Among the notable speakers at this week's Democratic Convention was Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth.

Duckworth lost both legs in 2004 when her copter was shot down in Iraq, and only two years later waged a strong campaign for a congressional seat in Republican west suburban Chicago, losing by the slimmest margin.

She doesn't mince words, and is a clear-eyed and forceful advocate for those who serve. Look for her in the future.

Later, with the crowd still bubbling from President Clinton's eloquent address, a young woman strode to the mike:

"Good evening. I speak tonight as the wife of a United States Marine. Oorah!"

Instantly, she made that crowd her own.

She is Beth Robinson of Chesapeake, Virginia, who has multiple sclerosis. She spoke of "inadequate and underfunded" health care for military families.

"I know that President Obama will make health care available and accessible to all Americans," she said.

Then tonight, this from the nominee, on the 45th anniversary of Dr. King's speech:

America, now is not the time for small plans...

Now is the time to finally keep the promise of affordable, accessible health care for every single American. If you have health care, my plan will lower your premiums. If you don't, you'll be able to get the same kind of coverage that members of Congress give themselves.

And as someone who watched my mother argue with insurance companies while she lay in bed dying of cancer, I will make certain those companies stop discriminating against those who are sick and need care the most.

Now is the time to help families with paid sick days and better family leave, because nobody in America should have to choose between keeping their jobs and caring for a sick child or ailing parent.