Michaud: Solidarity Forever

Video: Sen. Beth Edmonds introduction, Part 1, Part 2

Video below: Supporters sing as Michaud leaves the stage 

The “Michaud for Congress” signs circling in front of the stage to the tune of John Lennon’s “Power to the People” resembled a union picket. Given the nature of his speech, it was appropriate.

Fifteen minutes later he exited to the tune of “Solidarity Forever.”

U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud was lauded by many as a champion of trade issues, and in his speech he talked about his work fighting recent trade deals.

Michaud helped form a trade working group in Congress. This group has lobbied against free trade agreements, and this year House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., changed the House rules and took the proposed Columbia Free Trade Agreement off the table.

Next week, Michaud said he will unveil legislation that will set new guidelines for future trade deals that take human rights and environmental standards into account. Communications Director Ed Gilman said he expects the bill to move forward, just not this year.

Michaud, a superdelegate, has not announced who he supports for president yet. The trade working group met with both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, and he said both candidates will provide sound policies when it comes to trade.

Michaud is the chairman of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Veterans’ Health Care, and he strongly supports veterans’ services and the new GI Bill. Michaud opposes the Iraq War, and said he will continue to speak out against it until all troops are home.

Michaud is up for reelection this year. He does not have a primary challenger and faces John Frary, R-Farmington, in November.

Like all the other speakers, Michaud stressed the importance of party unity, urging the election of his colleague U.S. Rep. Tom Allen to the U.S. Senate.

“We have to start here in Maine,” Michaud said. “Tonight let us commit ourselves to a new era of hope and optimism. Let’s leave the convention and go forth in solidarity, and return our nation back to the American people.”