Obama nominated by Iraqi war vet and Republican

Air Force vet says U.S. needs better leadership

By Kevin Flynn, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published August 27, 2008 at 3:49 p.m.
Updated August 27, 2008 at 3:49 p.m.

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Democrats chose a lifelong Republican and Iraqi war veteran from Florida to place the name of Barack Obama into nomination for president this afternoon.

The move highlights the Democrats’ growing to the war and attempt to appeal to national security voters.

“I’ve seen war up close not as a political slogan or a think tank theory,” said Michael Wilson, an Air Force veteran.

“America needs a president who has the strength and wisdom and courage to talk with our enemies and consult with our allies,” Wilson said to thunderous cheers from an only half-filled Pepsi Center.

“A president who has the judgment to use war as a last resort not as a first resort; a president who can adapt to things that change and a president who will respect our veterans when they come home instead of leaving them without the medical care and benefits they deserve.”

Colorado Sen. Ken Salazar was one of the seconders for Obama.

“For the last eight years, under the failed policies of George Bush, the American dream has been slipping away," Salazar said from the podium, wearing his trademark Western hat. "The White House has turned its back on you.

“We can’t afford more of the same. We can’t afford four more years of letting the American dream fade. We can't afford four more years of forgetting the middle class.

“We can't afford four more years of George Bush policies with John McCain.”

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