Hillary releases the delegates

More is revealed...

The plan was for her to come up on stage right before South Carolina to release the delegates. She came onto the floor right by our delegation, but the prep took a long time and the Secret Service trapped everyone here. I stood and waited to get a good picture.

In the mean time, Chuck Schumer was also waiting for Hillary in the hallway. He saw me take the picture and smiled.



So we are waiting, packed together like cordwood, for each state to finish. When you are waiting for one specific state, you discover how many of them you forget when running through the alphabet.

Finally, she comes through...



Recognize the ear and the hair?

Anyway, thank God for the jumbotron!

DNCC--Day 3 has begun!!!!!

It's in full swing today...roll call is supposed to happen at about 4:00 PM MT which is the fun stuff. Right now, the nominating speeches are happening for Barack Obama...they already happened for Hillary Clinton.






Today, the challenge is keeping our seats. The aisles are already packed and the MSM is encroaching on our area since we are in the back. I volunteered to be bouncer and I'm trying to keep the riff raff out.

Democratic National Convention--Day 3 Wednesday Podium Schedule

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

"SECURING AMERICA'S FUTURE"
Time shown as local – Denver, Colorado MST



Hour # 1 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (LOCAL)
Call to Order
The Honorable Leticia Van de Putte
State Senator from Texas
Co-Chair, Democratic National Convention

Invocation
Archbishop Demetrios
Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America

Presentation of Colors
Colorado Chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars
Franz Wedeman, Thomas Chesner, David Shuker, John Harrington

Pledge of Allegiance
Paul Bucha
Ridgefield, Connecticut recipient of the Medal of Honor for distinguished service as a commanding officer in Vietnam

National Anthem
Robert Moore
Distinguished singer from South Dakota and elected council member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe

Presidential Nomination Process
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the US House of Representatives
Permanent Chair, Democratic National Convention

Nominating speech on behalf of Senator Hillary Clinton

Seconding speeches on behalf of Senator Hillary Clinton (2)

Nominating speech on behalf of Senator Barack Obama

Seconding speeches on behalf of Senator Barack Obama (3)

Call for Roll Call Vote
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the US House of Representatives
Permanent Chair, Democratic National Convention

Roll Call Vote
Alice Travis Germond
Secretary of the Democratic National Committee

Remarks
The Honorable Charles Schumer
US Senator, New York
Chair, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee

The Honorable Tom Udall
Member of the US House of Representatives, New Mexico

The Honorable Jean Shaheen
Former Governor of New Hampshire
Candidate for US Senate

Jeff Merkley
Candidate for US Senate from the State of Oregon

Tom Allen
Candidate for the US Senate from the State of Maine

Hour # 4 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (LOCAL)
Remarks
The Honorable Richard M. Daley
Mayor of Chicago, Illinois

The Honorable Robert Wexler
Member of the US House of Representatives, Florida

Video - The Course of Our Nation
Brittany Washington
A student at Howard University in Washington, DC from Los Angeles, California

Women of the US House of Representatives
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the US House of Representatives
Permanent Chair, Democratic National Convention
The Honorable Rosa DeLauro
Member of the US House of Representatives, Connecticut
The Honorable Nita Lowey
Member of the US House of Representatives, New York
The Honorable Hilda Solis
Member of the US House of Representatives, California
The Honorable Louise Slaughter
Member of the US House of Representatives, New York
The Honorable Maxine Waters
Member of the US House of Representatives, California
The Honorable Kathy Castor
Member of the US House of Representatives, Florida
The Honorable Lois Capps
Member of the US House of Representatives, California

Remarks
The Honorable Elijah Cummings
Member of the US House of Representatives, Maryland

Mark Docherty
Veteran and a firefighter from Sterling Heights, Michigan

The Honorable James Clyburn
Member of the US House of Representatives, South Carolina

The Honorable Manuel Diaz
Mayor of Miami, Florida

The Honorable Jay Rockefeller
US Senator, West Virginia

Live Performance
Melissa Etheridge accompanied by Phillip Sayce (guitar)
Award-winning singer/songwriter

Video - First Time Delegates: Renewing America's Promise

Remarks
The Honorable Harry Reid
US Senator, Nevada
Senate Majority Leader

CSM Michele S. Jones, US Army (Ret.)
First female command sergeant major of the US Army

The Honorable Patrick Murphy
Member of the US House of Representatives, Pennsylvania
Joined by Iraq war veterans

The Honorable Madeleine Albright
Former Secretary of State

America’s Town Hall - Economy
Moderator: The Honorable Joe Sestak
Member of the US House of Representatives, Pennsylvania
Panelists: Kathy Roth-Douquet, CSM John Estrada, Collin McMahon,
Representative Ellen Tauscher/California

Remarks
The Honorable Evan Bayh
US Senator, Indiana

Xiomara Rodriguez
Nevada delegate and retired member of the US Coast Guard

The Honorable Jack Reed
US Senator, Rhode Island

The Honorable Tom Daschle
Former US Senator and Senate Minority Leader, South Dakota

Hour # 5 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (LOCAL)
Remarks
The Honorable Bill Clinton
Former President of the United States

Beth Robinson
Stay-at-home mom from Hampton Roads, Virginia

The Honorable John Kerry
US Senator, Massachusetts

Lt. Gen. Claudia Kennedy, US Army (Ret.)
First woman to achieve the rank of three star general in the US Army

The Honorable Bill Richardson
Governor of New Mexico

Video – Changing The Course of Our Nation
John Melvin
Iraq war veteran from DeWitt, Iowa

Veterans Video and Remarks
The Honorable Chet Edwards
Member of the US House of Representatives, Texas

Hour # 6 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM (LOCAL)
Remarks
Tammy Duckworth
Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs
Helicopter pilot and wounded Iraq war veteran

Vice Presidential Nomination
Remarks and nominating speech
Seconding speech

Vice Presidential Nominee
The Honorable Senator Joe Biden
US Senator, Delaware

Benediction
Sister Catherine Pinkerton
Congregation of St. Joseph’s in Cleveland, Ohio

Recess
The Honorable Leticia Van de Putte
State Senator from Texas
Co-Chair, Democratic National Convention

Alaska Delegates and other Democrats in Denver

Last night, our own Ryan Bucholdt was honored on stage as a young delegate--the future of the Democratic Party

Patti Higgins

Lindsey Holmes, Vic Fisher and Jane Angvik

Obama fans showing their enthusiasm next to a small contigent of McCain supporters

Former Alabama Atty General, G. Douglas Jones, spoke at the Alaska Delegation Breakfast this morning. He helped to put away the bombers of the 16th Street Church back in the 1960's where four little girls were killed and gave a moving and informative reminder that not-so-long-ago, racial violence was common.

Writer and Air
America radio personality Thom Hartmann spoke and signed his new book "Cracking the Code" at Border's Books tonight. Since I missed him at the Big Tent, I got a chance to listen to him while Writing Raven was at the Pepsi Center. He discussed (among other things) the battle against economic tyranny and how the task facing Barack Obama was similar to the one that faced FDR. My friends, Kim and Erick, are on either side of him.

5:50pm MST - Regular Americans and what the delegates are doing

It was pretty rough listening to this guy - Robin Golden. He is one of the chosen regular Americans to speak, and he'd just lost his job, can't pay for diabetes treatment. He was introduced just after Sweeney, the AFL-CIO president.

Alaskan delegates Patti Higgin and Blake Johnson make the Alaska pole "better."

Alaska Delegate Ryan Buchholdt on his experience at the convention:

"It's exciting and energetic - surreal at times."

On what he's been doing at the convention:

"Network - I was up on stage yesterday. I was able to meet Chairman Dean three times. I met Donna Brazile and Nancy Pelosi yesterday."

On hearing Hillary Clinton's address later today:

"I'm very excited - the Clintons have done a lot for the party. It's good that they were able to have such prominent speaking roles."

One kind of funny note - they took a commemorative photo just now, a panaromic shot. The lady announcing has been doing a great job of doing so, but stumbled over the pronounciation of "commemorative" on her first announcement. The second time around:

"We are now going to take the commem... comm.....

Thank you."

I'm in! 3:30pm MST - God bless the Denver PD and the Secret Service

Writing Raven will be posting on the Blue Oasis for the duration for the duration of the Tuesday convention. She will be back posting live on Alaska Real tonight, but all live blogging will be on the Oasis.

3:30 MST- I'm in, but it took quite a while to get in. They seemed to have worked out the kinks in getting people in fast - except bloggers maybe. There was a hiccup in exactly how I was supposed to get in the building. Although I arrived at the arena with (part of) the delegation, I am "press." But a very helpful Denver PD guy spent a whole lot of his own time to make sure I didn't have to take a bus back to the hotel just to get in. It took some discussion and guarantees to the Secret Service to do it, but now I'm in...

The place is about 2/3 full now, and full of energy - though most of it is backstage at the moment. I nearly walked in on an NBC suite, and there's quite a buzz in the room.

By the way, if you're checking in live from Alaska, have you voted?

Dem-Con in Denver-- the overrated, the underrated the superb and the absurd

Alaska Delegates having a blast..they get an A++

Denver--what a cool city! The scenery is beautiful, the weather has been hot, but beautiful, the public transport is clean, fast and efficient. Also, "hot" here is dry like Alaska so 85 degrees is "bearable" to me, unlike in the Midwest.--"A"

Protesters--come on, folks, get some friggin' direction! Even standing outside of MSNBC we see signs about 9/11 "truth," anti-war, environmental stuff, anti-meat...good Lord! Also, way-to-go starting a riot on Monday...at least it gave something for all the police to do!--"C-"

Delegates--all I can say is "WOW" what a bunch of friendly, wonderful people! Writing Raven talked about our experiences on the Light Rail the other day with the Texas Delegates...they literally welcomed us on board with open arms! Everyone I have met has been fabulous and that's a big part of the fun walking around Denver and visiting the various venues--"A+"

The Big Tent--a facinating experiment and a great alternative for those bloggers who are not credentialed and a really nice option for blog teams who don't have enough credentials. Hopefully they'll have worked some of the kinks out (like the sound) by tonight. The workshops during the day are a nice touch as well.-- "B+"

Republican "Rapid Response" Team--So far I've seen a maximum of 15 "NoBama" McCain drones at one time...and Mitt Romney and Rudy Guiliani showing up at the Dem Convention is nothing less than PA-THE-TIC.-- "F"

P.U.M.A--The "Party Unity My Ass" idiots have managed to get a lot of press considering their threats won't mount to a hill of beans...nor do they have the support they claim. I've seen one sorry woman with a stack of fliers.-- "F-"

To be continued...

Michelle Obama's speech and the photos from the Mon 8/25 Democratic Convention

I did this video from the Alaska Delegation on the floor of the Convention. There was no way I could go anywhere else by that point since the MSM pretty much had everything blocked. She had me in tears by the end...especially when she talked about Barack's lack of a father.

Here's a contest for you: name this actor (as I have no idea what his name is). I recognize him from a few rolls but couldn't tell you which ones for sure. I think he was in Officer and a Gentleman. We were outside of the Pepsi Center at the time.


So this older man and his grandson were talking behind me and he was explaining to him about how the Convention works. It was very sweet and I turned around to look...and saw that the grandfather was Dan Rather.

Joe Scarborough appeared to be every bit the jovial, yuck-it-up guy that he does on MSNBC.

Alaska Delegation is right next to Faux News. Why must this be?

David Kellner-Rode of Wasilla was selected to be a Page for Howard Dean at the Convention. Here he is with his mom, Abby Kellner-Rode who has been hanging out with her sister, Rachel Binah...a delegate from California!


Even though it's obvious I'm trying desperately not to blink, I love this picture. Senator Jim Webb is a hero because of what he's done (and continues to do) for Veterans. I got a chance to personally thank him...and tell him that there are lots of Vets up in Alaska who want to shake his hand. I also mentioned that my good friend, Veteran Aviation Outreach's Mo Bailey, would love to take him fishing!

I'll post lots more pictures later.

Here we go! Liveblogging from the DNCC Monday!

Here is the schedule for tonight:

Barack Obama’s story is an American story that reflects a life of struggle, opportunity and responsibility like those faced by Americans everyday. The opening night of the Convention will highlight Barack’s life story, his commitment to change, and the voices of Americans who are calling for a new direction for this country.

Monday’s headline prime-time speaker will be Michelle Obama.

3:00 PM - 7:00 PM (LOCAL)

Call to Order
The Honorable Howard Dean
Chair, Democratic National Committee
Former Governor of Vermont

Invocation
The Honorable Polly Baca – Greeley, Colorado
Former Colorado State Senator
President & CEO Latin American Research & Service Agency

Presentation of Colors
Navajo Code Talkers Association
Keith Little, Frank Willeto, Bill Toledo, Jimmy Begay

Pledge of Allegiance
Angela Morgan –Alexandria, Virginia
Served 9 years in the Marines and now runs a leadership development small business

National Anthem
Colorado Children's Chorale
Group over 30-years old – Tad Koriath (piano)
Local children (7-14) performing throughout US & the world (China, Asia, Europe, etc.)

Welcome
Reverend Leah D. Daughtry
Convention CEO & Chief of Staff, Democratic National Committee

Video - “Welcome to the West”

Introduction of and Report by the Credentials Committee
The Honorable Howard Dean
Chair, Democratic National Committee
Eliseo Roques-Arroyo
Co-Chair Credentials Committee
Former Executive Director, Democratic Party of Puerto Rico
James Roosevelt, Jr.
Co-Chair Credentials Committee
Pres. & CEO Tuffs Health Plan (HMO) and grandson of FDR
The Honorable Alexis Herman
Co Chair Credentials Committee
Former US Secretary of Labor

Introduction of and Report by the Rules Committee
The Honorable Howard Dean
Chair, Democratic National Committee
Sunita Leeds
Co-Chair Rules Committee
Chair of the DNC Indo-American Leadership Council
The Honorable Mary Rose Oakar
Co-Chair Rules Committee
Former Member of the US Congress, Ohio,
President of the American-Arab Anti Discrimination Committee
The Honorable David Walters
Co-Chair Rules Committee
Former Governor of Oklahoma
President of Walters Power International

Video - Changing the Course of Our Nation
Featuring Ashley Baia -Native of Pennsylvania and an Obama field organizer mentioned in Obama's Philadelphia speech. Know as the "sandwich girl" who, at age 9, convinced her mother she liked mustard & relish sandwiches to save money while her mother was fighting cancer. She is now twenty-three.

Introduction of Convention Co-Chairs
The Honorable Howard Dean
Chair, Democratic National Committee
The Honorable Shirley Franklin
Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia
The Honorable Leticia Van de Putte
State Senator, Texas District 26
The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius
Governor of Kansas
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the US House of Representatives
Member of the US House of Representatives, California
Permanent Chair of the 2008 Democratic National Convention

Turning Over the Gavel
The Honorable Howard Dean, temporary Chair of the Convention turns over the gavel to
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Permanent Chair of the 2008 Democratic Convention.

Remarks
The Honorable Doris Matsui, Parliamentarian
Member of the US House of Representatives, California

Andrew Tobias, Treasurer
Democratic Party Treasurer

Remarks by the Secretary and the Electronic Roll Call of Attendance
Alice Travis Germond - West Virginia
Secretary, Democratic Party
Member of the Democratic National Committee

Remarks – Presentation of Platform
The Honorable Patricia Madrid
Co-Chair Platform Committee
Attorney General of New Mexico

Judith McHale
Co-Chair Platform Committee
Business Executive (former President, Discovery Communications; Board of DigitalGlobal)

Remarks
The Honorable John Hickenlooper
Mayor of Denver, Colorado

Congressional Hispanic Caucus
The Honorable Joe Baca
Member of the US House of Representatives, California

The Honorable Grace Napolitano
Member of the US House of Representatives, California

The Honorable Silvestre Reyes
Member of the US House of Representatives, Texas

Remarks
Nancy Keenan
President, NARAL - Pro-Choice America

The Honorable Emil Jones, Jr.
State Senator, Illinois
Amanda Kubik
Young Delegate – North Dakota

Ret. Rear Admiral John Hutson,
Pres. Franklin Pierce Law Center in Concord – lifetime Republican

Reg Weaver
President, National Education Association

The Honorable Manuel Diaz
Mayor of Miami, Florida

Video - Changing the Course of Our Nation
Featuring Gabrielle Grossman
New Hampshire Obama Supporter "U2 mamma for Obama"

Remarks
The Honorable Lisa Madigan
Attorney General, Illinois

The Honorable Dan Hynes
Comptroller, Illinois

The Honorable Alexi Giannoulis
State Treasurer, Illinois

Randi Weingarten
American Federation of Teachers

The Honorable Amy Klobuchar
US Senator, Minnesota

Musical Performance
John Legend (vocals & piano) and accompanied by:
Agape Choir - International Spiritual Center, Culver City, CA
Trans-denominational Spiritual Community founded by Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith

Video/Remarks
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the US House of Representatives
Permanent Chair, Democratic National Convention

Video - First Time Delegates: Renewing America's Promise

America’s Town Hall – Economy
Moderator: Senator Sherrod Brown - Ohio,
Panelists: Ned Helms, Lisa Olivares, Dr. Laura Tyson, Jon Schnur

Remarks
Margie Perez
New Orleans jazz singer & song writer from Musicians Village

President Jimmy Carter Segment
Jimmy Carter/New Orleans Video
Acknowledgment of President Carter

Remarks
Maya Soetoro-Ng
Half-sister of Barack Obama
High School teacher - Hawaii

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Remarks
The Honorable Jesse Jackson, Jr.
Member of the US House of Representatives, Illinois

Mike Fisher & Cheryl Fisher – Beech Grove, Indiana
Mike – Amtrak tech & Cheryl – hospital tech (hosted Obama for lunch)

Tom Balanoff
President, SEIU Local 1 (Chicago)

Senator Edward M. Kennedy Tribute
Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg
Daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy

Video - Edward M. Kennedy Video

Remarks
The Honorable Miguel Del Valle
City Clerk of Chicago, Illinois

Candi Schmieder
Delegate Chair, Iowa County Convention

Jerry Kellman
Hired & supervised Obama at Developing Communities Project - Chicago, Illinois

Introduction of Jim Leach by
The Honorable Tom Harkin
US Senator, Iowa

The Honorable Jim Leach
Former Republican Member of the US House of Representatives, 1st District, Iowa

Introduction of Claire McCaskill by
Austin Esposito
Son of Senator McCaskill

The Honorable Claire McCaskill
US Senator, Missouri

Video - Michelle Obama Package

Introduction to the Michelle Obama Package
Craig Robinson
Older brother of Michelle Obama

Remarks
Michelle Obama
Wife of Presidential Candidate Barack Obama

Benediction
Don Miller -Portland, Oregon
Best-selling author & public speaker focusing on Christian spirituality

Recess
The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius
Governor of Kansas

4:10--So far, I've gone through the nightmare of getting here (it is NOT walking distance from the Big Tent), getting set up, just becoming overwhelmed with the media, the energy, and the beautiful job the lighting and decorating folks did with the Pepsi Center.

We've heard from Howard Dean and the Credentials Committee, the Rules Committee, P (MI and FL have full votes), our first hearing from Nancy Pelosi, the Platform Committee with Patricia Madrid--first Latina Attorney General, New Mexico and Judith McHale. Nancy Pelosi called for a vote and the Platform has been adopted.

5:00--OK, while the other kinda repetitive speeches were happening, I got pictures of Ryan Bucholtz on stage with young Democrats. I also got a chance (be still my heart) to thank Senator Jim Webb for his work for Veterans, invited him fishing in Alaska (with Mo Bailey) and got my picture taken with him.

Dan Rather stood right behind me with his grandson and talked to him. I got an amazing picture.

5:45 Interesting idea...questions from the people of the country (via video) to Sherrod Brown and a panel of Obama surrogates answering them.

Panelists: Ned Helms, Lisa Olivares, Dr. Laura Tyson, Jon Schnur

Public Education--how can we improve it: Ned Helms--invest in every single child--as parents take responsibility for our children's education. Helms also said that Barack Obama proposes a $4,000 education credit.

Working Families--cannot afford health insurance. How will you assure that working families can afford insurance for all members of the family. Dr. Laura Tyson--Obama health care plan affordable, people won't be turned away--Jon Schnur--if you have insurance, you can keep it. If you don't, Obama and Biden wants you to be able to sign up for the same plan they have.

Questions ended early due to technical problems.

Nancy Pelosi speaking now and listing the accomplishments of the House. 9/11 Commission, Hurricane Katrina and Rita victims (recovery rebates), passed legislation to keep working families in their homes, increased minimum wage for first time in 10 years, improved fuel efficiency, passed new GI Bill, passed largest Veterans health care increase...largest in 77 years.

I heard someone say quietly "why didn't we impeach Bush?"

She's talking about honoring the Veterans and doing so with a new leadership in the White House.

It's hard to blog about this and not get distracted and enthralled by the amazing technology going on during her speech. Biggest LED screen I've ever seen showing beautiful beach backdrop and a close up of her so clear if she had warts, we'd see them.

The speech wasn't bad...there were some more inspiring speeches before hand.

Jazz Singer Margie Perez is doing a description of her experiences with Katrina and the lead-in to a tribute to Pres. Jimmy Carter.

The Katrina video which also honored Jimmy Carter and Habitat for Humanity was a tear-jerker. I ran into a cool Texas delegate I met on the train and he was crying. We hugged each other and he said "that's why I'm here."

The Delegate Party, Pike's Market in Seattle and now WE'RE HERE just in time for a VP candidate!

Holly Miowak Stebing, the Alaskan chosen to be backstage with Barack at the Thursday speech, was at the Delegate Party. I was very impressed by her intellect, candor and insight regarding her experiences and research of Alaska Native issues.

So, it's been radio silence for a bit but now we're here!

Before we left, I went to the Delegates Party at Club Soroya--it was a great time and a great job! Thanks Cal and Barbara for putting together a great time for all!!!

The Samoan dancers were a wonderful addition to the party!

We took off from Anchorage Airport after 1:30 AM and flew to Seattle where we had a six hour layover. We decided to hit Pike's Market, have breakfast and walk around. What inadvertantly happened is we became incredibly depressed over the difference in prices between Seattle and Anchorage--we Alaskans are so ripped-off!





We then took a walk on the waterfront in Seattle. It was about 65 degrees but I forgot that the dampness in Seattle makes it feel colder. Morrigan was smart and was wearing her new kuspick.






We got back on the plane and arrived in Denver at 4:45 Mountain Time--picked up by my friend Erick. We passed out almost immediately after we ate a yummy beef stew cooked by my friend Kim (Erick's wife) so we didn't get the text message about Joe Biden until I got up at about 7:30 AM. (He was the best choice, by the way.)

Anyway, I'm going to be mostly relaxing today until the media party this evening (the kickoff for the Democratic Convention) which I'll write about tonight. Tomorrow I plan to attend the Faith Gathering and I have media credentials for the Cheryl Crow and Dave Matthews concert! We'll all be putting our heads together over the next two days to come up with a planned schedule (which will probably change constantly) so folks have an idea what I'm planning to do. By the way, feel free to make suggestions!

Getting Fired Up and Ready to Go!!!!! 24 hours until I'm flying to Denver!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!!!

- Not packed yet
- Need an additional laptop battery
- Need a cord to plug into the net by my seat at the Pepsi Center
- Need a new camera (if I can afford it after the other stuff, which I can't really afford either but I need them)
- Need another 24 hours to do all the other stuff on my to-do list!

Anyway, this was mainly an excuse to test-drive (and put in storage on my blog) the header I'm going to use for the live-blogging posts. That way folks will know which is specifically gavel-to-gavel coverage of the Convention.

Denver Host Committee Update (via my email)

ATTENTION CONVENTION-GOERS: July 16, 2008 Press Release from Chris Lopez

DENVER PROVIDES PLAN TO ENSURE MOBILITY & ACCESS DURING DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION

- Mile High City Will Be Open for Business -

Denver, CO -- July 16, 2008 -- After extensive preparation and work with local, state and federal transportation and security officials to meet Democratic National Convention needs while keeping downtown Denver open and accessible, the City and County of Denver provided information Wednesday about local mobility and access during the week of the Democratic National Convention (Monday, August 25 - Wednesday, August 27, 2008). Given that the August 28 venue change from the Pepsi Center to Invesco Field at Mile High was just announced last week, roadway impacts have not yet been finalized for Thursday, August 28 and will be announced by early August.

"We have worked very hard to ensure that downtown residents and workers can get around and access their buildings with ease during the Democratic National Convention," said Mayor John Hickenlooper. "We have said from the beginning that - while there will be some additional screening procedures and security measures in some locations - all downtown residents will be able to access their homes and parking garages, and downtown businesses will be able to remain open with access to employees and customers. Keeping the roads open and transit running will also enable Metro Denver residents to come downtown and enjoy the many public events around the Convention."

ROADWAY INFORMATION: Monday - Wednesday

Downtown will be open and accessible during the Convention. Nearly all roads will be open and transit services will be operational. The majority of Convention-related movement will occur via bus, foot, and pedicab/bicycle and before/after the main hours of activity inside the Pepsi Center (4 p.m. to 9 p.m.), thereby mitigating impacts on commuters. Unlike previous host cities that closed a large number of thoroughfares, the City of Denver's commitment to local mobility and convenience is evident in the minimal amount of closures for an event of this magnitude:

· Speer Boulevard from I-25 to Lawrence Street (and the I-25 ramp to southbound Speer Boulevard ) will be closed from 9 a.m. on Monday, August 25 through midnight on Wednesday, August 27 - except during morning rush hour. Two lanes in each direction of Speer Boulevard between I-25 and Lawrence Street (and the ramp from I-25 to southbound Speer Boulevard) will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday through Wednesday. The I-25 ramp to northbound Speer Boulevard will remain open at all times.

· Auraria Parkway from I-25 to Speer Boulevard will be closed from 12:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 23 through midnight on Wednesday, August 27. The I-25 ramps to and from Auraria Parkway will be closed during this time frame.

· As announced in mid-June, Bannock Street between 14th Avenue and Colfax Avenue will be closed August 25 - 27 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. for the Designated Parade Route staging area. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - which avoids the standard morning and evening commute times - the westbound lanes of Colfax Avenue from Bannock Street to Speer Boulevard will be closed for the Designated Parade Route, as will the southbound lanes of Speer Boulevard from Colfax Avenue to Larimer Street. The eastbound lanes of Colfax Avenue and the northbound lanes of Speer will remain open, but some slowdown in traffic flow is expected. The RTD light rail line which crosses Speer Boulevard at Stout Street will remain open at all times, including the time allocated for parades. Additional security provided by RTD will supplement law enforcement officials to ensure the safety of marchers when the light rail trains cross the parade route.

· While still accessible to pedestrians, vehicular traffic on the following blocks between 15th Street and Speer Boulevard will be limited to residents and employees from Monday, August 25 through Wednesday, August 27: Wazee, Wynkoop, Delgany, Wewatta, and Little Raven. (More details on residential and business access are below).

Given that the August 28 venue change from the Pepsi Center to Invesco Field at Mile High was just announced on July 7, roadway impacts - including the designated parade route to Invesco - for Thursday of Convention week have not yet been finalized and will be announced by early August.

RECOMMENDED ROUTE INFORMATION: Monday - Wednesday

The downtown grid has ample street capacity to absorb these manageable diversions and provide local residents and commuters with convenient access to and from downtown. Recommended routes for the four quadrants of the city are described below:

· EAST AND NORTHEAST: Drivers may access downtown from the east and northeast using Martin Luther King Blvd, 18th Avenue, 13th Avenue, and 8th Avenue.

· SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST: With northbound Speer Boulevard closed at Lawrence Street, drivers along Speer Boulevard south of Lawrence, as well as on Lincoln and Santa Fe, may experience slight increases in traffic. It is anticipated that slowing may occur on these streets as they cross Colfax Avenue. Commuters may want to use Downing, Clarkson, or Logan Street to avoid delays. Exiting Downtown may be slightly slower than normal due to Convention-related activities, but once traffic crosses Colfax Avenue, movement along Kalamath, Broadway, Grant, Washington and Corona/Downing should be similar to any normal weekday.

· WEST AND SOUTHWEST: Travelers may access downtown from the west and southwest using 6th Avenue or northbound I-25 to 20th Street. Traffic exiting downtown to the west and southwest may be a little slower than normal; however, with the combination of increased transit use and the absence of Auraria Campus traffic, any delays along Arapahoe, Champa, Glenarm and Colfax should be minimal. Once traffic reaches Kalamath, I-25, and 6th Avenue, travel should be similar to any normal weekday.

· NORTHWEST: Travelers can use I-25 to Park Ave West or 20th Street to access downtown. Traffic exiting downtown to the northwest should use 20th Street or Park Avenue to I-25.

Given that the August 28 venue change from the Pepsi Center to Invesco Field at Mile High was just announced on July 7, roadway impacts - and recommended alternative routes - for Thursday of Convention week have not yet been finalized and will be announced by early August.

RTD PUBLIC TRANSIT INFORMATION: Monday - Wednesday

The use of public transit is always encouraged, and downtown will be accessible by transit. The following information from the Regional Transportation District (RTD) applies to Monday, August 25 through Wednesday, August 27. Any transit impacts related to the Invesco Field event on Thursday, August 28 will be announced when they are finalized.

· LIGHT RAIL: Light rail lines coming into the Central Business District will not be disrupted, including lines D, F and H. There will be no light rail service to or from the Pepsi Center and Denver Union Station stops. Passengers on the C and E lines who want to travel downtown can transfer to the D, F and H lines. All C- and E-line light rail passengers will be required to disembark at the Invesco Field light rail stop.

· BUSES: RTD plans to run normal bus service during the Convention, adjusting routes impacted by street closures. RTD will provide information on these adjustments as they are finalized through its web site, the RTD Telephone Information Center, and information will be posted on buses and light rail.

RESIDENTIAL & BUSINESS ACCESS: Monday - Wednesday

Between street parking, parking lots and garages, downtown parking will be largely accessible.
· The majority of downtown street meters will remain unbagged and available for public use. (Please note that vehicles with disability placards may park at any unbagged meter for up to four hours - whether or not the meter is designated for disabled parking).

Because many commercial buildings directly adjacent to the Pepsi Center have been rented out by private organizations during the Convention week, only a few businesses will be impacted by the screening and access measures described below:

· Residents (and their caretakers or renters, if applicable) and businesses (and their employees) west of 15th Street along Wynkoop, Delgany and Wewatta will receive vehicle placards from the Secret Service enabling them to access their normally assigned parking spots. There will be no pedestrian restrictions in this area, so visitors will be able to come and go on foot.

· Residents (and their caretakers or renters, if applicable) in the small area bound by Speer Boulevard, Wazee Street and 14th Court will receive vehicle placards from Secret Service enabling them to park in their normally assigned parking spots after undergoing vehicle screening at a 24-hour checkpoint. There will be no pedestrian restrictions in this area, so visitors will be able to come and go on foot.

· Residents (and their caretakers or renters, if applicable) and businesses (and their employees) in the area bound by 11th Street, Auraria Parkway, Speer Boulevard and the Pepsi Center will receive personal credentials from the Secret Service, enabling them to come and go by foot with ease. Placards will also be provided for their vehicles enabling them to park in their normally assigned parking spots after undergoing vehicle screening at a 24-hour checkpoint. Individuals renting any of these units during the Convention may undergo the same registration process to obtain these access documents. Residents in this area expecting guests will be asked to meet them on the street and escort them into their building.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Beginning with a community meeting tonight hosted by the LoDo District, Inc., Downtown Denver Residents Organization, and the Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association, targeted outreach will take place in the coming weeks to residents, businesses, building managers and homeowners associations in the aforementioned areas, providing details on the registration/ credentialing process and answering questions about access and mobility. That outreach will also include another LoDo community meeting at Ocean Journey on July 23 from 6 - 8 p.m.

Five additional citywide community forums about DNC preparations and opportunities for local residents to participate - hosted by the City and County of Denver and the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee - will take place over the next three weeks:


Central Denver: July 26 (12 - 2:00 p.m.)
Curious Theatre, 1080 Acoma St.

SE Denver: July 28 (12 - 2:00 p.m.)
Temple Sinai, 3509 S. Glencoe St.

SW Denver: July 29 (5:30 - 7:30 p.m.)
SW Improvement Council, 1000 S. Lowell Blvd.

NW Denver: July 30 (5:30 - 7:30 p.m.)
North High School, 2960 N. Speer Blvd.

NE Denver: August 6 (5:30 - 7:30 p.m.)
Montview Presbyterian Church, 1980 Dahlia St.

Once roadway impacts related to the Thursday, August 28 event at Invesco Field at Mile High are finalized, additional community outreach will be conducted to residents and businesses near the stadium.

Ongoing updates will be disseminated widely and available through a variety of sources including www.DenverConvention2008.com, www.DenverGov.org, www.DowntownDenver.com, 3-1-1 and more. .We are also working with MapQuest, Google and other online map providers to ensure the roadway impacts and route alternatives described above are incorporated into their online mapping tools during the week of the Convention.

Because security planning for the Convention will continue up to the event, particularly with regard to the areas immediately adjacent to the Convention sites, the City reserves the right to modify these plans if necessary to ensure public safety.

TICKETS...get yer tickets...

Photo: Invesco Field

...to Barack Obama's acceptance speech at Invesco Field in Denver, Colorado!!

Hat tip to AAPP for directing us to The Colorado Independent who then sends us to the form on The Colorado Democratic Website.

It's only a request for info but they do ask how many tickets you want.

Unless they perform a miracle, liveblogging Obama's acceptance is out the window

Photo: Invesco Field, Denver

Per Marc Ambinder at The Atlantic:

The big announcement comes tomorrow, according to Democrats.

On Thursday, August 28, Barack Obama plans to accept his nomination at Invesco Field in Denver, rather than at the Pepsi Center.

It's going to cost the convention committee a lot of money to make the move, but Invesco Field can handle more than 75,000 spectators and will make a much better picture.

Interesting...that comes on the heels of a negative New York Times article and the DNCC response regarding planning and money issues. I don't think it's too hard to figure out that this was probably the Obama Campaign's idea and they are probably paying for it.

1) This is good news for many in the general public as well as other bloggers who don't have DNCC credentials.

2) This also means that it's good news for my team, especially my daughter. We can all be there for the highlight!

3) However, from a credentialed blogger perspective, this is kind of a drag. This is the highlight of the Convention and not only will it be unlikely that we can liveblog it, but I can't see how I'll be able to bring my laptop at all since it's completely out in the open with no rain protection.

So, good and bad news, depending on how you look at it. We'll find out more tomorrow.

Ack...The New York Times is "bad pressing" the Democratic National Convention planning! Howard Dean reponds.

Per the Sunday morning story:

With the Denver convention less than two months away, problems range from the serious — upwardly spiraling costs on key contracts still being negotiated — to the mundane, like the reluctance of local caterers to participate because of stringent rules on what delegates will be eating, down to the color of the food. At last count, plans to renovate the inside of the Pepsi Center for the Democrats are $6 million over budget, which may force convention planners to scale back on their original design or increase their fund-raising goals.

The convention is being organized by the Democratic National Committee, which is run by Howard Dean, with his chief of staff, the Rev. Leah D. Daughtry, leading the effort. Only in the last month has the Obama campaign been able to take over management of the convention planning with the candidate claiming the nomination, and his aides are increasingly frustrated, as the event nears, at organizers who they believe spent too freely, planned too slowly and underestimated actual costs.

Did anyone bother to mention that...Oh, I don't know...maybe the shortage is due to t Hillary staying in too long and sucking-up Dem funds that should have gone to the party? Did anyone mention that folks are being asked to donate to her to cover her debt?

Did anyone mention that when you're doing the planning, for some things you must have the money up front?

Howard Dean responds for the Dems:

We are proud to stand at the helm of the finest Convention team we’ve known. As the arm of the national Party tasked with planning and organizing the Democratic National Convention in Denver, the Democratic National Convention Committee has been at this for more than a year. And we take great pride in our work. That's why we were astonished to read in Sunday’s New York Times such a gross misrepresentation of the groundwork that has been laid to date.

The New York Times asserts that this is a Democratic convention effort “marred by costly setbacks.” That is false. In fact we are ahead of the game. Anyone who has ever worked on a national political Convention would tell you as much. This is a well managed Convention.

The New York Times states that the Convention is facing “upwardly spiraling costs on key contracts still being negotiated.” That is false. All major contracts have been executed and we are on track to move in to the Pepsi Center to begin build out on Monday as planned.

The New York Times implies that the Convention has imposed eating restrictions on delegates to the Convention. That is false. Democrats at the Pepsi Center and other official Convention venues can have all the fried goodies they can stomach. Talk of anything to the contrary is just plain silly.

Read the rest at the website.