Denver 2008

I arrived in Denver this afternoon for the 2008 Democratic National Convention. At first I wasn't sure that I would blog about the convention. After all, it's probably going to be the most blogged event in history. Which led me to the conclusion, that if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. That and I've been wanting to get back online. My summer has been so busy that I haven't had time to post since session ended in May.

So for better or worse, I'm dusting off the keyboard and I'll try to bring you at least one delegate's perspective on this summer's hottest ticket in Democrat politics.

The entire Missouri Delegation is staying at a hotel about 20 minutes or so from the convention center. We have buses that shuttle us back and forth and we are also fairly close to the light rail station (yeah, I know).

When we arrived this afternoon we were greeted by the great volunteers and employees from the Missouri Democratic Party. We were immediately loaded down with two huge bags of schwag. Nothing says convention like a big bag of schwag and these bags did not disappoint.

The highlight of the bag from the National Convention was a box of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese -- Limited Convention Edition. Complete with donkey-shaped pasta.

The Missouri bag had a familiar smell. After dumping the contents on my bed I quickly id'd the smell as Gates BBQ sauce (compliments of Congressman Cleaver). The bottle had opened and spilled onto the t-shirt provided by the KC Royals. The bag was overflowing with goodies. Most of it your typical law firm coffee mugs, casino t-shirts, post-it notes, pens, etc. Notable however, were some Carmex from AG candidate Chris Koster and a pack of gum from Secretary of State Robin Carnahan. I shoved both in my pocket and headed out the door for the opening reception.

The opening reception was hosted by Howard Dean and the Democratic National Convention Committee. The event had a New Orleans theme and was a tribute to all the organizations that have helped in the Gulf Coast recovery after Hurricane Katrina. There was a live band, lots of good food and some special Obama '08 beer. Randy Newman performed a song, Howard Dean spoke, and a generally good time was had by all.

After the reception, I left the convention center to find a mob of people selling buttons, t-shirts and flashy things. There was a dude with a bull horn and a picture of Obama with a dead baby. The only crowd he seemed to attract was a group of SWAT team officers who were ready to break up any funny business.

Back at the hotel, I settled into my room and discovered that the wireless internet really only works in the bathroom. Fortunately, it's a big bathroom.

Delegates have to report to breakfast at 8AM every morning to pick up credentials for the events and get a daily briefing. That's when/where my day will begin tomorrow. For now, I'm gonna kick back with some Obama beer and mourn the close of the 2008 Olympics.