Georgia delegates cast votes to nominate Obama

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Georgia Democrats cast their votes to nominate President Barack Obama early Thursday, after a speech by former President Clinton and a surprise appearance by the current president in Charlotte.

The Reverend Joseph Lowery officially delivered Georgia’s delegates to Obama after midnight inside the Time Warner Cable Arena. The official delegate roll call started immediately after a speech by Clinton, which told the delegates and Americans they “must vote for Barack Obama.”

“I want to nominate a man cool on the outside but burning for America on the inside.  A man who believes we can build a new American Dream economy driven by innovation and creativity, education and cooperation. A man who had the good sense to marry Michelle Obama,” Clinton said to thunderous applause.

The former president attacked the Republicans on issues like the debt, the economy, same-sex marriage and healthcare.

"My fellow Americans, you have to decide what kind of country you want to live in.  If you want a 'you’re on your own,' winner take all society, you should support the Republican ticket.  If you want a country of shared opportunities and shared responsibilities – a 'we’re all in it together' society, you should vote for Barack Obama and Joe Biden,” Clinton said, with his daughter Chelsea looking on just to his left.

“It’s a great way to unify the party. We’re pretty excited, said Georgia Democratic Chairman Mike Burlon. “He’s electric when he talks.”

Following the speech, Obama walked on to the stage, embraced the president and waved to the crowd.

The convention concludes Thursday with Obama's acceptance speech before a prime-time national TV audience. Aides announced he would speak in the convention hall rather than a nearby 74,000-seat football stadium as originally planned. They cited weather concerns as the reason for the switch, in a city that has been hit by heavy rains in recent days.

WSBTV