I decided to get downtown as quick as possible as I wanted to be around the action. Our hotel is a good distance south of town but we have a light-rail stop right by our hotel. I met Drew Reisinger, an Obama delegate from Asheville. He and I did some tourist things before the convention session. We went to the free admission Art Museum (tried to go to the History Museum, but it cost money and we're cheap) and the State Capitol – a really awesome building with a great 360 degree view from the dome. Then we realized we were on the wrong side of downtown from the Pepsi Center and we took a cab over there. The Convention gaveled down at 3:00pm and lasted until Michelle Obama was done speaking at 9:00. In between that time we heard everybody and their cousin speak.
In the few minutes before the Convention started, we wandered around outside and on the floor. We met Bill Schnieder and Gloria Borger from CNN, both of whom I got pictures with. I also got a picture with actor Kal Penn (Harold and Kumar). We saw the Daily Show crew filming a segment and tried to get in the background on that shot, along with John King on CNN and his magic board. I took a picture of Katie Couric too until the lady fussed at my flash (what’s the doggone bother, she’s on TV anyway!).
Our delegation is sitting at “7:30” if the podium is 12. They are higher than the floor seats but still good – we have a great view. Some states are really stuck out in the boonies (poor Utah – maybe they should be more Democratic!). We’re sitting right beside New Jersey and a good number of my pictures have the New Jersey sign in them – but we all know I don’t live there.
It was a real surprise to see Ted Kennedy. At first the just said there would be a video tribute, but when it was done, he wandered out. We also heard from Craig Robinson, Michelle Obama’s brother and the coach of the Oregon State Men’s Basketball Team. Then of course, Michelle spoke, and I think she did a great job. Part of me was/is concerned that folks have a very negative opinion of her and I thought she did a good job of coming across as normal, low-key and re-assuring; at least, that’s how I hope it came across.
Once it was all over, we had trouble finding the shuttles so a handful of us went back to the light-rail and came back to the “party” sponsored by McGuire Woods. It was slow, but had free food, so I was excited. I’m not sure how many pictures this will let me post, but I’ll try to do a decent number.
Thanks for reading. Tomorrow night is Hillary’s night!
After breakfast with folks from the 11th District, Pat Crawford, Bruce Peterson, Congressman Heath Shuler and Carol Peterson, a Buncombe County Commissioner.
Drew and I outside the Denver City/County Government Building.
Colorado State Capitol
View looking west/southwest from the dome of the capitol.
With Bill Schneider of CNN outside the Pepsi Center. 
The view from our seats; you can see our state sign on the right. The podium setup is quite elaborate.
CNN's John King and his magic "I know what you ate for breakfast and how that made your county vote" board.
CNN's Gloria Borger, who, according to one of my favorite blogs, Campaign Diaries, correctly predicted back in January that Joe Biden would be the VP selection.
With actor Kal Penn, who looks like he'd rather be doing anything else in the world than taking this picture with me.
Jon Oliver of the Daily Show skewering some poor person for a segment.
DNC Chairman Howard Dean gaveling the Convention to order.
Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter made a brief walk-through (not even a speech).
Just a cool scene of folks waving their signs and flags with our state sign in the background.
"Big Mike" and Mary showed up and we talked for a good bit since I hadn't seen them in a while. Yes, I know you're still stuck on the first sentence... they showed up!
Ted Kennedy made a surprise appearance!
Michelle speaking.
At the end, Barack came on from a live feed in Missouri and the exchange with his daughters was really cute.
3 comments:
Very cool! Looks like an experience of a lifetime. Keep the blog rolling!
That all looks great. Great selection of speakers (except for Howard Dean). Glad you're having a great time.
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