Are You Coming to Invesco for Obama's Speech? Here's The Rules

By Jeralyn, Section Democratic National Convention 2008
Posted on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:01:45 PM EST
Tags: Democratic National Convention (all tags)

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This just in from the DNCC on rules for attending events at Invesco Field Thursday, when Sen. Barack Obama will make his acceptance speech.

Doors open at 1:00 pm. They recommend coming early as while you will be assigned a section, the seats with the section are first-come - first serve.

The list of items not allowed on-site is long, and includes but is not limited to: [More...]

• Outside food and beverage of any kind, including alcoholic beverages, coolers and bottled water
• Umbrellas (in case of inclement weather, the public is encouraged to bring raincoats or ponchos)
• Large bags, suitcases or backpacks
• Noisemakers, air horns, whistles, cowbells, horns, bull horns or other voice enhancement devices.
• Signs, banners, flags or any other items that would either obstruct the view of a patron or serve as a security risk
• Any and all unauthorized merchandise, including unapproved pamphlets, handouts, advertisements, etc.
• Knives of any size, razor blades or sharp and/or pointed objects like scissors, knitting needles, etc.
• Mace/pepper spray or aerosol containers
• Fireworks
• Weapons of any kind, including toy weapons, or any article that might be used as a weapon and/or compromise public safety as well as canes, chains, sticks of any length (non-medical use canes
• Screwdrivers or Leatherman brand or similar tools
• Dangerous or hazardous items or materials including chemical, biological, radiological, etc.
• Animals (except service dogs & guide dogs)
• Folding chairs
• Laser devices
• Tripods
• Bikes, inline skates, skateboards, scooters, shoes with wheels
• Illegal drugs and any other illegal substances
• Frisbees or inflated balls of any kind

INVESCO Field at Mile High policy for this event prohibits strollers or baby seats from being taken into the stands or left in section entrances.

The camera policy is as follows: Cameras with lenses less than 75mm and small hand-held video cameras are permitted, provided they do not obstruct the view of other attendees. Professional cameras or any other audio/video recording equipment are not allowed to be brought in to the stadium unless the user has the appropriate Convention press credential.

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Are You Coming to Invesco for Obama's Speech? Here's The Rules | 110 comments (110 topical)

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Darn! (5.00 / 3) (#1)
by cmugirl on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:04:08 PM EST

I was going to bring my light saber, but I guess that would fall under "laser devices"! ;)

: No matter CMUgirl....the force be with you :) (5.00 / 3) (#3)
by PssttCmere08 on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:05:29 PM EST

Most of it is understandable... (5.00 / 2) (#5)
by lentinel on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:06:49 PM EST

but - what is the problem with "unapproved pamphlets"?

My guess would be litter (5.00 / 0) (#37)
by JavaCityPal on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:43:11 PM EST

If they can manage to keep it out, it won't land on the ground.

How often have you mindlessly taken a flyer from someone on the street and carried it only as far as the nearest trash can?

People can still roll up signs and stick them up their sleeves, as evidenced by some recent stump speeches.


Litter? (none / 0) (#71)
by txpolitico67 on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 04:05:14 PM EST

so there won't be a cavalcade of balloons and glitter and confetti?

Not keeping with the celebrity-themed evening it's supposed to purport.


Yeah, about those balloons (none / 0) (#92)
by Valhalla on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 04:38:11 PM EST

I thought Green was the big theme this time.


: How do you do a ballon drop (none / 0) (#102)
by echinopsia on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 05:51:53 PM EST

in an open-air stadium?
By helicopter?

maybe they don't want people (none / 0) (#6)
by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:07:29 PM EST

handing out McCain literature?


: Maybe... (5.00 / 0) (#9)
by lentinel on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:10:05 PM EST

Do they think that people will convert?

Campaigns have gotten in trouble with that (none / 0) (#39)
by dianem on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:45:42 PM EST

Somebody at their convention hands out a pamphlet about Zionism and the media end up reporting it as the official position of the party. At official events, it is necessary to control the message to at least some degree.


control? (none / 0) (#107)
by ohmercy on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 06:08:20 PM EST

Wow (5.00 / 1) (#7)
by blogtopus on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:08:16 PM EST

And you thought the Caucuses were centers of bullying and intimidation... wait until you get the roving bands of 'Get out of our seats because we love Obama MORE'...

I'm glad they made these restrictions, because it will keep the frothier element from getting into too much trouble. ;-P

I won't be there as I plan to head home on (5.00 / 1) (#8)
by athyrio on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:09:34 PM EST

Wednesday back to Montana...I doubt seriously I could get in there with all the stuff I have to carry to help me which includes a large pack with meds etc etc and my walker.....

I suspect theyd make exception (5.00 / 0) (#12)
by Little Fish on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:14:52 PM EST

For meds etc and accomodate you if you needed assistance to your seat/restroom etc. I worked for a professional sports team and while it was always expressed in the rules that you could bring drugs, needles, water etc. into the ballpark, they wouldn't deny it if someone had a health reason and a doctors note. For example, diabetes patients were always allowed to being insulin kits in.


Although (5.00 / 2) (#20)
by oldpro on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:21:26 PM EST

the PUMA t-shirt would have to go....


Excellent point!! (5.00 / 1) (#21)
by JavaCityPal on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:24:08 PM EST

People can wear their signage since they have not put anti-Obama, or protest verbiage laden apparel on the list.


: That may be covered... (5.00 / 1) (#43)
by dianem on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:49:18 PM EST

...under "not limited to". What PUMA's really should do is come up with a shirt color that everybody wears to promote their cause. Like at Disneyland on "Gay Days" (an unofficial occasion that is tacitly endorsed by the park), everybody who is there to celebrate wears a red shirt to distinguish them from the masses (like me) who are just on a regular vacation.

You need to be sure. (none / 0) (#19)
by Fabian on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:19:50 PM EST

ahead of time if possible.


Wow, please take care (5.00 / 1) (#25)
by JimWash08 on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:27:07 PM EST

of your yourself when you're in Denver.

Probably might be a good thing that you're not attending that circus with 75,000 people. Of course, in the low, low (but oh-so possible) chance that Hillary gets the nomination, I'd be kicking myself to be there too.


I suppose they could ban (5.00 / 0) (#14)
by Valhalla on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:17:35 PM EST

laptops, but with Blackberrys and other intenet-enabled devices, it wouldn't do much good unless they banned those as well. Which they sort of can't, if they want to follow through on 'putting people to work' by having them mass texting everyone they know.

Plus I'm sure they WANT people live-blogging and such.

Not family friendly. (5.00 / 0) (#15)
by Fabian on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:18:42 PM EST

No strollers or baby seats?

I'd never take a child or infant to to sit for hours and hours, but some people may want to.

(Let's see. Schedule an hour to get in, an hour to get out, plus get there early equals something like four hours minimum...I'd have to bring a pack lunch, something to drink, a book to read and a catheter.)

My guess is that if this is needed (5.00 / 1) (#56)
by samtaylor2 on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 03:15:25 PM EST

It is supplied (that have gone through a security check). There are a lot of parts in a stroller to hide weapons.

It seems like this stuff is sort of obvious. Is the point simply to make him out to be be a bad person?


: im with you on this (5.00 / 0) (#70)
by Little Fish on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 04:03:26 PM EST

I'm not a big fan of Obama or the DNC but most of this stuff just seems like standard stadium rules + extra security + secret service thrown in.
Politics can bring out the crazy in people, they're going to need to be extra cautious.

strollers (none / 0) (#65)
by Little Fish on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 03:47:42 PM EST

It just says you can't take them into into stands or leave them in the section entrances, which is pretty standard. There should be a place to store the strollers - a guest service center or coat check.

I assume they'll have a full functioning stadium staff, which should include guest service centers for storing strollers etc. and for providing wheelchairs/assistance to those in need.


No folding chairs (none / 0) (#73)
by BarnBabe on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 04:08:32 PM EST

Will they have seats in the middle of the grounds? Or do you sit on the ground? Like Billy Graham? Or is all the action on one end of the field. Is there a seat chart?


If there's no outside food or beverage.... (5.00 / 1) (#22)
by Maria Garcia on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:25:27 PM EST

...does that mean they will be selling them cause if you have to get their early to get a good seat you should be able to snack on something. At least I know I'd have to.

: I'm sure (5.00 / 2) (#29)
by Claw on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:32:44 PM EST

That's an INVESCO rule. I'm also sure they'll be selling food and drink. Plus, you never know who you'll run into. At the 2004 convention Kucinich (I swear I'm not making this up) bought me a slice of pizza.

: Hopefully the prices will be lower (5.00 / 1) (#30)
by nycstray on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:33:00 PM EST

than normal sporting events!

Excellent, flip flops didn't make it on the list (5.00 / 1) (#24)
by environmentally blue on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:26:23 PM EST

No water? (5.00 / 1) (#26)
by oldpro on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:27:14 PM EST

Guess they could be thrown or used as weapons.

Still, how hot will it be in Denver?

I couldn't survive an hour without water and a nearby toilet.

This event is for the younger, rockconcert crowd.

Fine. Party on.

Nah (5.00 / 0) (#31)
by TheRealFrank on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:34:22 PM EST

You're probably supposed to buy water inside the stadium, at "mile-high" prices. That's often how it works at venues like that.


I'm going to wager that the water bottles have (none / 0) (#33)
by Angel on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:36:20 PM EST

Obama's presidential seal on them. lol


: If they do (5.00 / 0) (#68)
by Valhalla on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 03:56:33 PM EST

save one for me, will you? I'd expect it to be a big collector's item one day, whichever way the GE goes!

water is probably an invesco (5.00 / 1) (#34)
by Little Fish on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:38:00 PM EST

rule. I was always told it had to do with state liquor laws, but they probably just want to sell you stuff at crazy prices.

My college graduation was at Husky Stadium in 95 degree weather. They wouldn't let us bring liquids/food in and we sat there for what seemed like ever in crazy heat and our black gowns. Finally one brave soul got up to go to the concession stand and the next thing you know there was a mass exodus of college students in caps and gowns leaving the field. It was awesome.


: nice to know (none / 0) (#76)
by txpolitico67 on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 04:13:17 PM EST

that there are students still out there thinking for themselves.

Or (none / 0) (#32)
by Claw on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:34:23 PM EST

Y'know, democrats. INVESCO wants to make money. That's why you can't bring anything in.


Weather (none / 0) (#84)
by Ben Masel on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 04:20:35 PM EST

Average highs for that week 82 degrees.


: Yes, but this has not been (none / 0) (#106)
by echinopsia on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 06:02:35 PM EST

an average summer. It started off cool and dry, then went to extremely hot and dry in July. Many records for heat were broken. We were six inches below normal YTD rainfall, and we only get 13 inches a year.
Then it finally rained three inches in about an hour last week, flooding streets.
Today it's abnormally cold for August - highs in the 50s, and rain all day. There's a flash flood watch in effect. The rain is supposed to last through Sunday morning - another anomaly, because it seldom rains here for more than a few hours. There will be snow above 10,000 feet tonight. This is not unprecedented, but it's not normal, either.
All of which is to say it's not a normal Denver summer this year and anything could happen, including a beautiful 80-degree clear day and torrential rain and hail.
Just sayin'.

Would those Camel-something water bags runners (none / 0) (#101)
by jawbone on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 05:41:28 PM EST

and cross-skiers wear be OK? Or will they do patdowns and nix any fluids coming in?


: Patdowns? (none / 0) (#111)
by oldpro on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 06:41:42 PM EST

Uh oh.

Here is an idea (5.00 / 1) (#38)
by Prabhata on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:45:03 PM EST

How about predictions about any bump BO gets from the convention. I don't know what Kerry got, but I remember it was substantial. I'll start with my guess that BO's bounce will be less than spectacular, like a flat basketball.

Single-digit bump (5.00 / 0) (#47)
by JimWash08 on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:55:33 PM EST

In the 5-9 range. That bump should then disappear like all his other so-called 'bumps' a few days later.

He's had plenty of events to get that fabled "bump" -- Hillary's multiple public endorsements; the Unity Party in Unity, N.H.; the Rockstar World Tour, to name a few -- and yet, he's still chugging along ... with low single-digit leads in some polls and negatives in others ... towards November.

What seemed like "the Democrat's year," the "big blowout win," the landslide victory," is eveything else but those.

Of course, he could get a bump (or not) depending on who he chooses as his VP.


Minimal bump (5.00 / 2) (#50)
by dianem on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:59:57 PM EST

Maybe 4 points for 3 days, but the "celebrity" meme is catching on and his stadium acceptance is going to backfire big time as people think about McCain's ads comparing Obama to a rock star and see him standing in a stadium in front of all of those cheering crowds. Clinton supporter's will resent all of the controversy related to her presence at the convention, and there is no way that Obama will share the spotlight enough to significantly praise her - or set his ego aside to tell people that she ran a good, honest campaign. The only exception would be if he set aside his pride and chose her as the VP nominee, which is very unlikely. But if he did that he would get at least a 5 point bump that would last until either election day or the day that the right lets loose with whatever they have waiting in the wings.


Kerry didn't get a bump (5.00 / 0) (#53)
by MKS on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 03:06:07 PM EST

Maybe 2 points. Bush got a large bump and it put him in the lead for good.


So.. I take it that (5.00 / 0) (#54)
by JimWash08 on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 03:11:40 PM EST

McCain's at an advantage since the GOP convention is more than a week after the DNC has packed up and left Denver.

I'd also expect that McCain will wait to announce his VP pick right after the DNC wraps up to cover that warm post-convention glow that Obama'll be basking in.


Kerry's bump was from the debates (5.00 / 0) (#55)
by coigue on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 03:14:00 PM EST

It will be a sprint to the finish (5.00 / 0) (#83)
by MKS on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 04:20:01 PM EST

starting next week.

It will be one big event after another. First Obama's VP pick, then the Democratic Convention, then the Republican VP pick, then the Republican Convention. That will take us through the beginning of September. Then the debates will occur every 10 days or so....

It will be hard for either candidate to break through that din.

The Convention format could benefit Obama. After the Democratic Convention, there may be convention fatigue.....unless McCain picks someone other than Pawlenty or Romney. All eyes, however, will definitely be focused on Obama and the Democrats starting next week.

Dan Balz of WaPo says the next three weeks will tell the tale. I think that is right.

If Obama has any lead after the Republican Convention, it could be big trouble for McCain.

And Kerry did close an 7-8 point Bush lead (that Bush piled up after the Republican Convention) due to his good debate performance....Kerry was a better candidate than he is given credit for....


Just like (5.00 / 0) (#86)
by txpolitico67 on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 04:24:01 PM EST

Jennifer Hudson was a much better performer on American Idol but still lost to (insert winner's name here).


I loved Kerry, and still do. (none / 0) (#91)
by coigue on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 04:36:25 PM EST

But the GOP are masters at negative campaigning and fear mongering. If you look at the polls, I'd bet that Obama's lead goes down each time McCain or his "ilk" puts him down.


Time may be on Obama's side (5.00 / 0) (#94)
by MKS on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 04:45:22 PM EST

Kerry was hit in August by the swiftboat lies--after the Democratic convention in July....He was also saving his public money for after the later-occurring Republican convention. Kerry went dormant in August.

Obama still has the lead going into a very late Democratic Convention. His money advantage should kick in in September because McCain (if not the RNC) will be limited in how much money they can spend...

The Republican attacks really have to take Obama down by early September, or they probably won't work.....

The key is to hit McCain hard during the Convention and win the Convention battle....Obama does events well....He should gain an edge or stay even....I do think you are right though...Obama must be ready to parry the attacks.....It may all boil down to how good a convention Obama has.


from your lips (none / 0) (#95)
by coigue on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 04:49:43 PM EST

to FSMs ....ears (?)


I thought I saw 96mil cash on hand (none / 0) (#97)
by nycstray on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 05:01:16 PM EST

for McCain/RNC. After the convention, McCain will have 85 for 2 months. That's not shabby. How much was Obama spending when he blitzed PA?


Much of that 96 McCain must spend (5.00 / 0) (#99)
by MKS on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 05:14:12 PM EST

now--or lose it.....his portion at least....

Maybe the RNC money + McCain's public money will equal Obama's private money for September and October...But I tend to think Obama will have more resources...


: Found it. Both and looks like (none / 0) (#103)
by nycstray on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 05:52:38 PM EST

McCain is spending what he gets and the RNC is pretty flush.

Kerry was a terrible campaigner - totally (none / 0) (#110)
by bridget on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 06:15:57 PM EST

lame - but 2004 was another hopeful Dem year and people wanted him to beat Bush (we thought).

Kerry never fought back the swiftboaters although they had a two-hour or so press conference where they addressed their swiftboating grievances ./. Kerry very early on.
Complete luck that I watched it on CSPAN when they first made their case. Nothing happened after that re the media ... only to blow up later. That was long before the primaries were finally underway and Kerry nominated.

He never fought back. Right there at the start he should have gotten his act together and never allowed himself to get pushed and remain in defense. As it went ... Course He lost.

I remember Imus on MSNBC then (whose show Kerry visited regulary and held the guest record of 40+ visits in 2004)asked him in the last weeks before the GElection when he would fight finally back the Swiftboaters. Kerry said he was out campaigning and didn't have the time and hear much (AFAIR) but he was going to do it now ... Yeah. Right.

He lost. What else. When you run for president and the decks are stacked against you you can't close your eyes and think of England. You gotta fight. 24/7.

Kerry and Edwards ... does it get any lamer? Not IMHO.


no one likes a loser (5.00 / 0) (#117)
by coigue on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 08:27:31 PM EST

except for me. I actually like him still and think he would have been an awesome president


: The last shred of respect I had for him was (none / 0) (#118)
by bridget on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 10:31:30 PM EST

gone in an instant when he let those campus police folks tazer that poor guy and, of course, in typical Kerry way he acted as if he didn't have clue what was going on in the room; the great senator totally wimped out ... again.
(Has nothing to do with loser ... nothing.)
I want a President who supports and helps his citizens when they need it. He seems totally choreographed and without the director's cue he is lost .... ok Kerry is hopeless IMvHO.
P.S. Oh, and his reasons for supporting Obama? How totally clueless can one be...

dead cat bounce.... (5.00 / 1) (#67)
by p lukasiak on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 03:47:48 PM EST

I predict a dead cat bounce of 4-5 points.


: dead cat bounce! (5.00 / 0) (#74)
by txpolitico67 on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 04:08:50 PM EST

that's terrible! (hilarious but tacky!). McCain't is going to wait for Senator Obama to make his VP announcement and one-up him with a completely outta left field (I know nothing 'left' about the R's) choice. Buzz here in Texaz that KayBay is still up there as a choice. And speaking of choice, she is pro-choice.

OT here (none / 0) (#41)
by JavaCityPal on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:48:06 PM EST

but, would be fun in its own thread or Open Thread.


there's an open thread up you can (none / 0) (#108)
by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 06:12:37 PM EST

discuss this at


Sadly, no (5.00 / 1) (#66)
by Lou Grinzo on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 03:47:43 PM EST

I won't be anywhere near the event, although I wish I could be there.

I've never seen one of the "final two" candidates for US president, or a current or past president, in person, and I think it would be quite a thrill for a long-time political geek like me.

It is, that (5.00 / 1) (#98)
by sj on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 05:09:54 PM EST

I've seen from a distance Dukakis and Bush I, and up close (post stump speech) Bill Clinton and John Kerry w/ John Edwards. It is indeed exciting.

But I gotta say, I shook hands with JK/JE and wives; got as close as about 4 people away from BC. Clinton's personal magnetism when he stepped into the crowd to shake hands was enough to blow your hair back. By comparison JK/JE were -- well, there was no comparison.

It may sound hippy-dippy, but I swear his personal aura was HUGE!!


: I Second That (5.00 / 1) (#100)
by JimWash08 on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 05:21:54 PM EST

The electricity that is Bill Clinton just zaps you the moment he enters a room, hall etc.
I've had the memorable opportunities to listen to him, shake his hand and speak to him twice. I also had the good pleasure of listening in to him on those conference calls during the Primaries several times.
I've never had an qualms admitting that I have a massive man-crush on him, even if he's older than my own dad and quite possibly old enough to be my grand-dad. He is just so intelligent, down-to-earth, charismatic and inspiring. The world amd our country will be lucky to ever have another Bill Clinton.

I guess Christopher walken won't be there (5.00 / 2) (#87)
by Edgar08 on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 04:26:10 PM EST

cause he's got a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell.

: ahhhhahahahahahaha (none / 0) (#113)
by ohmercy on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 06:49:36 PM EST

Too funny.
I love him.
I think a cowbell vid would be a great open thread one in honor of the roolz.

Are there any rules for watching it on TV? (4.75 / 4) (#61)
by Exeter on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 03:35:14 PM EST

: Only the mandatory genuflecting where one (5.00 / 3) (#64)
by Angel on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 03:41:29 PM EST

would normally just clap hands.

No water needed. There'll be lots of kool aid. (4.57 / 7) (#42)
by Manuel on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:49:11 PM EST

OMG (5.00 / 0) (#75)
by txpolitico67 on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 04:11:29 PM EST

the KoolAid references. I wonder how the makers of KoolAid feel about that dark connotation that it has when one references cult-like behavior?


: Free advertising. (none / 0) (#114)
by oldpro on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 06:52:18 PM EST

Are you kidding?
"I don't care what you say about me, just so you spell my name right!"
Frigidaire went crazy when we all started calling our electric iceboxes 'the fridge!'
"I'll have a coke" meaning a cola, any cola...same thing.
No reason KoolAid would be any different, I imagine.

hmmm, they should have listed pens and (2.00 / 0) (#2)
by PssttCmere08 on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:04:57 PM EST

pencils as no-no's....they make excellent weapons... :)

can you not fill up the thread (5.00 / 1) (#4)
by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:06:35 PM EST

with snide comments please? This is an informational thread.


And what I posted is true....if it is a problem, (none / 0) (#10)
by PssttCmere08 on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:10:10 PM EST

then delete it, if it isn't in compliance. I understand.


oh..... (none / 0) (#23)
by TimNCGuy on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:26:15 PM EST

It's not like you said "knitting needles"....


lol....Tim (none / 0) (#88)
by PssttCmere08 on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 04:28:32 PM EST

: how many (none / 0) (#116)
by TimNCGuy on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 08:07:32 PM EST

female delegates "of a certain age" do you think will show up at the convention with a little bit of knitting to do while they sit in the convention hall?
Wouldn't that be a great sight? LOL

The Obama camp is pretty tech saavy (none / 0) (#13)
by coigue on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:15:52 PM EST

they probably welcome the inevitable hundreds of "I just saw Obama" diaries that will ensue.

Jerlyn (none / 0) (#17)
by Valhalla on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:19:46 PM EST

Do you know if the list deviates from regular Invesco rules? Seems like the only things that would not be on the list for other events are the signs and maybe the literature.

pretty standard stadium rules (none / 0) (#27)
by Little Fish on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:30:42 PM EST

Except the outside literature, canes/scooters and knitting needles.

Security is going to be a bear at this.

: You think the attendees are going to be (5.00 / 0) (#35)
by JavaCityPal on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:39:23 PM EST

any of the "knitters"? Are any of the opening acts appealing to the HRC generation? Has there been a release of demographic division for this event?
It's "Here Are the Rules".

: Even the TSA doesn't ban knitting needles (5.00 / 1) (#45)
by dianem on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:52:34 PM EST

Funny how they decided to waylay a pretty potent protest symbol with a simple rule. Who would have ever thought that knitting needles would be a form of free speech that is objectionable to the Democratic Presidential candidate.

It's a shame they limited lens length (none / 0) (#28)
by nycstray on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:31:20 PM EST

That's a big venue and some folks may want to use a longer lens to try and get a halfway decent shot of "history". It doesn't make your camera "professional". {sigh}

I think you posted the TSA list by accident (none / 0) (#36)
by dianem on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:40:53 PM EST

Screwdrivers? Are they afraid somebody is going to screw somebody to death? (delete that if you want, but... hey... it's Friday and I'm tired and it's too good to resist). And how on earth can they tell the difference between a cane used as a medical device and one used to hide a weapon? I can see banning umbrellas, though. They can be a menace in a crowd.

Actually, umbrellas are rarely (none / 0) (#40)
by JavaCityPal on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:46:12 PM EST

the kind with the pointed metal tip on a long, sturdy shaft these days. They collapse into small, manageable and harmless items. They can certainly say the collapsed ones may not be opened, but they would hardly work as a weapon.

Then, it's easier to just ban everything in a risky category, I guess.


I'm not thinking about security risks (none / 0) (#48)
by dianem on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:55:46 PM EST

Just sitting in a stadium with an open umbrella protecting one person and dripping from the edges onto everybody around them as it blocks views. From a security risk standpoint, this list is ridiculous and unenforceable unless they set up TSA style stations at every entrance. How long would it take to pass 70,000 people through that kind of security? As one who has waiting in line for an hour with 100 people ahead of me and 5 machines running... I'm not betting this will help with security. But by making the list so long they will be easily able to eject anybody who tries to express their opinions with "objectionable" materials like knitting needles.


Umbrellas and other objects (5.00 / 1) (#62)
by scribe on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 03:35:21 PM EST

like tripods, canes, etc., which have long, thin tubular-shaped components are considered (by security types) as being primo hiding places in which to hide gun barrels. Or to have a barrel built into.

Same security reason lies behind the ban on big lenses, canes, etc.

And that doesn't even address the rudeness to fellow spectators of bringing an umbrella to a stadium and opening it to keep the rain off. Three or four people get dripped on in addition to their aliquot of rain, and another three or four different people get their view blocked.

Re the water and containers - if I were Obama's campaign, I would have gotten souvenir cups made in which the beverages could be served, and which the spectators could take home. If he gets elected, it would be a primo keepsake. Ditto putting his mug or logo on the water bottles.


They'll have souvenirs available (5.00 / 0) (#72)
by dianem on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 04:06:04 PM EST

These guys won't miss a fund raising opportunity like this - 75,000 people, mostly highly motivated and willing to shell out $50 bucks for an all-natural cotton t-shirt and another $20 for a "Commemorative" program.


And each item counts as a donation! Wheee! (none / 0) (#78)
by nycstray on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 04:14:09 PM EST

: If each person spends $50 (none / 0) (#105)
by dianem on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 05:55:12 PM EST

...and the merchandise costs $20, they'll make over $2,000,000 at this event alone. Throw in the tupperware parties taking advantage for both peer pressure and rally enthusiasm, and this is going to be huge. It's brilliant actually. They're taking merchandising to a whole new phase and turning small players into "rangers" who raise $500 each instead of $500,000. Of course, I could be wrong and they won't have any merchandise at the event. It will be a bit of a logistical nightmare, since they can't really keep track of all of those donations - although they could raise the money for something besides the campaign itself.

I was wondering about those tripods (none / 0) (#69)
by Valhalla on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 03:58:36 PM EST

thanks for the explanation.


But not all "big lenses" are big (none / 0) (#77)
by nycstray on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 04:13:17 PM EST

I can see not bringing in the ones you see on the sidelines of games, but most people don't have those. The lens I would want to bring wouldn't disturb anyone nor could you use it as a weapon. It's great for baseball games when you have decent seats. If I were going to "The Speech" and had a decent seat section, I'd be pretty ticked I couldn't use it. This IS history after all, right?

Hopefully they'll have some free water stations up. Folks will have a long wait which includes the afternoon. Last time I went to an outdoor event, we could bring in one sealed bottle of a non-alcoholic beverage. You could just keep refilling your bottle.


Who do I see about getting a (none / 0) (#46)
by inclusiveheart on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:53:58 PM EST

pamphlet approved?

hmmm.

Donna Brazile to Democrats: Let's Party!!! (none / 0) (#49)
by Robot Porter on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 02:59:12 PM EST

Anyone else get this email from Donna Brazile:

SUBJECT LINE: GET YOUR OBAMA PARTY STARTED
Dear XXXX,
Think about who you want to be with when it happens.
Then get out your invitations to the family, friends, and neighbors you want to gather together for Barack Obama's big acceptance speech.
It's just two weeks away. And you can use the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's MyConventionParty tools to host your personal celebration.
Get your Obama party started. Go to dccc.org/myconventionparty right now.
Everyone is talking about the 75,000 people who will be at Invesco Field in Denver for Barack's speech. The final four supporters from the DCCC have been chosen to attend the convention as a guest of the DCCC: Mittie from Cleveland, Andrew from LaSelva Beach, CA, Scott from Seattle, and Stacy from Menlo Park, CA. Thousands of you entered but only four were chosen. But, it's the millions of people coming together in homes all across America that will really make the night of August 28th so powerful.
That's because folks won't just be getting together to watch. They'll be coming together to win - donating $10, $15, $20 each to get the general election effort to support Democratic candidates off to a strong start.
Be a host to history. Sign up now at dccc.org/myconventionparty
14 days - that's how much time we have before Barack Obama steps to the podium and makes history.
68 days - That's all the time we'll have to win these elections once Barack Obama becomes our official standard bearer.
So do what thousands of other Democratic activists are doing. Bring people together in your home on this remarkable night of nomination and use your MyConventionParty website to tally their donations to help elect Barack Obama and strengthen the Democratic majority in the House.
Be a host to history. Sign up now at dccc.org/myconventionparty
The Internet team at the DCCC has done a lot of the work for you. They've made it amazingly easy for you to get your party going.
So, come on. We won't experience many moments like this in our lifetime.
Let's organize. Let's motivate. Let's party.
Donna Brazile
P.S. Work hard and get five or more people to donate to your Night of Nomination party by August 22nd. Every party host who does will be invited to an exclusive campaign briefing from DCCC Chair Chris Van Hollen 48 hours before Obama speaks. Sign up to host a party now at dccc.org/myconventionparty

Can I bring glow sticks?

: It's a Tupperware party... (5.00 / 3) (#51)
by dianem on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 03:01:45 PM EST

...selling hope. I have to wonder about the "Exclusive campaign briefing". Is this some kind of web thing, or maybe a conference call?

: As long as that party doesn't (2.00 / 0) (#81)
by txpolitico67 on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 04:18:40 PM EST

have in attendance:

Older Women
Rural white voters
Working class white voters
Latinos
Gays, Lesbians, Bisexual and Transgender
Native Americans
the party will be fabulous!
HERE'S what would be great: a simulcast from Trinty Church showing one of their own as a Presidential candidate. Oh yeah! Bring that ON!

water bottles (none / 0) (#52)
by Little Fish on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 03:04:38 PM EST

One thing they don't explicitly exclude and anyone going might want to check on is empty, non-disposable water bottles. The stadium I worked at allowed you to bring one in and fill it up at a water fountain. It just couldn't be a plastic disposable one. The reason I was told was because they didn't want people filling them up with water and then chucking them over the edges at the players/fans below them. Which seems logical except that they sold bottles of water and soda inside the stadium. Whatever!

People are usually pretty good about sneaking things in though, especially college kids. I swear in college the frat boys could get a keg of beer into the football stadium no problem. Good times.

But, particularly re the beer bottles, (none / 0) (#63)
by scribe on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 03:38:04 PM EST

most stadium concessionaires will open the bottle for you and keep the cap. The open bottles which get tossed (occasionally) then become the equivalent of a relatively stiff water balloon, rather than a rock, falling from above. If hit by one, you'd get wet, but are much less likely to get hurt.


I think at Yankee Stadium (none / 0) (#80)
by nycstray on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 04:15:33 PM EST

with the beer in the plastic bottles, you get the lid also. Much easier to stand up and cheer if your beer is capped, lol!~


My recollection is they (none / 0) (#85)
by scribe on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 04:23:55 PM EST

don't serve the bottles in the upper deck, but instead go with cans which the concessionaire will pour for you into a cup.

I can't afford a lower deck ticket at Yankee Stadium and don't have much appetite for scalping one, so I wouldn't know about them giving caps with the bottles there. But that's a better class of people, anyway, and I don't mix well with them....


: Usually free tickets put me there (none / 0) (#96)
by nycstray on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 04:57:13 PM EST

or if we haven't done too many games, we'll splurge once in Sept as a dual B-day celebration :) heh, upper deck will prob be out of my range next year.

lol yankee fans (none / 0) (#90)
by Little Fish on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 04:31:33 PM EST

Yankees fans would probably fill the bottle up with rocks and chuck it at the field.

The other reason I was given for not allowing sealed bottles in is that people could take a syringe and inject liquor into the bottle. At which point I thought if someone is going to go through that much trouble let them. Ultimately though, its all about selling you a $1 bottle of water for $4.

The ballpark does (or did) allow outside food to be brought in. As well as juice boxes for kids and breast milk if needed.


J - I hope you will have your iPhone (none / 0) (#57)
by ruffian on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 03:18:25 PM EST

for some live commenting on TL!

of course I will (none / 0) (#109)
by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 06:13:47 PM EST

an iphone, a laptop, a video camera, a regular camera...did I forget anything?


: extra batteries and camera cards ;) (none / 0) (#115)
by nycstray on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 06:54:53 PM EST

Watch out for that BUMP! (none / 0) (#79)
by txpolitico67 on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 04:15:31 PM EST

From the Washington Post on Kerry's post Dem convention bump:

http://tinyurl.com/4k5g3

Six points wasn't too shabby. Too bad it didn't hold.

Here we go again (none / 0) (#82)
by txpolitico67 on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 04:19:31 PM EST

WITH THE ROOLZ!

The umbrella restriction (none / 0) (#89)
by txpolitico67 on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 04:29:38 PM EST

I can sort of understand, but what if it's a hot, sunny day in Denver? Umbrellas provide great protection against the sun on a blistery day.

I would hazard to guess the restrictions are also one way that the DNC and the Obama campaign can mitigate liability with respect to anyone getting hurt. The pamphlet thing is just standard. Go to any shopping center/business and the distribution of any kind of literature is prohibited.

: Umbrellas (5.00 / 0) (#112)
by ohmercy on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 06:46:45 PM EST

can also hold/conceal a weapon.
At least in spy novels and murder mysteries.
;-)
I do think that is probably the main reason.

How Bushlike (none / 0) (#104)
by denise on Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 05:52:45 PM EST

that signs & banners might constitute a "security risk".