Illinois’ Own Democrats and the “Hug Fest” Move to Unite for Obama

Thanks to Josh Kalven of Progress Illinois, a blog sponsored by the SEIU ,  for documenting the slightly bizarre hug fest that happened at the convention when Illinois delegates got together. Jesse Jackson Jr. got the emotional rescue going, but it gained momentum on its own.

Gov. Blagojevich, Rep. Bobby Rush, and Rep. Danny Davis, had given their speeches when Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. took the stage and proceeded to" literally embrace the spirit of unity." You can read the details, and thanks to Josh, even read the backstory of each squabble. And thank goodness, the video of the whole loveable mess is included with his post.

Ben Calhoun's excellent audio report is available, and you can hear Calhoun vouch for the genuine nature of the call to unity by Rep. Jackson.