Cheers and chants of "USA" flooded Time Warner Arena Thursday night in the moments leading up to President Barack Obama's acceptance speech. The delegates in attendance at the Democratic National Convention affirmed the nomination of Joe Biden as the vice presidential candidate. The decision was followed by applause and a standing ovation.
Prior to the enunciation of support for the vice presidential candidate, numerous politicians took the stage and lent their voice in support of the Democratic presidential nominee's campaign. The speeches contributed to specific themes relevant to Obama's platform, among them a commitment to diversity, available education and revitalization of the auto industry.
Mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa, recounted his grandfather's journey from Mexico to the United States and praised the nation's inherent opportunity for success.
"I know how I got here," Villaraigosa said. "I worked hard, and I live in a country where hard work pays off."
General Mills Powertrain Assembly worker Kenyetta Jones expressed her gratitude for Obama's contribution to rebuilding the auto industry, a act Obama points to as a representation of his work during the past four years. Jones stood on stage with a number of other individuals she regarded as "American Heroes," which correlated with the Foo Fighers' performance of "There Goes My Hero," which followed the announcement of Biden as the vice presidential candidate.
Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) also announced her confidence in Obama with respect to job creation and the economy.
"(We'll move) forward with a strong middle class, forward on a path to prosperity, forward with Obama," Baldwin said.
Balwin's speech also included attacks on Republicans for proposing more tax cuts and advocating for discrimination in America.