MONROE - Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, said the reports of a division between Democratic Party delegates for Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have been exaggerated by the national media.
"I think there's a disconnect in the reporting that there is a division," Baldwin said during a telephone interview Tuesday from the Democratic National Convention in Denver. "The unity has been exceptional here."
Baldwin said delegates have talked to each other about both candidates and the delegates have talked about how important it is for the party to rally around its nominee.
Baldwin supported Clinton in the Wisconsin primary, but has switched her support to Obama after Clinton withdrew from the race in June. Baldwin will cast her delegate vote today for Obama, she said.
"I followed her lead when she announced her support for Obama," Baldwin said. "I do think the attention made to her historic campaign is important to recognize."
Baldwin said Clinton supporters will want to hear Clinton's name placed in nomination tonight, but when the vote ends Wednesday, the party will be ready to hear what Obama has to say Thursday as the party's nominee.
"I think we'll be united and I see it all around me," she said. "Once you focus on the serious differences between Senator Obama and Senator (John) McCain, you see we have no other option but to be united."
Baldwin spoke at the convention Tuesday about the rising cost of health care and how it's had a negative impact on families. She said McCain, R-Arizona, offers more of the Bush administration's policies of pro-insurance and anti-health.
Baldwin often has talked about the need for affordable health costs. She said she thinks the country is ready for a health care system that benefits everyone and said she's excited of the possibility of a national health care system if Obama wins in November.
"Senator Obama has put forth a plan that covers all children and makes health care affordable. Once again we'll have a national debate about health care," Baldwin said.
Baldwin said there are other differences between Obama and McCain that people will begin to focus on as the general election gets under way. She said they have differences on health care, energy independence and the war in Iraq and how to bring it to a "responsible end."
She said the Democrats also understand they have to be united in their mission to "reach independents and Republicans who are turned off by the Bush administration and also to reach new voters."
Baldwin said the first night of the convention was exciting because she was able to hear speeches from Michelle Obama and Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass.
"I thought Michelle gave a lovely speech," she said. "By telling her biography she was able to help us know Barack Obama a little better and to learn more about his values."
Kennedy's speech ignited the audience, she said.
"Just the fact he came out here, against his doctors' council, showed grit and determination," Baldwin said. "You have to admire him for all that he's done."
Baldwin will spend the rest of the week at the convention, which concludes Thursday as Obama gives his acceptance speech.
The Republican National Convention begins Monday in St. Paul, Minn.
"I think there's a disconnect in the reporting that there is a division," Baldwin said during a telephone interview Tuesday from the Democratic National Convention in Denver. "The unity has been exceptional here."
Baldwin said delegates have talked to each other about both candidates and the delegates have talked about how important it is for the party to rally around its nominee.
Baldwin supported Clinton in the Wisconsin primary, but has switched her support to Obama after Clinton withdrew from the race in June. Baldwin will cast her delegate vote today for Obama, she said.
"I followed her lead when she announced her support for Obama," Baldwin said. "I do think the attention made to her historic campaign is important to recognize."
Baldwin said Clinton supporters will want to hear Clinton's name placed in nomination tonight, but when the vote ends Wednesday, the party will be ready to hear what Obama has to say Thursday as the party's nominee.
"I think we'll be united and I see it all around me," she said. "Once you focus on the serious differences between Senator Obama and Senator (John) McCain, you see we have no other option but to be united."
Baldwin spoke at the convention Tuesday about the rising cost of health care and how it's had a negative impact on families. She said McCain, R-Arizona, offers more of the Bush administration's policies of pro-insurance and anti-health.
Baldwin often has talked about the need for affordable health costs. She said she thinks the country is ready for a health care system that benefits everyone and said she's excited of the possibility of a national health care system if Obama wins in November.
"Senator Obama has put forth a plan that covers all children and makes health care affordable. Once again we'll have a national debate about health care," Baldwin said.
Baldwin said there are other differences between Obama and McCain that people will begin to focus on as the general election gets under way. She said they have differences on health care, energy independence and the war in Iraq and how to bring it to a "responsible end."
She said the Democrats also understand they have to be united in their mission to "reach independents and Republicans who are turned off by the Bush administration and also to reach new voters."
Baldwin said the first night of the convention was exciting because she was able to hear speeches from Michelle Obama and Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass.
"I thought Michelle gave a lovely speech," she said. "By telling her biography she was able to help us know Barack Obama a little better and to learn more about his values."
Kennedy's speech ignited the audience, she said.
"Just the fact he came out here, against his doctors' council, showed grit and determination," Baldwin said. "You have to admire him for all that he's done."
Baldwin will spend the rest of the week at the convention, which concludes Thursday as Obama gives his acceptance speech.
The Republican National Convention begins Monday in St. Paul, Minn.