Arriving in Denver on Saturday, I took in some of the downtown sights and got a lay of the land. During the next few days I will share some of my experiences and video interviews with notables. As I diaried before, I have a set of questions that I will be asking to those who will allow me the time.
As well, I will share photos from various events and scenes from the convention.
Walking down 16th Street in Denver is a uncommonly quiet experience, as there is no car traffic, just the hum of the electric shuttle buses that transport folks up and down the broad boulevard. On Sunday afternoon, I was walking with a fellow PA delegate from Pittsburgh and noticed that Robert Kennedy Jr. was strolling with his son taking in the sights. No one bothered him. I was just about to walk over to chat, when the scheduled protest march began coming down with the "Iraq Veterans Against the War". Approximately 75 in total marchers with signs and protest shouts quickly converged past Mr. Kennedy, where he joined along side to speak with a few of them. Here is a picture of the march that I captured.
That evening several delegations were invited to a reception and concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, featuring Cheryl Crowe and Dave Matthews doing an acoustic set! Beautiful night in a stunning venue. I had always wanted to attend a concert there, and what a concert it was! Everyone was in fine form, as we stumbled into our hotels around midnight. Here are a few pics.
Blurry eyed for 7am, I attended my first PA Delegate breakfast, hosted by Governor Rendell. Governor Brian Schweitzer from Montana spoke, along with Senator Bob Casey and Mayor Michael Nutter from Philly.
For those folks who are discussing the "Unity" question, the rumors are flying about a standing vote, but the message this morning from the leadership was firm and direct about the importance of unity, the primary is behind us, and we must defeat McCain!
Following the lunch, I had the opportunity to do brief Q/A's with Sen. Casey and Mayor Nutter. I asked non-political questions, but they offer some insight on these gentlemen. I also taped some of the press interviews of Sen. Casey, which was entirely focused on unity.
I apologize in advance about the lighting quality, the shut the damn camera lights off right when I started talking with Casey.
My Q/A with Sen. Casey: "What book would you like the American public to read?"
My Q/A with Mayor Nutter:
Press asking Senator Casey about the "Unity" issue at the convention:
Well, I'm off to a lunch and then down to my first convention floor experience. For all those PA Kossacks, the PA delegation we landed a primo floor position, right on the floor in front of the stage to the right. Wahoo, this is going to outright fun!!!
I will keep updating as I can, especially if there are any "news" breaks.
I hope you enjoy this little diary.