2008 Convention: Nightly Program to Include Voices from Everyday Americans

2008 Convention: Nightly Program to Include Voices from Everyday Americans

DENVER, Aug. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Over the last few years, Barack Obama has joined with Americans in every state in this country in a positive campaign for change. The stories of the people he has met throughout this campaign have inspired Barack Obama and helped to shape the policies he will promote as President. The speakers selected to be part of the nightly program come from across the nation, but they are all brought together through their personal stories, which address real life challenges. Monday night's program will include:

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Margie Perez

Margie Perez, 43, has been a singer and songwriter for more than 15 years. Originally from Washington, DC, Margie moved to New Orleans in 2004 to further pursue her music career. After her home was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina, Margie moved into a Habitat for Humanity home in the Musician's Village of New Orleans. Before his presidential campaign had begun, she met Senator Obama there as he toured the Village. She recalls how compassionate he was as he listened to survivors' stories and shared his thoughts about how best to move forward with relief and rebuilding efforts. Margie knows Senator Obama grasped the harrowing situation she and the other survivors had been through, and is convinced that Barack Obama will be a president that helps all Americans.

Mike and Cheryl Fischer

Mike Fisher is an Amtrak technician and a member of the International Association of Machinists (IAM). His wife Cheryl is a technician at St. Francis Hospital in Beech Grove, IN. After years of working hard to provide for their three children, the Fishers are facing the possibility of Mike being laid off from his job. In April, the Fishers hosted Barack and Michelle Obama in their home for lunch. Mike was particularly touched when Senator Obama told him he was a guest in his home to talk to him about his family's problems and concerns, not the presidential campaign. Mike believes an Obama presidency would advocate for hard-working Americans through promoting enhanced job security and strong family values. Mike and Cheryl have been married for 31 years and are the proud parents of three children - Heather, 26, who is pursuing her Master's degree; Nick, 23, who works in security systems; and Abby Maddox, 19, who is expecting a child in October with her husband, soldier Nick Maddox.

Candi Schmieder

Candi Schmieder, 39 years old, was born and raised in Southeast Iowa. She now resides in Marengo, Iowa where she works part-time in the auto glass industry and serves on the Marengo City Council. Candi's long-held belief that politicians made politics more confusing and less helpful to average people was forever-changed after she heard about Senator Barack Obama. The common sense ideas that Barack Obama put forward in The Audacity of Hope were very clear to Candi. He explained that bringing all kinds of people together to make real changes and improve lives without political games and bureaucracy was what really mattered. Candi was so inspired by Barack Obama's story that she signed up to be a precinct captain in Marengo during the Iowa primaries, a process that was completely new to her. For Candi, Barack Obama exemplified the belief that her voice mattered and that she could make things happen if she wanted. Her experience meeting and working for Barack Obama inspired her to go back to school to finish her bachelor's degree and pursue a newfound interest she now cares deeply about - public service. Candi is married to Doug, and the two are the proud parents of daughter Riley, 11, and sons Jacob, 10, and Mitchell, 8.

John Hutson

Sixty-three-year-old John Hutson is a lifelong Republican. John was a Rear Admiral and Judge Advocate General in the Navy and retired after 28 years of service. He is now the Dean and President of the Franklin Pierce Law Center in New Hampshire, where he lives with Paula, his wife of almost 40 years. Recently, John has been actively involved in addressing questions regarding detainment policy in Iraq. John voted for Richard Nixon in 1968 and for Republicans in every election since. However, John feels that in recent years, the Republican ideology has shifted and no longer represents his values or interests. John has put his support behind Barack Obama because he believes Obama is the candidate who will get the country going back in the right direction.

About the DNCC:

The 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee is the official arm of the Democratic National Committee responsible for planning and organizing the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Paid for by 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee, Inc. http://www.demconvention.com/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

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Source: 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee

CONTACT: Jenni Engebretsen, Damon Jones or Natalie Wyeth,
+1-720-362-2006, all of the 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee

Web Site: http://www.demconvention.com/

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