Sunday Morning in Denver

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 10:32:00 AM EST
Tags: Democratic National Convention (all tags)

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It's credentials pick-up day here. I'm off to the Sheraton downtown to pick up my DNCC blogger credentials. Then to the Big Tent to get the credentials for their facility.

The Pepsi Center is but a small part of what is happening here this week. I'll be there at night for some speeches, but since everyone can watch them on TV, it's not what I plan to devote a lot of time to writing about. I'm also more interested in writing about what's going on behind the scenes than what everyone can see for themselves. [More...]

Casa TalkLeft is quiet this morning. Lynn Goldsmith (background here) arrived at 8:00 am to drop her stuff off and then headed out to the State Capitol where Cindy Sheehan and others are doing a protest event. Lynn is photographing the convention for Corbis.

Anita is heading to class and her final exam for her summer journalism course at the University of Denver. (She returns to New York and her final semester at Columbia after Labor Day.)

Today will be the last day we can get around easily by car. Tomorrow morning, major streets will be blocked off and the best way to get around will be walking or shuttles.

Since I also blog for Denver's 5280 Magazine, you will find my more local-oriented coverage there.

A heads-up to commenters: If you are determined to be negative about the convention and only want to post repetitive comments about your opposition to the Democratic ticket, you are a chatterer (see the comment rules) and I will ask our moderator to limit you to four comments in a 24 hour period.

I am covering this convention because I am proud that Denver is hosting it and because this site supports the Democratic party. I also am interested in the New Media coverage, the mainstream media coverage, the protesters and the mechanics of the convention. If you just want to whine, you will have to do it elsewhere.

This is an open thread.

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Sunday Morning in Denver | 32 comments (32 topical)

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Looking forward to Tuesday (5.00 / 1) (#2)
by Jjc2008 on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 11:01:28 AM EST

I am not a delegate and knew I would not make it as my precinct went heavily Obama and our county's small contingent of dems were all about Obama. Hillary supporters were/are considered person non gratis. But at least I can go to Denver and see history on Tuesday.

My negativity remains with the mainstream press in their neverending desire to keep the Hillary hate going, the Hillary vs Obama issue front and center.
And when people like A.B. Stoddard says things like
"this week Hillary has to behave herself"....and "Hillary has to get her supporters to behave themselves", it is no wonder so many women see red.

BEHAVE OURSELVES? Are we children? Or chattel? What the h*ll is that about? I understand the press remains paternalistic in nature but seriously, hearing that just sent me through the roof.

: Yeah I'm tired of (5.00 / 1) (#4)
by CaptainAmerica08 on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 11:05:31 AM EST

the "behave herself" meme. I believe she is a grown woman.

: What's Insulting Is That The Press Blames HIllary! (5.00 / 1) (#5)
by Cugel on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 11:14:37 AM EST

For "Not Getting Her Supporters In Line."
Reality: Hillary is doing everything she can reasonably do to support the ticket, just as she should.
If the result had been reversed Obama would be doing exactly the same thing in reaching out to mollify his supporters, especially in the black community. He'd have to do this whether he was "bitter" or not if he wanted to have a future in the party.
The media is a right-wing corporate monolith that favors Republicans and has always hated the Clintons from day 1. That will never change.
Can you even imagine the level of vitriol if Hillary had become the nominee and was leading right now?
If you think the media Hillary hate is a bit obsessive now that she's NOT the nominee, just multiply that by 100 if she were. And then add ten if she were winning over their darling "Maverick."

The media (5.00 / 1) (#11)
by JThomas on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 12:35:09 PM EST

loves ginning up the Obama-Clinton story. And everytime they talk about it ,Hillary gets a bad rap. I guess I am in a minority in that I always like both candidates and was always going to support the democratic nominee. They never talk about voters like myself who just cannot get worked up over this media created ''war'' between Obama and Clinton supporters.
Neither Hillary no Obama can be held responsible for the actions of a small number of extremist supporters among the tens of millions of voters like myself who just want an end to the Bush/McCain regime.

Looking forward to your reports,Jeralyn.

: You Are Not Alone (apologies to Arlo Guthrie) (none / 0) (#18)
by john horse on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 01:38:27 PM EST

re: I guess I am in a minority in that I always like both candidates and was always going to support the democratic nominee.
You are not alone my friend. I also like both candidates. I voted for Hillary in Florida but now support Obama without hesitation.
And if we can only get three people, three
three, can you imagine, three people admitting that they like both Hillary and Obama, then the GOP may think it's an organization. And can you, can you imagine fifty people a day,I said
fifty people saying that, then they may think it's a movement. (apologies to Arlo Guthrie)

Why We Must Stop John McCain, No Matter What. (5.00 / 1) (#22)
by Justina on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 02:16:10 PM EST

Let's assume, arguendo, that Obama and 100% of his supporters are arrogant twits who have disrespected Hillary Clinton and her supporters. What should these supporters do? They should vote for McCain or not vote at all if they want:

Abortion to be criminalized.

Social Security to be privatized

Unions to be weakened and made harder to organize.

Women to be denied the right to enforce anti-discrimination laws concerning equal pay for equal work.

Billions of dollars in tax subsidies for big oil companies, no funding for alternative fuels.

More lives to be lost in more wars.

A renewal of the draft.

More conservative Supreme Court Justices.

No tax deductions for employer-sponsored health insurance, resulting in less medical coverage.

A reduction in Medicare coverage.

Less money for college loans.

Need I go on?

No matter how insulting Obama may or may not have been to Hillary Clinton, if elected he won't turn your daughters or grand-daughters (or their doctors) into criminals for receiving an abortion or promulgate the other reactionary policies listed above.

John McCain will pursue those policies.
We need to fully support the Democratic Party's presidential candidates to stop him.

: Congress needs to grow one (none / 0) (#25)
by nycstray on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 02:25:05 PM EST

of those steel spines Biden says Obama has (NOT!)
When Obama can tell me when life begins and a few other things, I might consider him. It would also help if he started acting like a Democrat (and voting like one!!!). Oh, and separation of church and state. It would help if he removed the under 35 restriction for his "Torchbearers" too. SOMETHING, ANYTHING to show he's open to this demographic called women voters.
Guess there's nothing we can do about his lack of resume at this point though {sigh}

: Once again, with feeling (none / 0) (#30)
by echinopsia on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 02:41:57 PM EST

that Obama and 100% of his supporters are arrogant twits who have disrespected Hillary Clinton and her supporters.
That is not what it's about. I won't elaborate for fear of bannination, but please pay closer attention to what we're saying. It is not just about disrespect. It's about fairness, equity, voting rights and playing by the rules.

Where's the News? (none / 0) (#1)
by Athena on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 10:52:40 AM EST

On the cables, Fox (surprise) seems to giving the Recreate 68 and the PUMAs some buildup and anticipation. A real rollout for both.

I'm really wondering how much of the dissent will be visible to the American public - on networks or cables. Networks will be total script for 60 minutes, but the cable blowhards can't stop talking to actually cover the convention. So there's no real coverage.

Look forward to your reporting, Jeralyn.

: The GOP wingnut media (5.00 / 1) (#3)
by CaptainAmerica08 on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 11:03:44 AM EST

will cover the dissent, you can trust that. Be safe and have fun Jeralyn!

: The Real News will be (none / 0) (#7)
by Edger on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 11:22:27 AM EST

streaming live every night from 6pm EST from the convention too, so at least we'll get a little bit of balance.

Jeralyn, how about a few photos of (none / 0) (#6)
by oculus on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 11:16:42 AM EST

the Big Tent. I'm curious.

Have a great convention! (none / 0) (#8)
by catfish on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 12:01:27 PM EST

The local behind-the-scenes stuff is awesome!

Arrived Safe (none / 0) (#9)
by Ben Masel on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 12:11:02 PM EST

My fears of roadblocks on I-80 prove unfounded.

today; Franki and Al Giordano's parties, then at 8:00 picket the ATT thank you for FISA Party at Mile High station, under the Colfax aqueduct near Invesco. Diary http://www.talkleft.com/story/2008/8/21/181534/767

: Under the aquaduct? (none / 0) (#24)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 02:25:04 PM EST

Didn't know we had any of those--aside from the Highline Canal, which is mostly a ditch. Kind of hard to put a bar under an aquaduct too, isn't it?
/sarcasm
Enjoy your stay!

Is Unity possible; or is it a McCain Inaugeration? (none / 0) (#10)
by Semanticleo on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 12:18:31 PM EST

Hillary has a problem, it's her 'Hillary or Nothin' supporters. Her speech needs to be the best she has ever given. She can't be seen to be complicit in Obama's loss. More importantly, the voters who are disappointed she's not the candidate, will be faced with an anti-choice Super majority in the Supreme Court, should McCain win.

Loss/Loss.

Simply because (5.00 / 1) (#14)
by Edgar08 on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 01:04:22 PM EST

Now it is impossible to respond to these posts because to do so is now considered chattering.


: Or trolling (5.00 / 1) (#16)
by JavaCityPal on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 01:11:37 PM EST

C-Span is my only source on the convention coverage this time. I really don't want to hear the "analysts" beat up the Clintons.

Put the coat-hanger down, enjoy Denver (5.00 / 1) (#15)
by catfish on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 01:05:05 PM EST

I really want to hear more about what Denver is like.

You're saying pro-choice people have no choice in their vote. It's insulting.


I'm blocked (none / 0) (#32)
by waldenpond on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 07:48:13 PM EST

what is it? Although 'not.taking.bait' works for me.


It's going to be a tough week (none / 0) (#13)
by blogtopus on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 12:49:53 PM EST

for those of us who really aren't interested in watching the convention (and who are avoiding watching even Hillary speak because of the pain it will bring up -- could have been, etc), this week is going to be chock full of hype hype hype.

Does this site's support of the democratic party include supporting the main candidate, and his choice of VP, who was previously declared a 'deal-breaker'? I would understand how Jeralyn would change her mind, but it would still be disheartening.

Me, I'm starting to understand the reality of Obama the president, and perhaps it isn't so bad. Is it? I mean, how much can a person take before they sigh heavily, and give in to another round of incredibly cynical political moves?

: Well, you and I will not be watching (none / 0) (#21)
by zfran on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 01:58:40 PM EST

much, but Donna B today said we'll all come out of the convention one big happy family. Ha! This "family" is so dysfunctional, I think we all need group therapy.

The only winner is the Village (none / 0) (#17)
by lambert on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 01:29:36 PM EST

[sighs heavily]

Re: Interested in ..., the protesters, (none / 0) (#19)
by andrys on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 01:43:18 PM EST

They are what is called 'whining' here except that we tend to be a bit more balanced in general.

Hunter Thompson would probably be whining a bit. The problem will be for 'moderators' in deciding what is actual info posted in response to BAD info posted here by adherents in other posts and just what is 'whining' ...

There is danger to the spirit of this place (and I'm thinking to the country if this idea continues).

Free bicycles in Denver this week (none / 0) (#20)
by echinopsia on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 01:56:42 PM EST

For anyone who needs transport around town. Details here.

Denver is insane today.

That's cool! (none / 0) (#23)
by nycstray on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 02:18:38 PM EST

Is it easy to bike in Denver? Hilly or mostly flat?


Mostly flat (none / 0) (#27)
by echinopsia on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 02:30:48 PM EST

There are a few slight hills, but nothing this 54-year-old, not very active person can't handle in low gear. My bike is my preferred method of going downtown. I can get there in 15 mins. In fact, I was thinking of doing that this afternoon, just to gawk at all the insanity - the protests, the counter-protests, and all the visitors. But I'm busy driving PUMAs.

There are something like 800 miles of off-street bicycle trails in Denver. There are bike paths along Cherry Creek and the South Platte river, along Bear Creek, Clear Creek, and the Highline Canal. You can be right in the heart of the city, riding along a shady waterway. You can also take your bike on the light rail and on buses.

I hope a lot of people take advantage of the free bikes, because it's a great way to see the city.

Oh, and helmets are included, and you should wear one. Please. We don't need extra organ donors.


: Thanks for the info :) (none / 0) (#29)
by nycstray on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 02:36:41 PM EST

I used to live in SF, and my location wasn't too bike friendly, lol!~
Sounds nice for biking in Denver :)

Yep. (none / 0) (#26)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 02:28:17 PM EST

Got to watch fireworks off the balcony last night and have banner planes flying overhead this morning.

I'm enjoying it and I haven't even ventured to downtown.

Looks like this mornings peace protest went well.


MY DOG, the fireworks were incredible! (none / 0) (#28)
by echinopsia on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 02:35:34 PM EST

I thought it was thunder at first, then I went out in the yard and saw them. All along the river from Coors Field to Invesco, it looked like. Amazing!


That's exactly what I did. (none / 0) (#31)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 06:15:51 PM EST

At first I thought it was thunder, so I went out to see and was amazed by the pirotechnics.

Lots of big-wigs coming and going at the Gov's mansion down the street today.


: Where are you - Beauvallon? (none / 0) (#33)
by echinopsia on Mon Aug 25, 2008 at 02:41:28 AM EST