CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Talks about President Barack Obama as a husband and family man and how policies instituted over the last four years have had positive impacts on the lives of Americans were some of the topics a Wood County family got to hear at the Democratic National Convention.
Paul Miller of Wood County is one of the delegates at the convention from West Virginia. His wife, Teresa, is an alternate and their son, Paul Miller II, is a guest. All of them have been involved in events during the convention.
First lady Michelle Obama spoke Tuesday night while former President Bill Clinton spoke Wednesday. President Obama is expected to give his acceptance speech of the party's nomination tonight.
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U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., with Paul Miller of Wood County, center, one of the delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., as well as Rockefeller’s son, Charles.
Miller described Mrs. Obama's speech as "absolutely superb."
She described a man who was warm and loving as both a husband and father and how being president has not changed him.
"Many people wonder how being in the White House changes them," Miller said. "(Mrs. Obama) said the presidency doesn't change who you are, but reveals who you are."
Miller's wife, Teresa, who is an alternate, said Mrs. Obama talked lovingly about her husband and family; this brought tears to many around Teresa; Mrs. Obama talked about a first date where Barack arrived in a car that had a rusted out floorboard where she could see the road beneath in spots, Teresa said.
"She connected with so many," Mrs. Miller said. "People were able to relate to her."
Those from West Virginia heard a speech from U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., about health care reform and what it means to West Virginia.
"When people discuss it in general terms, there are many who are against it," Miller said.
However, when the senator got into the specifics of the program there was a lot in it that has gotten support from members of both parties, like the elimination of pre-existing restrictions and the elimination of lifetime caps, Miller said.
Miller brought up the example of young children who have needed heart surgery and exceeded their lifetime cap in insurance coverage at a young age and are unable to afford coverage as they get older.
If the elderly have to go on a Medicare voucher program, like being proposed by the Republicans, it will put limits on what can be covered and cost many seniors thousands of dollars out of pocket, money many seniors don't have available, he said.
"These are life and death issues," Miller said.
They heard from James P. Hoffa, the general president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, who gave an update on the state of the auto industry in Michigan and how union workers in Michigan and West Virginia have a lot in common.
Mrs. Miller heard a speech from former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland.
Mrs. Miller has been impressed with the friendliness of the people of Charlotte, N.C., and how welcoming they have been of those at the convention.
They have traveled by bus to events. When returning to their hotel from one event, their bus driver stopped the bus at the hotel, got on the public address system and began singing "Country Roads" to the group.
"Everyone (on the bus) then joined in," Mrs. Miller said. "We have received nothing but southern hospitality while we have been here."
The Millers' son, Paul II, has gotten people from various states to chant, "Let's Go Mountaineers."
Mrs. Miller said everyone has been impressed with the speakers. She said the convention is getting people excited going into the general election.
"People are motivated," she said. "Many can't wait to get home and start knocking on doors and talking to people about what is going on."
