Appreciating Edwards while waiting for Kerry

Editor's note: Nate Hinchey, 18, of Jackson is the youngest member of the Missouri delegation at the Democratic National Convention in Boston. This is the fourth of his daily reports from the convention.

By Nate Hinchey ~ Special to the Southeast Missourian

6 p.m. Wednesday: A black market has emerged at the convention. We smuggle, act suspicious and make discreet switches. Our cargo: friends and guests. Our aim: Cramming as many people as possible into the FleetCenter. Swapping credentials and sneaking in non-delegates has become a near-perfected art form at the convention, and in the last two nights it will become even more practiced. It seems everyone wants to be on the floor when John Edwards addresses us on Wednesday and John Kerry takes the stage on Thursday.

8 p.m.: Tonight's speakers have been less a collection of enthralling and inspirational orators as they have been tools to reiterate the central focus of Wednesday's theme: An America under John Kerry would be strong at home and respected abroad. We've heard those words so often, we have begun chanting them as we wander aimlessly in a foreign-policy daze. It is obvious that the convention planners knew that the audience would merely be respectful of the speakers, since all of our energy and excitement was being saved for Sen. Edwards.

10:30 p.m.: Sen. Edwards has been on stage for quite some time now, but I have yet to see him. The sea of posters and flags blocks my view even from my seat in the Missouri delegation. Finally, just when we think he may be able to speak, he sported a big thumbs-up and a revival set in. The crowd cheered, flags cut through the air, and I think some of the women might just have swooned. When he was able to address us, Sen. Edwards delivered an intriguing and uplifting speech on optimism and a chance for change. His phrase "hope is on the way" struck a chord with many in the audience who identified with his stories of long hours and meager wages. He avoided the Bush-bashing Southern homily so many anticipated and instead offered his all to make our future a better one. It was honorable and needed.

11:30 p.m.: After a long wait, Missouri's name was called. Proudly, our speaker reported all of our 88 votes to nominate John Kerry as the Democratic candidate for president. We were tired and worn, but we cheered on our support nonetheless. Our votes technically were not necessary. Kerry had already received the required margin, but democracy doesn't end at the majority. We voted, we were counted, and that was well worth the wait.

9 a.m. Thursday: I checked my e-mail to see that all training seminars for today have been canceled due to security conflicts.

9:02 a.m.: I slept.

4 p.m.: Once again with badges and credentials, I will make my way to the FleetCenter. Tonight, it will be a madhouse, but we all believe John Kerry's speech this evening will be one not to be missed.