CHARLOTTE, N.C.- A 13-year-old Wood County resident has been learning a lot about the American political process while attending the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., this week.
Paul Miller II, an eighth-grader at Jackson Middle School, has been at the convention this week with his parents Paul and Teresa Miller, who are a delegate and alternate, respectively, for the West Virginia convention delegation.
Miller said he was excited about coming to the convention.
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Paul Miller II, left, former U.S. senator from West Virginia Carte Goodwin, Clyde See and Paul Miller, right, a delegate to the West Virginia delegation, at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. Paul Miller II is an eighth-grader at Jackson Middle School and is doing a report for school about his experiences at the convention.
''There wasn't much having to talk me into anything,'' he said. ''It has been a very fun and educational time.''
Miller has seen the speeches from first lady Michelle Obama and former President Bill Clinton, both of which were highlights for him.
''I can't choose between them,'' Miller said of his favorite.
During his time at the convention, Miller has gotten to interact with West Virginia Secretary of State Natalie Tennant, state Delegate Charlene Marshall, D-Monongalia, former U.S. Sen. Carte Goodwin and U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller.
He was involved in a conversation with Goodwin and described Rockefeller as being "really nice and funny."
Miller interviewed Marshall for a report he will be writing for school when he gets back. He hopes to be able to talk to Tennant for the report and one other person from the West Virginia delegation.
Miller has learned a lot about the political process and how it works while at the convention.
''I didn't know people could only be elected president twice (consecutively),'' he said. ''Also once a person has been president, they can't be vice president.''
Miller will be presenting his report to the principal, his West Virginia History class and the class where they learn about news and current events.
He and his family are expected to return home over the weekend.
Miller said the convention was more than he was expecting. He has gotten to meet a lot of nice people from a number of states and got many of them to chant "Let's Go Mountaineers" one evening.
As far as Thursday evening was concerned, all the excitement was gearing up for the arrival of President Barack Obama to give his acceptance speech, accepting his party's nomination to run for president in the November general election.
''I am definitely looking forward to that,'' Miller said. ''There are police and Secret Service everywhere."
As of 7:30 p.m., the hall was already packed to the rafters, Miller said with people all over the place.
''Everyone is pumped up and ready to go,'' he said. ''Everyone is really excited.''
Miller said he expected the president to talk about Medicare, women's rights, his personal experiences over the last four years and what he will do in another four years.
The president and Vice President Joe Biden taking the stage Thursday night will be the highlights of the convention for him.
''I think the whole night will end up being the most memorable for me,'' Miller said.
