On Monday night, at the Democratic National Convention, Michelle Obama was the featured speaker and the star of the night. Her speech sought to show Senator Barack Obama's human side and she dismissed questions about her patriotism by declaring "I love this country." But the state of Missouri played a major role on the first night of the convention.
Missouri U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill spoke early in the evening, telling a national TV audience that Barack Obama believes that the American dream is for everyone, not just a special few. Senator McCaskill's speech wasn't carried by the major networks, but could be seen on cable news networks, PBS and live on the internet. Then later in the evening, after Michelle Obama's speech, Barack made an appearance by satellite from Kansas City.

Senator Obama was staying in the home of Jim and Alicia Girardeau, who live in the Brookside neighborhood of Kansas City. Obama was scheduled to speak at Kansas City International Airport on Tuesday.

One of Missouri's delegates to the Democratic National Convention is State Representative Maria Chappelle-Nadal, from University City. She's a superdelegate who is blogging about her experience. You can read her blog by clicking here.

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