Tennessee Federation of College Democrats

The Tennessee delegation left for Columbia, S.C. via several carpools and a couple airports. For some of us it was an easy 4 to 5 hour drive, but for some it took more like 12 (driving from D.C.). By 1 p.m. everyone had arrived safely at the University of South Carolina (USC was the host site for the convention).

A few delegates arrived in S.C. in time to attend the CDA National Council meeting (the NC is similar to an executive committee or legislative body of some organizations) where Tennessee cast the tie-breaking vote in the NC elections. What is it with close elections and Tennessee being put on the spot?

There were a few other closed sessions that day for state federation officers and chapter presidents; I’ll not go into the mind-numbing details (you’re welcome).

Margaret Franklin, Kristen Spires, and Charlotte Kimsey.

But at 4 p.m. Thursday it came time for the convention kick-off and what many students had been waiting so restlessly for: Senator Barak Obama.

Following the kick-off festivities, several delegates attended the base-vote constituency caucus meetings (African American, Asian American & Pacific Islander, Disability, GLBT, and Hispanic) to elect caucus officers and plan the coming year’s events/programs.

All of Thursday’s official business wrapped up by 9 p.m., and from there several delegates attended gatherings hosted by Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

Day 2: Friday, July 27

The morning started off bright and early for delegates attending the breakfast meeting for the CDA Faith Caucus (yes, we have one), where students heard remarks from Rev. Romal Tune.

The rest of the day was spent attending training workshops on a wide range of topics. Here is a peak at the trainings delegates attended:

• Psychology of Making the Ask
• Earned Media and Press Outreach
• Getting Support from State Parties and Allies
• New Media Organizing Tools
• Managing Chapters, Writing Plans

All that lasted from roughly 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., when the block party began. The event consisted of a street fair with food, games, and live entertainment.

Margaret Franklin, Adam Green, Caitlin Elledge.

A lot of the excitement this evening surrounded John Edwards scheduled appearance. The students seem to like Edwards’ preference for rally-style events rather than the indoor events that keep you from crowding around a stage to see the candidate up close and personal. Many students remarked afterwards that this event showed Edwards at his best.

Day 3: Saturday, July 28

Here’s a quick overview of Saturday morning’s early activities: Women’s Caucus meeting, briefing on how to become a delegate/alternate at the 2008 DNC Convention.

Late morning gave us what was supposed to be a host of speakers, but with Rep. Dennis Kucinich and former Senator Mike Gravel canceling, we heard from House Majority Whip James Clyburn and Senator Hillary Clinton.

TFCD Vice President Caitlin Elledge with Hillary Clinton

Clinton gave a flawless delivery and was more on message to students than in past speeches to CDA (my personal opinion). The only problem she encountered was a protester who was successful in walking all the way down the center aisle of the ballroom to within 30 feet from Clinton. The students reacted quickly, drowning out her screaming with chanting and cheers. She was removed, but remained in the building to talk with students, media, et al. She threw away her sign but it ended up being a prop for dozens upon dozens (dare I say hundreds?) of photos.

Trent Thompson of the Alabama Delegation.

The afternoon began with continued training workshops and moved on to a Q&A session with candidates running for national CDA offices. The elections began around 5 p.m. Sunday, but did not take as long as expected (only two races were seriously contested). Sam Hodge (MO) and Kyle Schulberg (MA) deserve honorable mention for their election victories. [Note: Tennessee has gained bellwether status with CDA internal poltics in recent years.]

CDA closed with remarks from the eloquent S.C. state Rep. Bakari Sellers and Jamie Harrison, chief of staff to Rep. James Clyburn, and afterwards a cake and ice cream reception.

Day 4: Sunday, July 29

We hated to leave beautiful Columbia, S.C. and USC, but with summer classes, exams, internships, and you name it, our mid-morning departure was inevitable. Again, some of us drove, some flew, and some joined caravans back to their D.C. summer internships.

But our return journeys were not with out excitement. The Chattanooga delegation (along with one TSU delegate) took a unintentional “short cut”. I’ll not go into details; I’ll just post this following picture (Hint: Look at the terrain).