JAMESTOWN – Jamestown’s City Council President says so far its been a very exciting past few days at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte. City Councilman and long-time Democrat Greg Rabb arrived at the convention on Tuesday, serving as a delegate for New York State. Since then, Rabb says he and other delegates have been very busy with various meetings and caucuses, in addition to attending the featured speeches both Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
- AUDIO: JASON SAMPLE INTERVIEWS GREG RABB AT DNC
Tonight, President Barack Obama will give a speech, accepting his party’s nomination to run for a second term as Commander in Chief. Rabb says he is obviously looking forward to being in attendance for the historic speech, although there hasn’t been too many details released on what the president will say.
In addition to hearing the president speak, Rabb has also had the opportunity to hear several other noted individuals speak, including former President Bill Clinton and First Lady Michelle Obama. In fact, Rabb says he was able to hear from the first lady on two separate occasions – the first being Tuesday evening, and again Wednesday afternoon when a caucus of gay and lesbian democrats from throughout the country held a luncheon.
In addition to hearing speeches and meeting with other party members at the convention, Rabb says another key part of the event is the announcing of the party platform. He says the platform is actually 40 pages long, with the first 15 pages focusing on the economy. But he says several other issues are also addressed in the platform, including a plank that has historic implications. That involves the Democratic party supporting marriage equality for all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation. Rabb says it is the first time in history either major party has come out in support of marriage equality.
Rabb is currently the only openly gay elected official in Western New York. He was selected to serve as a delegate at the convention by Congressman Brian Higgins of Buffalo.
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