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Lieberman is LOS ANGELES -- Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman is a big hit with Hawaii's delegation to the 43rd National Democratic Convention.
a solid hit with
Hawaii delegation
Former Gov. Ariyoshi says
his speech was strong on
issues and compassionExcerpts of Lieberman remarks
By Richard Borreca
Star-BulletinAs they praised his speech last night as the nominee for vice president, many were also thinking about tonight's key speech by the man topping the Democratic ticket, Vice President Al Gore.
Former state Gov. George Ariyoshi, who is attending his seventh national convention, called Lieberman's speech a perfect fit, saying he was strong on the issues, but still knew he was acting as the second in command, so he didn't try to steal the show from tonight's speech by Gore.
"What came across is his compassion and the issues," Ariyoshi said.
Delegate Joy Kobashigawa Lewis said she thought Lieberman's speech touched on opening American for all, and giving programs a wider scope. "He spoke in terms that all American could appreciate," she said.
And delegate Norman Taira disagreed with television commentators who described the speech as "low-key."
"It made a chill run down my spin, it was so exciting," Taira said.
"His ideas were of the Democratic philosophy and I know he will work well with Al Gore."
The big question, however, will be answered tonight when Gore gives his most important speech of the campaign.
According to Rosalyn Baker, a delegate and a former Hawaii state senator, Gore must do more than just give a politically and intellectually satisfying speech, he has got to touch the delegates.
"I want him to convey sensitivity and humanity. I know he has the intelligence. I want him to show his human side, I want him to show he connects with the voters," she said.
"I've met him, he has a great sense of humor," Baker said.
"If people focus on the issues, no question about him, but polling shows the GOP is considered warmer and fuzzier. I'm from Texas, so I know that is a great illusion," she said.
Other delegates are looking for a speech that will pull in the young voters.
Katie Lambert, 22, said the abortion issue is the most important one for her, and she hopes Gore stresses "women's freedom to control their own reproductive rights."
"Also, if he could really address the females and the young people -- give a shout to us, we have been ignored too long," she said.
"I think this is a chance to show that the Democratic Party is the party of woman's rights and the woman's movement," she said.
Party chairman Walter Heen is looking for some talk on the differences between the Democrats and the Republicans on what to do with the nation's surplus.
The money, Heen says should go to reduce the national debt. The debt was run up by the previous generation and if it can be paid now, it would be fairer than stretching it out over several more decades.
"I hope he stresses how important it is to pay down the debt, instead of reducing taxes," Heen said.
"I don't think the Republicans have learned that that people aren't concerned about tax cuts, if you show them how you are using it and give them a good reason."
Excerpts of remarks by Sen. Joseph Lieberman, the Democratic vice presidential candidate, to the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles yesterday. Remarks are as prepared for delivery: He said it
"Is America a great country or what? As every faith teaches us, we must, as Americans, try to see our nation not just through our own eyes, but through the eyes of others. In my life I have seen the goodness of this country through many sets of eyes."
"I'm glad the GOP has changed their rhetoric, but I wish they would also change their policies. As my friend John McCain might say, let me do some straight talking about their record."
"And, I think it's a good thing that our opponent talks about education. Schools need to be held to the highest standards of performance and accountability. But I'm sad to say their plan does not provide the resources our schools need to meet those high standards. I've read their plan. To me, it seems like their idea of school modernization means buying a new calendar for every building."
"I've known Al Gore for 15 years. I know his record and I know his heart. I know him as a public servant and I know what it is like to sit with him around the dining room table. We have discussed -- sometimes even debated -- policy issues. And we have shared private moments of prayer."
"Sometimes I try to see this world as my dad saw it from his bakery truck. About this time, he'd be getting ready for the all-night run. I know that somewhere in America right now, there is another father loading a bakery truck, or a young woman programming a computer, or a parent dreaming of a better future for their daughter or their son. If we keep the faith, then 40 years from now one of their children will stand before a gathering like this, with a chance to serve and lead this country that we love."