DNC Dispatch: Regional Folks Talk Michelle, Look to Night 2

This week's Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, NC began with a tribute to party stalwarts past and speeches by party icons present.

(For Patch's coverage of the Republican National Convention, click here.)

A tribute to the late U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy initiated the event, with speeches by former White House chief-of staff Rahm Emmanuel and Illinois governor Pat Quinn following.

The inaugural night housed familiar rhetoric on the importance of health care, and a woman's right to choose, but some surprising twists, too—like the absence of the word "God" in the party's platform. The campaign's literature is also less pro-Israel than it was four years ago. 

The night's apex was a speech by First Lady Michelle Obama, who spoke of her husband's personal traits and character much like .

Michelle Obama was keen to delve into the President's humble origins—his rusted car, his shoes that didn't fit—and declare the presidency hasn't changed him personally.

"Watching [Michelle Obama] speak gave me hope, and I felt inspired to continue to work hard for the campaign," said , co-president of the Rockland County Young Democrats and a delegate at this year's convention.

Coe said one of the night's high points was the sentiment of inclusion; he was heartened by the diversity of speakers, Coe said.

And when the convention comes to a close Thursday, Coe and the rest of his group plan to galvanize the youth at home to support Obama and overcome Romney and Ryan's "antiquated" ticket, Coe said.

"What we see is that young people, the millennial generation, really have the power to impact the election," he added.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) reflected on the first night of events in a Facebook post Wednesday afternoon. She's slated to appear on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart after night two. 

"I've been having an amazing time at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte this week," she wrote. "I was so moved by First Lady Michelle Obama's speech last night and look forward to hearing Elizabeth Warren and President Clinton speak tonight."

Readers can also check in with New Rochelle mayor Noam Bramson, a Dem. delegate .

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is slated to speak Wednesday night.