Convention fun fact of the day: With 610 delegates, California has the largest delegation, American Samoa, with 12 delegates, has the smallest delegation.

Sen. John Kerry to speak on final night of convention, address President Obama’s record on national security

New York Times: National Security to Star for a Night at Democratic National Convention

“The Obama camp, eager to showcase what officials view as the president’s sterling record on foreign policy (and Mitt Romney’s lack of experience on global issues), is designating a special night at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte next week as national security night. And it’s Thursday no less—the night of President Obama’s big acceptance speech. “Thursday night will feature a specific national security segment, including a speech by Senator John Kerry, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a decorated combat veteran, and a tribute to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces,” an Obama campaign official said on Tuesday. “Senator Kerry will speak to how the President has restored America’s leadership in the world, has taken the fight to our enemies, and has a plan to bring our troops home from Afghanistan just like he did from Iraq.”

Boston Globe: President Obama taps John Kerry to give national security speech at Democratic convention

President Obama is tapping Senator John F. Kerry to deliver a speech focused on national security issues during the closing night of next week’s Democratic National Convention. The three-day gathering in Charlotte, N.C., will have a heavy national security focus, underscoring the administration’s intention to highlight its work to end combat operations in Iraq, draw down US forces in Afghanistan, and approve a military raid that killed terrorist Osama bin Laden and contrast these accomplishments with the rhetoric of Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney. Kerry is chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and has served as an unofficial administration envoy to troublespots in the Middle East, Horn of Africa, and Afghanistan…. It will be the main national security speech of the convention. “Senator Kerry will speak to how the president has restored America’s leadership in the world, has taken the fight to our enemies, and has a plan to bring our troops home from Afghanistan just like he did from Iraq,” said an Obama campaign official who demanded anonymity to speak about the speech before it was officially announced. “He will contrast the president’s strong leadership in this area with Mitt Romney, who has embraced the go-it-alone, reckless policies of the past that weakened America’s place in the world and made us less secure here at home,” the official added.”

On the convention blog….

Meet Your Delegates: Texas Couple Helps Make History

Donald L. Williams and Ruth Ybarra Williams say they’re the most enthusiastic couple working to support President Obama.  The couple, who celebrate 40 years of marriage this December, will both serve as delegates to the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte to re-nominate the President. Don, the first African-American judge in his hometown El Paso, TX, and Ruth, a retired Mexican-Americanschoolteacher and relentless campaign volunteer, have a natural affinity for President Obama.  A survivor of Jim Crow and a veteran of the civil rights movement in Texas, Don remembers their youngest son taking Don’s then 85-year-old father to vote in 2008. He was filled with pride knowing his father could now vote for the first black president.  “To see Barack up there on the stage accepting the nomination, to see Michelle standing next to him, was something I can’t put words to,” he adds. Ruth fondly recalls President Obama’s inauguration day.  “We stood out in the cold for hours with our tickets, but there were so many people there that they closed the gates before we got in!”  Undaunted, Don and Ruth made their way to the office of Congressman Silvestre Reyes, their member in Texas, and watched with fellow Texas Democrats there. The inauguration was a way for the Democratic couple to celebrate their effort and dedication. Don, who serves both on the Texas State Democratic Executive Committee and as Chair of Black El Paso Democrats,  was a delegate in 2008, and Ruth accompanied him in Denver. This is Ruth’s first time serving as a delegate to a national convention. She has served as both a county and state delegate for Senator Obama in 2008, is the Democratic Precinct Chair for the local party, and serves as recording secretary for the Black El Paso Democrats. Don and Ruth plan to bring their experience to the convention and the campaign to follow.   “[We’re] representing our people here.  Our community.  The middle class,” Ruth says.  “We want to push forward; even with everything President Obama has done, there’s more to do still.”   She has been leading Obama campaign phone banks all summer, calling into battleground states including New Mexico and Florida. Don agrees, believing the policies the Obama Administration put in place need another four years to continue to grow, prosper, and impact all Americans.  “We’re all in.  Whatever happens, I want us to be there.  I want to make sure if there’s a vote, we’re there.  In many ways, this election is more important than the last one.  The last election was about history.  This one is about the future.”