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Wednesday:
As I enter Day
Four in Denver, I am getting my bearings. I have the
shuttle figured out; I know where our delegation is
sitting, I know approximately how long I need to
plan for getting from Point A to Point B. Of course,
it all changes tomorrow and all that I have learned
is for naught. I ventured over to the Colorado
Convention Center today to do a little shopping
(can't leave without those pins and t-shirts) and
catch the theatre of the absurd. The convention
center is a focal point for street vendors and
protesters. There have been other protests as I
mentioned Monday, but these are the really clever
ones. There is the mundane - Superman, Uncle Sams,
and bullhorns.. But, my personal favorite is the
giant ostrich carrying a sign saying "John McCain's
economic policy", followed closely by the two hot
pink pigs sponsored by PETA calling for a tax on
meat. The First Amendment is alive and well in
Denver.
Of course
today is the roll call of states. If you were
watching network tv, you may be asking yourself -
did I miss the roll call when I answered the door
for the pizza man. No, you didn't. We actually voted
in a recorded vote this morning after breakfast.
They began the roll call vote and then passed over
states and yielded to Illinois who then yielded to
New York. Then, the junior senator from New York,
Hillary Clinton, stepped up and moved to nominate
Barack Obama by acclamation. The house went wild.
What was really overwhelming was the emotion
observed throughout the hall. People were shedding
tears, hugging, praying, and there were a lot of
smiles. What we as democrats have done is historical
but it is more important than just history. It is
hopefully a statement that as a country we have come
closer to the dream of Martin Luther King when he
dreamed of the day when his children would not be
judged by the color of their skin but by the content
of their character. It was thrilling to see it in
person. Thank you Senate District 2.
The night
ended with the focus on Joe Biden. He was
enthusiastically received and responded with a point
by point repudiation of McCain and his alliance with
Bush, the worst president in the history of America.
Biden took on the job of attacking McCain and his
lack of new policy initiatives and his stated intent
to continue the policies of the last eight years. He
is going to do the attack role well and he will take
the fight to McCain. As a surprise, Barack Obama
made an appearance at the end and everyone went
wild. Tomorrow holds great promise. Don't miss it.
Tuesday:
Tuesday
had a lot of the mundane and a lot of the rock star
quality. At the convention center numerous caucuses
were held including the women's caucus, grass roots
organizing, verteran's issues, hip hop campaigning,
changes in communication, energy discussions, and a
code pink gathering (the impeach Bush crowd). One
thing about conventions, there is lots of free food
if you work it right and always plenty of food for
those with money.
Today were luncheons
discussing diabetes, energy, glbt rights, Latino
leaders and sheep farmers. Then there are receptions
where you can grab fruit, pastries and tiny
sandwiches like the Emily's List Gala featuring
Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton. Food is a
premium because there are no dinner breaks and you
can't take food into the arena so you have to stand
in the hallway and wolf down a hot dog or a baked
potato balancing it with your $3.25 bottle of water
while dodging masses of people and media.
The night belonged to
Hillary and as a result ultimately to Barack Obama
and the Democratic party. We were well entertained
by Kathleen Sebelius, Janet Napolitano, Frederico
Pena, Ted Strickland, Deval Patrick, Mark Warner and
the particularly feisty governor of Montana, Brian
Schweitzer. But everyone in the arena was waiting
for Hillary, both Obama and Clinton supporters. We
all wanted to hear if she would deliver for Senator
Obama. And boy did she deliver. The arena was at
times fixated on her words and at times boisterous
and demonstrative. Everyone in the arena gave her
their attention and their respect.
We were united as one
during her speech and certainly by the end. Her
central message bears repeating - if you supported
the principles for which she ran; you must support
Barack Obama. John McCain does not represent the
America Hillary Clinton fought for and Barack Obama
is our only hope in changing this country. Everyone
on the bus headed back to the hotel fired up with
ent husiasm and relief. As far as Texas is
concerned, we are not Clinton supporters or Obama
supporters; we are America's supporters and we will
return with one unified mission - electing Barack
Obama as President.
Monday:
Today it all became official. The
convention was called to order at 3 p.m. The day
started with breakfast at the hotel with the entire
delegation. We got our credentials which are
distributed daily. There was also a goody bag full
of tourist guides, a water bottle, breath mints,
pens, joint juice (?), and my personal favorite, a
box of macaroni and cheese with donkey shaped
noodles. We were fired up with speeches by Chet
Edwards, Kathleen Sibilius, Roberto Alonzo, and
Leticia Van de Putte. Getting to the Pepsi Center
was an ordeal involving shuttle buses, long walks,
intense security, and massive crowds.
I went to a reception at the Hard Rock Cafe
featuring Charlie Wilson. As I made my way to the
convention, I saw a protest march involving justice
and the war followed by eight police on horseback; a
dozen motorcycle cops, and an SUV. Police presence
is very high including snipers, secret police and
some really big dogs. Today was grab your seat
day. We pick a seat but then we are stuck with it
the entire week so voting can be done efficiently.
Finally the program began and there was a whole lot
of speakers - did I mention a whole lot of speakers,
but lots of videos, and good music. The place is
electrifying. Everyone is excited, the noise level
is high and staffers keep us in signs. Michelle
Obama ended the evening and she was great. Her story
was poignant, she was dynamic and very human. She
brought down the house. That ended the night,
except for the parties and the long drive back to
Aurora.
Sunday: Well It begins. I made it to Denver
today after driving for two days. People said I was
nuts for driving but I wanted to see the country. I
had never been to Kansas. Well I have seen it.
Enough said. The driving was actually therapeutic.
Not having access to my satellite radio (I am in a
rental car) I have gone cold turkey without my POTUS
or talk radio.
After finding nothing but radio evangelists and
Ernest Tubb retrospectives, I pulled out the ol' CD
collection and went into a 48 hour news blackout.
While difficult, I rediscovered songs where you can
understand the words and sing along. So, I did.
I
arrived in Denver under a beautiful blue sky. Before
heading to the hotel, I surveyed downtown and the
convention center. What a scene. Streets were full
of people, cars, vendors, and police. Lots of police
including guys all in black with riot helmets and
big mean guns. Ladies in pink walking around with
Impeach Bush banners.
A
protest rally on the grounds of the state
capitol. This is going to be fun. I finally found
the hotel which is 20 miles from the action. Don't
know who Boyd made mad but we are exiled in Colorado
Siberia. Even the rail stop requires a shuttle ride.
But, I quickly found some friendly Dallas folks in
the bar and we shared notes on our travel and
convention gossip. Ran into more folks headed to
parties and receptions. But, breakfast is at 7:00,
as in a.m., and credentials will be handed out, so I
am headed in early. Stay posted, the fun is just
beginning.
Darlene
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