Come To My Window

This week has sure flown by. Already done with day 3! We started the day off by figuring out the schedule for the night. We arranged for me and Robbie to go in from 7-9. This allowed us time to go to our new traditional lunch spot. “Old Chicago” is a great restaurant located right outside of the Pepsi Center. Our waiter Corey was very welcoming and we sure enjoyed him. Robbie even made a point to get pictures with him!

 Once we got into the center, we were very disappointed by our opportunities to get on the floor…or should I say lack there of. We walked all the way to the blogging room in which you can exchange your hall pass for a 30 minute trip to the floor. Once we got there; however, we were told that not only were they all out of the floor passes for the time being, but the floor had been closed for the night.

 

Robbie and I still went up to use our hall passes, which would have been great…had there have been any open seats. Robbie and I had no where to go except walk around the center. All hope was lost when suddenly, I noticed Melissa Etheridge! Now, words can not describe how excited I was to see her. I was speechless! Ever since I was about the age of six, I had listened to her song “Come to My Window” over and over again. I only had a quick moment to speak to her, but it w as great to hear her enthusiasm towards the Democratic National Convention!

Today was another great and eventful day! Can’t wait to see what lies in tomorrow!

-Steph Lewis

Before Etheridge

Here I am, same old spot I have been sitting in for over six hours.  Today was a lot more unique then yesterday.  A couple opening speeches, then the row call followed by the nomination process. If you haven’t heard yet, Barack Obama is the democratic parties presidential nominee.  New Hampshire made its thirty votes all for Barack Obama, obviously Clinton’s speech hit the Granite State.  After a hard fought battle in New Hampshire, and a period of uncertainly here in Denver, New Hampshire united for Barack Obama.

Melissa Etheridge was the entertainment for this the third day of the Democratic National Convention.  She sang patriotic songs sporting a Barack Obama pin.  I wonder if she bought it from the vendors outside. The Pepsi Center is now full, it filled up a little faster today then last night, which could be a showing of the excitement for Joe Biden’s speech tonight. 

It goes uphill from here for the press, delegates and guests in the Pepsi Center.  President Clinton is due up soon, followed by Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts.  We are expecting some big speeches in the next couple of hours.  Stay tuned for updates.  Then tomorrow we move to Invesco Field for Obama’s acceptance speech.

-Derek Gorman

Shot In The Leg

So apparently some sort of higher power did NOT want me on the floor tonight. I was going to get my credentials to get on the floor in the main area so I could get some coverage for a story, but life had other plans. I waited in line in press room for quite a time until finally I reached the desk where they were handing out passes to get on the floor. Well right before I go that pass in my hot little hand, a security guy comes over and informs the people in line that the floor is closed off to any more reporters .So basically I waited in line for nothing and I was none too happy.

I was stuck in this room...hating my life

Life decided to cheer me up as we headed over to the Skye Lounge to see Dennis Kucinich speak. We took a cab over and the cab driver was a very nice young gentleman. He told us he had been working as a cab driver for 10 years and that the convention gives him a lot of business. I asked him what his craziest moment in cab driving was and I got quite the answer. He told us that he had been robbed 2 years back and was shot in the leg when he chased after the criminal. He also told us about how a couple paid him 300 dollars to allow them some “freedom” in the back of the car (if you know what I mean).

After a pleasant conversation with the cab driver we arrived at the bar where Dennis was set to arrive. The bar area filled up pretty fast as eager citizens awaited the arrival of Kucinich. He arrived shortly after we got there and the room exploded in support of the democrat. I got to ask him a few questions about his earlier speech and his support of Barack Obama.

 

The whole room was captivated by Dennis, I was captivated by his wife Elizabeth (if you know what I mean). Overall I was impressed by the event and was glad we rushed over to attend. After yet another long day it is time to prepare for the next.

 

One day we can be together Elizabeth...one day...

 -Robbie Michaelson

Bright and Early

Bright and Early

Well here we are, two days down, two to go.  Last night Hillary Clinton spoke to a roaring Pepsi Center. The goal of her speech was unity and to unify the democratic party.  An onlooking Bill Clinton looked quite happy with his wife.  The messages were generally the same as the other speeches, but they were delivered in that Hillary Clinton manner. 

On the bill for last night was Franklin Pierce Law Center’s very own John Hutson, but for some reason he did not make an appearance.  A source has told me he was rescheduled for tonight.  I have not looked at the speakers schedule yet, but as soon as I see it I will post another blog to let everyone know.

Last night I caught up with the chair to the NH democratic party Raymond Buckley.  I asked him about Hillary’s speech and how it would affect the election.

This morning I am at the New Hampshire delegate breakfast, I just interviewed Congresswomen Carole Shea Porter of New Hampshire.  We discussed the convention, Hillary’s speech and the New Hampshire delegation.

Tonight I plan on being at the Pepsi Center real early. 

-Derek Gorman

The First Hour

The first hour of tonights convention has already had a clear message.  It’s the same buzz word we always hear, change.  Beyond that though, the democrats are thinking back, to the days of our founding fathers and hard times.  The Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton spoke of “no taxation without representation,” and Ted Sorenson talking of the days of John F. Kennedy. Sorenson compared Obama with Kennedy, telling a story of the Cuban Missile Crisis. The dems have no problem badmouthing the republicans and their past eight years in the White House.  Issues that have already come up include: the war in Iraq, education, healthcare and energy. 

The theme is playing out.  The speakers are tying Obama to America’s promise to it’s citizens. The speakers are aiming for the middle class and to connect Obama’s policies to the struggling Americans.

We are currently on break, will return with the second portion as soon as the convention starts up again.

-Derek Gorman

Putting the Party Back Into Politics

 For the past few days I have struggled to complete a full blog. Today, however, was so eventful that I am not even sure where to start. When we arrived at the convention we received our “perimeter passes” which allowed us to walk around the Pepsi center. One member of our team had an “arena passes” which allowed him to go into the building but not into actual event, and we had two “hall passes” which allowed us to sit in the upper seats inside the Pepsi center. While some members were inside, I waited outside the building with Professor Bush and Dr. Nevious looking for possible “man on the street” interviews. In the meantime, we received complimentary ice cream from CNN and witnessed a dressed up “Captain Morgan” going around passing out t-shirts and calling out “put the party back into politics, Captain Morgan for president!” The events were very entertaining but I was running out of interview questions for the average “man on the street.” Just then, I saw the ever popular film maker, Morgan Spurlock. Well known for his documentary film, Super Size Me, Morgan was at the convention to support Obama and have a screening of his most recent film, Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden? Ironically, we had tried earlier in the day to attend the screening; however, we did not have the right credentials. I got to talk to him about his recent film, his support for Obama, and his view on the very heavy security at the event. It was such a great experience to meet him and I was so glad to get the opportunity to interview him. Once Dr. Nevious and I were able to get into the Pepsi Center, we walked in and we were able to see the surprise appearance of Ted Kennedy. We then made our way to the “blogging center” where we were able to exchange out hall passes for the chance to go on the floor for 30 minutes. We went down and as quickly as we could to interviewed New Hampshire delegates on their reaction to Ted Kennedy’s speech and we were able to catch the reaction of the NH delegates to the entrance of Michelle Obama. Michelle delivered an excellent speech that put some into tears. Overall it was a great day and has excited me for tomorrows events!

-Stephanie Lewis