Published: August 26, 2008 09:25 am      

Convention crackles with energy says Red Oak native, superdelegate Free

Kalyn Free says there’s a palpable presence in the air at the Democratic National Convention.

“You can feel the energy,” Free said.

Free, a Red Oak native and a former McAlester resident, is a superdelegate at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Although she remained uncommitted for most of the Democratic Primary campaign, Free eventually committed her support to Sen. Barack Obama in his quest for the presidency.

Free is the director for INDNS List, which advocates the election of Native American candidates. A member of the Choctaw tribe, she currently lives in Tulsa.

She felt the speech given by U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., in Denver on Monday night has already provided one of the convention highlights.

Free and the other delegates watched as the senator’s niece, Caroline Kennedy, introduced a special video tribute to him.

“What a champion for working class men and women, a champion for health care, an advocate for those who have no voice,” Free said afterwards.

“Then Sen. Kennedy came on stage and the love, affection, gratitude and respect for him was palpable. It was such a ‘feel good’ time. He gave a rousing speech, pledging to be in the Senate in January to help President Obama pass health care for all.”

“He is my hero,” Free said of Kennedy.

“If all our public servants were as stalwart and passionate and dedicated to improving the lot of those who truly need a voice in Washington, our country wouldn’t be in the shape we are in today.”

Free also gave high praise to the opening speech of Michelle Obama, who will be the first lady if her husband is elected president.

“Her special relationship with her late father resonated with me and I know with every daughter who has been blessed to have such a bond with their father. Her family shaped her values and her desire to help others. Her brother, Craig Robinson, Oregon State basketball coach, did a lovely job of introducing his little sister.”

Free said Michelle Obama’s speech had been powerful when viewed in person at the Democratic Convention.

“You had to see it,” Free said.

“Her belief in her husband, her dedication to her children and all children, her love and respect for Barack were so evident. What an absolute wonderful role model for young girls and women.”

Free said she felt that as president and first lady, Michelle and Barack Obama will inspire everyone to achieve the best within them.

“Our country will be so lucky to have them in the White House,” Free said. “The entire Pepsi Center was awash in admiration and we fell in love with the family aspect of the Obamas. It will be wonderful to have children in the White House and a leader who restores our faith in the possible.”

“My immediate reaction is how does John McCain combat that?” Free said of the presumptive Republican nominee.

She arrived in Denver for the convention on Saturday afternoon.

“I hit the ground running,” said Free, who is the former District 18 district attorney.

She said she’s already attended meetings of the Native American Caucus.

Free said the Oklahoma Delegation had breakfast around 7:30 a.m. on Monday, followed by a two-hour meeting of the Native American Caucus from 10 a.m. until noon.

Some of those expected to meet with the caucus this week include Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean and former U.S. Senator Fred Harris, of Oklahoma — both of whom are former presidential candidates themselves.

“We have some resolutions we’re going to introduce,” Free said. “All of the tribal leaders will be here.”

After a rollicking beginning, Free is now looking forward to the rest of the convention.

“It’s exciting,” she said.

“I’m glad to be a part of it.”

Contact James Beaty at jbeaty@mcalesternews.com.