The Honorable Howard Dean
Democratic National Convention
Monday, August 25, 2008
Remarks As Prepared for Delivery

The 45th quadrennial national convention of the Democratic Party will now come to order. Welcome delegates, alternates, standing committee members, special guests and other friends, members of the news media, guests from around the world and our fellow Americans.

During our national convention, we will demonstrate to all Americans why we need Barack Obama and Joe Biden in the White House. Looking out from this podium tonight, I see this diverse assembly of Democrats as a testament to the strength and unity of our party and the fruition of our 50-state strategy.

While the Democratic Party is the oldest continuing party in the world, I can also see that we are the most vibrant, inclusive and energized party, and we are ready to compete in all 50 states in November. America realizes we cannot have four more years of the same, ineffective approach to governing.

It is the Democratic Party that can effect the change America needs. The Chair reminds all delegates that presidential nominating petitions must be submitted to the Office of the Secretary no later than 6 p.m. on Tuesday. Vice Presidential nominating petitions must be submitted to the Secretary's office no later than 9 a.m. Wednesday. Petitions should be delivered to the Secretary's office, which is in the Officials' Lounge, located on the floor-level concourse behind the Ohio delegation.

Delegates, alternates and guests, please extend a warm welcome to the convention band under the direction of Ray Chew. I am now pleased to introduce former Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee and former Colorado State Senator Polly Baca to lead the invocation.