Local Leaders Expected To Speak During DNC... Briefly
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The lineup of speakers at the Democratic National Convention is taking shape.
Some of the better known people expected to address delegates include Massachusetts congressman Joe Kennedy, former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and General John Allen, the former commander of US forces in Afghanistan.
The campaign has also tapped what it calls "everyday Americans" to speak briefly, including four from Philadelphia.
The similarity may not be immediately apparent between Hillary Clinton and a 28-year-old African-American man, rescued from Philadelphia's child welfare system by the social worker who adopted him. But Thaddeus Desmond, now a child advocate himself, was picked to speak to evoke Clinton's background in social work.
"We've come a long way since Hillary was doing her work at the Children's Defense Fund, but we still have a long way to go," he said.
Desmond won't get much air time. He's sharing the podium with six others, including three Philadelphians. Speakers will include anti-violence activist Anton Moore and public interest lawyers Dynah Haubert and Kate Burdick.
A speechwriter is honing their message down to a minute or two, each. Desmond wants to emphasize the good going forward.
"It's really a collective effort that's needed to make things better."
