Obama Summons Hope As Democrats Woo Fractured Party
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PHILADELPHIA (CBSMiami) -- It was a moment that electrified Democrats, watching President Obama pass the baton to the party's first ever female presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton.
"So this year, in this election, I'm asking you to join me, to reject cynicism and reject fear, and to summon what is best in us -- to elect Hillary Clinton as the next President of the United States," Obama said to a cheering DNC crowd.
In stark contrast to the sometime dark undertones of the Republican National Convention, Obama offered optimism, at times evoking Ronald Reagan who once called America "a shining city on a hill." Trump, he said, believes the country is more of "a divided crime scene," offering protection in the face of fear.
"I just see the reactions to the speeches. I think we are in a good place," said Mitchell Caesar, a South Florida super delegate who says Obama's speech inspired him.
This is Caesar's fifth convention. He's been witness to the historic election of the nation's first African-American president to one of the lowest points in Florida Democrat history.
"Those were votes that were cast but not counted because their computer system could not read them," said Caesar.
He believes this election could be close again -- the difference this time could be this very convention.
"The energy in the room that I saw last night, that I didn't think I would see until Thursday night, I was amazed. I think we are already there," he added.
Amazing is a transformation underway.
"I just want Bernie to have a fair shot at being that candidate," said Sanders delegate Allan Nichols on Monday, who lives in Miami Shores.
Two nights later, he was cheering the Clinton nomination along with fellow Bernie delegate Chris Richer.
"Look I went through a terrible mourning process. It was devastating that my candidate didn't win. But I realize, as Senator Sanders does, for the good of the country and the planet, we must unite behind Hilary Clinton at this point."
Not all of Sanders' delegates are on board but many are working it out logically.
"You either have the votes or you don't have the votes," said Nichols. "So let's get the candidate in there that is more likely to enact the changes you want to see."
Now the work of the delegates shifts to Florida voters to ultimately decide who gets the highest office in the land.
"We are the ultimate swing state," said Caesar. "We are the third biggest state in the country. We are the only swing possible."