The delegates responded to these other questions:
When are the parties going to have the courage to address the Social Security issue?
What was the most memorable aspect of this convention? Some personal reflections.
Are there fundamental differences between Democrats and Republicans?
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A question from Robert L. McComb, Jr. of Fort Wayne, IN:
"After-the-convention" unification
How successful do you think the party will be in unifying behind the President and other candidates on the ticket?
And, do you think with all the diversity within the Democratic Party, that you can pull enough of the independent voters in to achieve a victory in the fall? The delegates respond:
Geraldine Ferraro, New York, NY
I think if you've been watching the convention for the last few days, you have got to be as convinced as I that the Democrats are a unified party. When Jesse Jackson and Mario Cuomo representing the left, and Tony Hall, a Right to Life Congressman, are all talking about unity, we know that it is a reality. Yes I do think we can pull in enough independent voters. But look very carefully at what women will be doing in this election. At no other time, has there been as large a gender gap. Men support the President by two points over Dole, women by over 20 points. Women will make the difference in this election, not only for President but also in the Congressional races. Bobbie Coray of Logan, UT
I ran for the United States House of Representatives in Utah's First Congressional District in 1994, a year when candidates were advised to distance themselves from the White House. 
This year, I've seen a change in candidate attitudes. Candidates are aligning themselves with the obvious success of this administration in such diverse areas as the economy and social programs. There is less divisiveness this year in the party than I've seen in the 25 years I've been involved in politics. Diversity yes, divisiveness no. This unity will be a key to both the presidential and congressional wins in 1996. The independent voter will go Democratic this year, reflecting a backlash against the extremist views of Newt Gingrich and the Republican's Contract with America. Veronica Biggins of Atlanta, GA
The convention proved that the party is already unified. Independent voters are as diverse as the Democratic Party-- young and old; black, white, yellow, red, and brown; able and disabled, pro-choice and pro-life -- as diverse as America. Independent voters will see a clear vision articulated by the President for a bridge to the future.
Yes!!!! Voters are tired of the mean spiritedness that has prevailed in the current Congress. America is ready for a congress that will protect the values of all and not the interests of a few well financed lobbyists.
Christy Broce of Kansas City, KS
I do believe that the Democratic Party will be able to unify many different aspects/or groups under the Democratic umbrella. It is my hope that we electrify all voters; diversity
is a strong suit within the Democratic Party. To do that, we must not be the silent group of
people that we have become. To those who have become complacent, we must re-energize;
to those who have not been vocal, we must provide substance. There is a place in the
party for all. I welcome them, and hope they will become knowledgeable about their issues and the candidates. I also hope they register and vote.
The independent voters are key to this election. Bill Clinton and the Democratic Party
have done an effective job covering many areas. Tapping into the key issues will be
different for everyone; but I sincerely believe that President Clinton has surrounded himself
with knowledgeable, caring, compassionate people. If the independent voter will be a narrow vision voter, for example voting on the issues of Pro-Life or vouchers, we may not capture that vote.
A strong theme that has run through this convention has been taking back the House and
Senate. Since I am from Missouri, it is especially interesting for us, as we would like to see
Congressman Richard Gephardt back in charge. I think that the party has learned from its
sleepiness of the '94 fateful election, and is taking measures to ensure that this doesn't happen again. Benson Lichtig of State College, PA
My impression is the party is probably more unified this year than at any time in probably the last 12 years. I think people will go back and work strongly for the ticket. It seems to be a much more clearcut choice in this election, which actually makes it easier to rally behind the President.
I think the majority of independent voters, if they choose to vote, will more likely vote Democratic this year.
Rachel Binah of Mendocino, CA
The striking thing about this convention is that there is incredible unity. Groups and individuals whom I would have expected to be at each other's throats, all agree that our top priority is to reelect this President, and take back Congress. There is a maturity about this  new Democratic Party unity -- a pragmatism that I have never seen before. For instance, although many of us were disappointed that the President signed the Welfare Bill, important leaders of the more progressive wing of the party (Jesse Jackson, Maxine Waters, Mario Cuomo) all have expressed eloquently, in a most convincing way, the need for us all to stand together. I believe this will translate into a successful campaign that will achieve victory.
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DELEGATE FORUM -- DAY 4
