Leading Up To Obama's Big Night -- The Candidate's Suit

Events and details have been building today to culminate in Democrat Barack Obama accepting the 2008 Democratic nomination for president tonight -- down to what the newly nominated candidate will wear for his big night.

This morning in Denver, Michelle Obama took part in "Women Shaping History," the second session of the Democratic Women's Caucus and hosted by the Lifetime cable television network.

"Women will make a difference in this campaign. We cannot and we will not take their votes for granted," Michelle Obama said at the event, according to a statement on the event.

Meanwhile, steelworkers across the United States -- and also in Canada -- were preparing to host "watch parties" tonight in their homes and in union halls as Obama accepts the Democratic Party's nomination for president.

More than 400 parties are planned, from Minersville, Pa., to San Antonio, Texas to celebrate the acceptance speech.

In the lead up to Obama's speech, a 34-year Marine Corps veteran spoke to Democrats in Denver to endorse the Illinois senator's bid for the White House.

"Barack Obama had the judgment to know our forces should have been focused on Afghanistan where they could have been fighting terrorism at its core after 9/11," says John Estrada. "Barack Obama is a reliable advocate for our veterans. As a member of the Senate, he's worked to make sure America keeps its obligation to our veterans by making sure they get the care they need and deserve.

"As the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, my obligation was to protect the Marines, sailors and their families. My obligation didn't stop when I retired and that's why I support Barack Obama," Estrada adds. "I ask all Americans to come out and vote in November. Say no to business as usual in Washington. Vote for change. Vote for our soldiers. Vote for Barack Obama!"

Elected officials, such as Rep. Mark Udall of Colorado, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, and former vice president Al Gore, also delivered remarks in support of Obama.

Stevie Wonder also took the stage to perform prior to Obama's acceptance speech. Wonder performed "You And I," the song of his that was Barack and Michelle Obama's song at their 1992 wedding.

The Suit Obama Will Wear

Finally, details emerged down to the suit Obama will wear when he gives his speech before some 75,000 Democrats gathered at Invesco Field in Denver. Obama's threads will be a suit made by UNITE HERE labor union members from the Hart Schaffner Marx plant in Des Plaines, Ill., the union says. Five hundred workers, including cutters, sewers, and distribution workers, work at the plant in suburban Chicago. Since 1910,workers at the plant have been members of UNITE HERE and its predecessor unions.

"Barack Obama was determined to have a union-made suit on his back when he addresses the country tonight," says UNITE HERE General President Bruce Raynor. "Our members and working people all across the country will put him on our backs and carry him to the White House."

UNITE HERE says it was the first international union to endorse Obama.

"We've been with Barack Obama since he ran for the U.S. Senate and we know he will fight for good wages, affordable healthcare, and a secure retirement for workers," says Raynor. "His decision to wear a union-made suit reflects his commitment to support American manufacturing jobs."

Workers from the Hart Schaffner Marx plant in Des Plaines will be watching the speech together tonight at the UNITE HERE union hall at 333 South Ashland Avenue in Obama's hometown of Chicago, the union says.

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