Her family shaped her values and her desire to help others. Her brother, Craig Robinson, Oregon State basketball coach, did a lovely job of introducing his little sister.”

Free said Michelle Obama’s speech had been powerful when viewed in person at the Democratic Convention.

“You had to see it,” Free said.

“Her belief in her husband, her dedication to her children and all children, her love and respect for Barack were so evident. What an absolute wonderful role model for young girls and women.”Lakota college president to address Native issues at DNCEducator David Gipp, the only Native person scheduled to address delegates at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday, plans to share a few ideas on how the White House can renew its promise of a better life for all Americans.

Gipp, president of the United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, N.D., said he would remind convention-goers of the sacrifices made by Native people, but would mostly inform them of the contributions ready to be made, including valuable natural resources, a rich culture and good leadership.Comment:  The report I heard from an Indian on the floor is that Michelle Obama's speech was indeed moving. It sent chills down his spine and had other people in tears.