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Boston Photoblogging

I took a number of photographs during the convention last Thursday night, and will be posting them here as a photoblog of John Kerry’s acceptance speech. In each case I’ve posted a short description in the comments, and you can click on the image to display the picture full-sized. Hope you enjoy them.

(All are also cross posted here.)

Convention Round-Up

Here’s today’s round-up of news and blogospheric reaction to the speech.

Plus: comic relief.

And if you missed them, the prior round-ups from earlier in the week:

T quietly ran trains for delegates

BOSTON GLOBE: T quietly ran trains for delegates

The MBTA quietly provided special Orange Line trains for people exiting the FleetCenter on all four nights of the Democratic National Convention, opening the otherwise closed North Station so that some 3,200 delegates, journalists, and others with convention credentials could be whisked to Back Bay Station, free of charge.

Five to six of the special trains were swept for bombs at a railyard and then pulled into North Station, starting at about 10:30 each night. The trains departed regularly, and each made an express run to Back Bay until about midnight, primarily as a security measure to clear the FleetCenter area quickly, said Joe Pesaturo, spokesman for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.

Regular trains ran in between the special trains, so there was ”no impact on service,” Pesaturo said. People on the platforms at the five stations between the FleetCenter and Back Bay ”saw a train full of people go by, but there was a train right behind it” to pick them up, he said.

Still, word of the special service did not sit well with T riders who have had to put up with baggage inspections and forced transfers to shuttle buses.

”It seems like they’ve overlooked the people of Boston and regular commuters,” said Susan McLay, 23, of Billerica, who takes commuter rail and the Orange Line to the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions in Charlestown. North Station has been closed to everyone but the conventioneers, she said, which has caused major disruptions in daily routines.

”That doesn’t smell very good to me,” said Julianne Ture, an Orange Line rider who took the week off. ”The whole convention has been such a fiasco.”

Posting Forecast

I’ve just returned home after catching a very early flight out of Boston. I’m in the office today and my posting will be light (although others will post today I’m sure), but tonight I’ll be posting photos, reflections, etc.

Still Chaos Here

… I’m going to try to make it back to the hotel and process some of these photos …

Biggest Crowd Reaction So Far

For this line:

I will appoint an Attorney General who actually upholds the Constitution of the United States.

Full Speech Text: Cleland

This was a compelling speach to see and hear. Via the DNC; full body in the extended entry.

The Honorable Max Cleland’s Speech Before the Democratic National Convention Thursday, July 29, 2004

Thanks so much, Jim.

Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to share with you my story of how I came to know and love John Kerry. In April of 1968, while I was being airlifted out of Vietnam on a stretcher, Ensign John Kerry was headed in a different direction. He was on a Navy ship in the Pacific requesting to be transferred into Vietnam — into the line of fire. He had graduated from college. There were a lot of other things he could have done with his life. But he went to serve because he had been raised to believe that service to one’s country is honorable, noble, and good.

While John Kerry was earning a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts, I was being treated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. I was 25 years old. My body was broken and my faith was shattered. One day, on leave from the hospital, a friend was pushing me around the city, in my new wheelchair. In front of the White House, it hit a curb. I fell forward out of the wheelchair. There were cigarette butts and trash all around me. I remember trying to lift myself up off the street. I was angry at the war. Saddened that veterans weren’t getting good care. And frustrated that people in power weren’t listening. Those were difficult days for me.

But, I ultimately realized that although I had lost a lot, I still had a lot left, and I resolved to make something of my life. I decided to run for the State Senate in Georgia. I won, but when I got there, in 1971, I was a lone voice.

Then I heard this young veteran on TV speaking about the war. It was John Kerry. He put everything I was feeling into words.

Tonight, I’d like to let you know, that even before I met John Kerry, he was my brother. Even before I knew John Kerry, he was my friend. Even before I spoke with John Kerry, he gave me hope.

The Bible tells me that no greater love has a man than to lay down his life for his friends. John Kerry’s fellow crewmates — the men I am honored to share the stage with — are living testimony to his leadership, his courage under fire, and his willingness to risk his life for his fellow Americans. There is no greater act of patriotism than that.

As I look back over the last 36 years, I now realize John Kerry’s service to his country didn’t end in Vietnam. It began there. Since Vietnam, John Kerry’s life has become an object lesson in what was once described as the true definition of patriotism — “the long and steady dedication of a lifetime.”

When we make John Kerry our next president, he will put America back on the long and steady road toward the vision of the country we fought for — a vision of the country we can become once again. A country that doesn’t alienate our allies, but works with them. A country that doesn’t lose jobs, but creates them. A country that doesn’t limit educational opportunity, but expands it. A country that doesn’t make health care less available, but more affordable. A country that doesn’t spoil our environment, but protects it. A country that is strong a country that is respected, a country that is worthy of generations of sacrifice, and our children’s highest hopes.

That is the America John Kerry volunteered to fight for. That is the America John Kerry will lead.

When John Kerry declared he was a candidate for the presidency of the United States, on a hot, steamy day in Charleston, South Carolina, a little less than a year ago, I joined the band of brothers at his side. After the ceremony, I grabbed his arm and pressed a Bible into his hand. It was the Bible I once read from as a child. I knew that he would need its strength, its guidance and its comfort in the days ahead. At first, he said he was afraid he might lose it, he refused to take it. I insisted. I told him: “Hold on to this… You’ll need it like your country needs you now.” He took the Bible, and said softly, “I won’t let you down.”

My fellow Americans — John Kerry has never let me down. He’ll never let you down. He is an authentic American hero. He is the next captain of our ship of state. And he will be the next president of the United States.

In every hour of challenge — in every hour of danger — American heroes have answered their country’s call. Just blocks from where we are tonight, some 230 years ago, a group called the Sons of Liberty assembled to demand democracy, and a voice in their future. Mere steps from where we are, a former slave named Crispus Attucks gave his life for freedom. And around the corner from where we are, a beacon of light from the old North Church set Paul Revere on a mission to save this country’s people from danger.

Those were fateful hours for our young nation. Tonight I am honored to introduce to you another son of liberty, a brother in arms, a man called by destiny at this fateful hour in our nation’s history.

He is my brother. He is my friend. He is my hero. Ladies and gentlemen, tonight, John Kerry answers the call.

Source: Democratic National Convention Committee

But Seriously

The production values were very high … Teresa’s segment received a huge round of applause, and as the lights came up near the end the night’s first chant of “Kerry! Kerry!” filled the air.

Then, a brief intermission, and another video begins. This video at first,= seems to focus on first responders, telling the story of a firefighter, Thomas Spencer, killed in the line of duty (read about him here). It then turns to Kerry, who reached out to the family in a personal way.

No link online yet, but I’ll keep looking for one.

Shawshank Flashback

The pre-acceptance speech video is now playing, which if I understand correctly was “supervised” by Steven Spielberg. It’s narrated by Morgan Freeman, though, and as the opening sequence rolled and Freeman’s voice filled the hall I thought for a moment: “Huh. I didn’t know Kerry was in Shawshank …”

Speech Text: Alexandra Kerry

Full text in the extended entry, via DNC. Alexandra, too, gave a light but sincere speech … and quite heartfelt at the end. This section drew laughs:

We were standing on a dock waiting for a boat to take us on a summer trip. Vanessa, the scientist, had packed all her animals including her favorite hamster. Our over-zealous golden retriever got tangled in his leash and knocked the hamster cage off the dock. We watched as Licorice, the unlucky hamster bubbled down to a watery doom. That might have been the end of the story. But my dad jumped in, grabbed an oar, fished the cage from the water, hunched over the soggy hamster and began to administer CPR. There were some reports of mouth-to-mouth, but, I admit that’s probably a trick of memory. He was never quite right after that, but Licorice lived. Like I said, it may sound silly. We still laugh about it today. But, to us it was serious and that’s what mattered to my father.

Alexandra Kerry’s Speech Before the Democratic National Convention, Thursday, July 29, 2004

It’s great to be here tonight. It hasn’t been easy to sift through years of memories about my father and find those few that might best tell you who John Kerry really is. Let me just begin with one July day when Vanessa and I were kids. It’s a silly story, but it’s true, and it’s one of my favorite memories of my father.

We were standing on a dock waiting for a boat to take us on a summer trip. Vanessa, the scientist, had packed all her animals including her favorite hamster. Our over-zealous golden retriever got tangled in his leash and knocked the hamster cage off the dock. We watched as Licorice, the unlucky hamster bubbled down to a watery doom. That might have been the end of the story. But my dad jumped in, grabbed an oar, fished the cage from the water, hunched over the soggy hamster and began to administer CPR. There were some reports of mouth-to-mouth, but, I admit that’s probably a trick of memory. He was never quite right after that, but Licorice lived. Like I said, it may sound silly. We still laugh about it today. But, to us it was serious and that’s what mattered to my father.

Years later, when I was driving back to college with him, brooding as only a nineteen-year-old can, my father told me to look outside. He said, “Ali, this is a beautiful day. Feel the sun. Look at the country you live in.” The passion of his words makes me remember them, still, ten years later. He said: “I know men your exact age, who thought they had the same future you have. Whose families were never born, who never again walked on American soil. They don’t feel this sun. Ali,” he said. “If there’s something you don’t like, something that needs to be changed, change it. But never, ever give up. Remember that you are alive. And that you are an American. Those two things make you the luckiest girl in the world.”

Even now, I look back at that and think about what my dad’s been through in his life. Because he’s quiet about those things, my sister and I had to sneak upstairs, when we were kids, to read his letters from Vietnam. Who knew a 23 year-old could have seen so much, so young?

To every little girl her father is a hero. It’s taken some getting used to, that my father actually is one. And not just in the obvious ways. Because he likes to listen as much as he likes to talk; because he’s studious in the way someone is when everything in the whole world interests them; because he leads by example; because he trusts people with the truth and doesn’t pander or play to our baser instincts.

And let me tell you this, when he loves you — as he loves me and my sister and his family, as he loves the men who fought beside him — there is no sacrifice too great. When he cares for you, as he cares for this country, there are no surer hands, and no wiser heart.

And so when he teaches you, by the life he has led, as he has taught me and my sister all of our lives, there is no better lesson: That the future of this country is not only his life’s work. It’s mine and yours. It is all of our life’s work, all of us.

And if we want our children to breathe clean air and drink clean water, if we want them to control their own bodies, if we want them to protect the liberties and opportunities that are our birthrights, we must be involved in the struggle. Because on that day, my father was right, we are the luckiest people in the world. We walk on this soil. We feel this sun. And we are Americans. And now, we’d like to present, our dad, John Kerry!

Source: Democratic National Convention Committee

Speech Text: Vanessa Kerry

Vanessa Kerry, as predicted, delivered a sincere and humorous speech meant to present her father in a familiar and human light. And from this seat, it seems the crowd believes she did just that. Take, for example, her first line:

Thank you. As someone who knows all 6 foot 4 inches of my dad best — 6 foot 6 if you count the hair — I’m here to share some secrets.

Full text in the extended entry.

Vanessa Kerry’s Speech Before the Democratic National Convention, Thursday, July 29, 2004

Thank you. As someone who knows all 6 foot 4 inches of my dad best — 6 foot 6 if you count the hair — I’m here to share some secrets.

Over the years, I’ve come to know him in many ways — through the silly moments, when he laughs with his head thrown back and his shoulders rocking, and through sad moments such as when my grandmother lay dying and also through warm moments when he enveloped me in that Dad hug that overwhelmed me with a feeling of safety.

People ask why Alex and I are so close to our dad — especially since he loved to mortify us when we were little by showing up to our sports games in a bright orange hunting hat and cheered what seemed just a tad too loudly. As I’ve thought about it, I realize it is because he and our mother have given us great gifts: a willing ear, unwavering respect for our choices, and unconditional love.

During the course of this campaign, I’ve heard people talk about John Kerry the father and John Kerry the public servant as if they were two people divided. But, I can assure you all they are truly one and the same. I know his values-revealed in quiet 11 p.m. phone calls of frustration from what he’s seen at work, or the simple reminder that we never turn our backs on those in need. What drives my father to serve is exactly what has made this public servant the father I’m proud of, look up to, and love.

I would like to give you all an inside scoop on this past December. I traveled with my father almost every day of that long, cold month. And I promise you there was not one moment where he doubted his ability to win. Not one week when he lost his fight. He was convinced when others were not. He had the courage to take risks and to fight for his beliefs when others may have given up. He never wavered, he never faltered and he stayed the course.

In that snowy month at a Derry, N.H., chili feed, my father looked to the packed crowd and said, “I want you to look at my heart, my mind and my gut and ask yourself, what kind of president will I be?” It is an important question. What will guide the conscience of a man in his toughest hours, amid the hardest decisions?

Here’s my answer. My father loves this country and is ready to lead it. He believes in challenging oneself to dream and to follow. He believes that fear is limiting, while determination, innovation and optimism will allow us to surpass our own best hopes. And at my father’s core is integrity.

I was reminded of this one fall day two years ago. My grandmother was ailing, and no longer able to leave her bed. She loved autumn, and my father wanted to find a way to bring the foliage to her. Together, we devised a plan that involved copper wire, collected leaves and a little imagination. I watched my 6’4” father hunch over a tiny 8” copper tree. And I watched the focus and the love with which he twisted the wire into a trunk, teasing out the branches and finally weaving the foliage into a rounded tree top. And I noticed the gleam in my grandmother’s eye as her son brought a little bit of autumn to her bedside.

A little while later, he told her his plan to run for president. With a sigh of relief, she said “It’s about time.” And then she smiled, and said, “Johnny, remember integrity.” But it was not so much a reminder as a value she knew her son shared. A statement of need for the times we face today.

We are in a season of great possibility and great hope. And for me that possibility is marked by a tree now on my father’s desk. The leaves are a little worn but the message is still strong. It is one of promise, and hope, of a willing ear and unconditional love, of unwavering respect, and the most important quality which makes all else possible (and I assure you is in his gut) — integrity. And now I’d like to introduce my sister, Alexandra Kerry.

Source: Democratic National Convention Committee

FLASH: DNC STEALS FROM APPLE!!

For some time, Apple has had a section of their web site, called “Switch,” devoted to PC owners who have seen the light.

The Democratic Party has appropriated the concept.

Last night and this, during intermissions and between speakers, the DNC has projected a photo of some citizen with a tag line like this (an actual example from tonight):

REGISTERED REPUBLICAN

Wants her grandchildren to grow up in a safe and secure world.

This hangs over the crowd for a moment, before a line strikes through the “Registered Republican” and these words appear:

Voting Kerry/Edwards in 2004.

And each time, the crowd goes wild. We in the Roost are all quite interested to see the response at the RNC.

The John Kerry Sing-Along

As an intermission to get the crowd moving, the DNC is now playing a version of Rollin’ on the River with modified words that adulate John Kerry. See pic below (and click to enlarge).

The immediate reaction from Blogger’s Roots: “Wow. This is bad.” In the end, though, and cheesy as it was, much of the crowd got into it.

JFK Moment

The hall just darkened, and the DNC put a photo of JFK on-screen with this quote (which they also played over the PA) from his inagural address:

Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans - born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage - and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoings of those human rights to which this Nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.

Blog Spotting: Nate Knows Nada

I’ve spent nearly the entire night next to Nate of Nate Knows Nada. Like everybody else I’ve come to read here, Nate writes a damn fine blog, and my affinity is amplified by his being a genuinely nice guy.

Full Speech Text: Nancy Pelosi

From the DNC, in the extended entry.

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi’s Speech Before the Democratic National Convention Thursday, July 29, 2004

Good evening Democrats! Hello California! I am honored to stand before you as the Democratic Leader in the House of Representatives, and I am proud of my Democratic colleagues for bringing our nation closer to the ideal of equality that is both our heritage and our hope!

Centuries ago, the first settlers came here to realize their dreams for their families, their faith, and their freedom. This week, Democrats come to renew that dream, to reclaim a better future for our families! To express our faith in God and country! And to preserve the freedom we cherish!

Tonight, we will hear from the next president of the United States! John Kerry is an exceptional leader. And he will make an outstanding president! John Kerry has brought Democrats together with optimism! With strength! And with determination to restore the values that have always made America strong at home and respected in the world! But let us be very clear: Our work will not be complete until we give president Kerry and the American people a Democratic Congress!

When I was elected House Democratic leader, I pledged that never again would Democrats go into an election without telling the American people who we are, what we stand for, and what we are willing to fight for! Now here this: every day, in every debate in every vote, House Democrats are standing up and fighting to bring prosperity, opportunity, and security to every corner of America.

First and foremost, we are fighting for those who are wearing America’s uniform so that our military, including our National Guard and Reserves is second to none! Republicans have sent our troops into battle in Iraq without a plan and have cut veterans’ benefits without remorse. Democrats have it right protect our troops and honor our veterans!

Democrats have put forth a positive agenda to grow the economy, create millions of good jobs here at home, and promote small businesses! Republicans offer tax loopholes to outsource American jobs. Democrats have it right! Invest in America and in our people.

Democrats are dedicated to expanding access to quality affordable health care! Republicans stood by while millions lost their health insurance, and they put the interests of HMOs and big drug companies ahead of everyday Americans. Democrats have it right. Health care is a right, not a privilege!

Democrats will keep our promise to our children for safe, fully funded, and accountable schools, with highly-skilled and well-paid teachers. And we will provide every child the opportunity to go to college without going deeply into debt! Republicans have broken their promises on education — from pre- school to college. Democrats have it right. Every student deserves a world class education.

Democrats honor our historic commitment to seniors so they can retire with security and dignity. Republicans raided the Social Security Trust Fund to pay for tax cuts for the richest Americans and created the biggest deficits in our history. Democrats have it right: Protect Social Security with responsible budgets that pay as you go.

And Democrats are committed to a healthy environment to strengthen and enforce the laws that keep our air clean and our water safe. Republicans continue their assault on bipartisan environmental protection. Democrats have it right: Polluters should pay for the messes they make!

My friends, you are the people we work for! These are the values we stand for! These are the priorities we fight for! Prosperity! Opportunity! And security for all Americans! With our clear message, Democrats in the House are more united than at any time in the last 40 years! With our clear message, we have already taken two House seats from the Republicans in special elections this year, in Kentucky and in South Dakota. With our third straight win last week in North Carolina, House Democrats are leading the way in turning red states into blue!

And with our clear message, Democrats will win the House of Representatives in November! We will win because ours is the Party that embodies the values and hopes of our great country. Democrats do not exploit fear to divide and distract the nation. The American people have wisely rejected those cynical tactics in time of war, in time of economic downturn, and in the ongoing struggle against all forms of discrimination.

We are confident that the American people will choose hope and unity in November. In our fight for the American people and the future of our country, we are fortunate to be led by John Kerry, a patriot of vision and courage. John Kerry loves America. He was willing to sacrifice his life for our country.

As president, he will build a future worthy of the vision of our Founding Fathers, worthy of the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform and worthy of the aspirations of our children.

John Kerry has already shown great judgment in choosing John Edwards - a tireless fighter who gives voice to the hopes and dreams of America’s families. John Edwards understands the value of hard work, opportunity, and service. His is the story of the American Dream. With John Kerry as president, John Edwards as vice president, and a democratic majority in Congress - America will be stronger at home and respected in the world!

My friends, we can win for the American people. We can do it. And on November 2, we will do it! Working together, we will win the House of Representatives and elect the first woman speaker of the House!

We can do it! Working together, we will win the Senate and make Tom Daschle the majority leader once again! We can do it! And working together, we will win the White House by electing John Kerry and John Edwards the next president and vice president of the United States!

We can do it!! We can do it! And, working together, we will do it!

Source: Democratic National Convention Committee

Nancy Pelosi

Lot’s of folks talking over Nancy Pelosi, which surprises me some. I expected her to have the rapt attention due a darling of the party.

Not Everyone Can Hit A Home Run

Not everyone here can be the strongest speaker of the night, and Joe Lieberman didn’t exactly knock ‘em dead. Indeed, David Sifry just asked the bloggers to send him “stuff on Lieberman” (that CNN can use as pull quotes) and my reply was “Has he been on yet?”

Good thing they followed him with “Jump” as the musical bumper.

Wes Clark, In Command

Wes Clark is working the crowd into an absolute lather, and each applause line is more robust than the rest. First it was for this:

War. I’ve been there. Heard the thump of enemy mortars. Seen the tracers fly. Bled on the battlefield. Recovered in hospitals. Received and obeyed orders. Sent men and women into battle. Awarded medals, comforted families, attended funerals. And this soldier has news for you: Anyone who tells you that one political party has a monopoly on the best defense of our nation is committing a fraud on the American people.

Then it was for this:

This hall and this party are filled with veterans who have served under this flag - our flag. We rose and stood reveille to this flag. We saluted this flag. We fought for this flag. And we’ve seen brave men and women buried under this flag. This flag is ours! And nobody will take it away from us.

His style: in command but very relaxed. Clearly knows his speech extremely well, and not at all wedded to the TelePrompTer. If the point is for the Hero General to anoint a Commander In Chief, Clark’s doing it. Whatever you may say of the content, he’s nailing the delivery. Unless he falls of the dais, it’s a home run.

Running Early?

I noticed in the DNC email that the Biden speech was embargoed (meaning I can’t post it) until delivery, scheduled for 8:11 PM. He wrapped about 8:03, by my watch … is it possibille that the Dems are actually running early?

If they can finish this thing ahead of schedule, maybe they should run the government …

Anarchists And Open Source Protesting

Earlier I promised a post about the anarchists I came across today in Copley Square. Let’s simply say it was a motley group.

One thing that struck me was the number of participants who had their faces covered, ala Hamas and the evil doers in Iraq. Seemed I bold move, I thought, visually associating yourself with terrorists, so I decided to interview one of the covered.

I didn’t bother to ask for a name.

He was 18, from New Jersey, and a self-proclaimed “anarchist.” And a quick one, too … when I asked who their candidate was he replied “We don’t have one … we’re anarchists.” So at least he’s got that figured out.

When I asked him why he covered his face and head, he said, in essence, that he was afraid for his personal security. “There’s always undercover police in the crowd,” he said, “taking pictures. I don’t want to end up in some FBI file.”

Uh huh. And then they’ll follow you home, I’m sure.

Say what you will about the Patriot Act … it’s had a chilling effect on the anarchists.

“I’m surprised you’d do something that is visually reminiscient of the folks in Iraq who are cutting off peoples’ heads,” I said. He was quick to disavow any terrorist leanings, though. Wanted me to make it clear to everyone that he’s not a terrorist. Just an anarchist.

Here’s something else I found interesting: the protest was not organized … it just emerged from the morning ether. Seems there’s a local organization that was giving out free breakfast and dinner to people in from out of town to protest, and it was at this breakfast that the assorted anarchists, Greens, and Radical Cheerleading Squad members ginned up their event.

So there you go: Open-source protesting.

The View

Before the hall filled today I went down to the media gallery (just behind and to the left and right of the podium) and took this panoramic shot of the Fleet Center. It stiched together quite well, and all bloggers (and anyone else) who wants it is welcome to download it. (Click to enlarge.)

More Official Business

Bill Richardson has now called the convention to order, to great applause, and the strains of America the Beautiful are filling the hall.

More On The Scene

Dave Pell also nicely describes the scene:

The place is packed. It’s hot. We’re crammed in, sweaty shoulder to shoulder. It’s like being bumped around in an issues-oriented mosh pit. And the buzz is remarkable. At least inside the arena, even a phone book reading by Kerry will completely dwarf the rest of the week’s events.

The video montages are getting ovations.

Don't Stand So Close To Me

The current source of animation in Blogger’s Roost: Not enough seats, not because the DNCC didn’t supply adequate seating in our section, but because squatters have realized the quality of the view. It’s beyond crowded up here … and getting a bit ripe, candidly. Tempers, too, are getting short.

They should, though. My sense is that the blogging contingent isn’t flush with cash—especially some of the 20-somethings up here—and making it to Boston is a real commitment. They should at least be able to sit down.

“When Bloggers Collide.” Film at 11.

P Diddy

I’ve spent the past hour trying to secure temporary floor pass, but it seems the DNCC has rescinded that opportunity now that the prime time show has begun. While walking about, however, I stumbled upon P Diddy, who was working the convention for MTV. Indeed, I almost got to know Mr. Diddy too well: One of the MTV cameraman’s cords looped around the button on my blazer, and I was nearly dragged into the elevator with the entourage.

Quick … ask your kids, right now: “What’s more cool … seeing John Kerry accept the nomination, or standing 6 inches from P Diddy.” Don’t let me know the answer.

The Scene, V 2.0

We’re two hours into the first round of speeches, and the scene is already quite different from this time last night. There are more people in the hall, for one, and they’re generally more attentive to the speakers than at this time yesterday.

There’s also a different energy in the hall tonight, both in quality and in volume. Everything is simply a bit more “amped” … the conversation a bit more loud, the press a bit more hungry (if they’re chasing other stories in the same fashion their chasing the Bloggers in The Roost), they eyes of the crowd a bit more wide. Security, too, is more keyed-up: They deployed earlier in the day and have been more rigorous about where you stand and go than yesterday.

It is, in the end, a qualitative matter, and I suppose I’m struggling for words. But the sense one has being here is a sense of not just of building energy and anticipation, but of a building eagerness … almost a fever. The people here know that tonight they will see It. It might be their political hero, it might be their opportunity for political victory, it might be their window for policy change. Or, it might simply be history.

But they all expect to see it, and they all know it’s just around the corner. Like kids eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus, they’re awake with a nervous, excited, and building tension … except here there’s no bedtime, and they get to sit around the fireplace and watch him arrive.

Dear Comrade ...

Earlier I posted the post-speech spin email sent by the DNC to folks on their mailing list, when opens with this:

Dear Friend,

What a remarkable day today is going to be. You and I are going to have the great pleasure of watching John Kerry stand before America and lay out his plans for leading our country in a new, more promising direction.

Then I see this in the comments, posted by KH:

That’s pretty scary… it reads like something Chariman Mao would sign…

Dear Comrade,

What a remarkable day today is going to be. You and I are going to have the great pleasure of watching our Glorious Chairman stand before our heroic workers and lay out his plans for leading our great nation in a new, more promising direction.

I laughed out loud . Nothing against Edwards or Kerry here, but the email does have a sort of soviet-propoganda feel, no?

My Interview With Ed Rendell

I just completed a face-to-face interview with Ed Rendell, Governor of Pennsylvania and former chair of the Democratic National Committee. He was cordial, serious but friendly, and here are some highlights (typed verbatim from my recording of our conversation):

Me: Looking down the road 10 or 15 years, how do you expect the [Democratic] party will change or will need to change in order to continue to broaden it’s appeal?

ER: I actually think the most important movement historically for the DP was the DLC movement that started in the late 80s to begin to get the democrats to focus more on moderate, middle of the road issues, to change our image as being the party of big spenders, not fiscally stable, to change our image to get us involved in law enforcement and things to fight crime, and to get us back into a party that people could feel comfortable with on defense or terrorism. I think that was the sea change and I think that will continue to be the dominant strain for the democratic party for the next 10 or 15 years.

Even Senator Kerry, who’s been … tried to be portrayed by the Republican campaign as extraordinarily liberal, isn’t. I mean he voted for welfare reform, he voted to support the crime bill, he voted for a number of balanced budgets and deficit reduction measures. So he’s by no means a garden variety 50’s or 60’s liberal. And I think that’s important for people to understand. Same thing with John Edwards, who’s for fiscal stability and who’s for a balanced budget.

You know the world has sort of turned upside down. Here you have the Republican party running up the biggest deficit in history, and it was only 10 years ago that the Contract for America wanted a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget. Where would we be today had that passed? So I think the Democratic Party has become the party of fiscal conservatism, fiscal stability, it’s become the party that’s best suited to fight crime. And I think best suited to fight wars as well.

I think the sea change took place gradually between 88 and 2004, and I think that sea change is going to continue to dominate and control the Democratic Party for the next 10 or 15 years.

[… later …]

It’s a great juxtaposition. There are people on the left who think John Kerry’s too conservative, as well as the Bush administration that’s trying to paint him as a wild-spending liberal. I mean, how they can have the hubris to paint anybody as wild-spending, fiscally liberal is beyond me. I mean they are the epitome of spending money we don’t have and causing us serious problems.

Me: Have they [the Republicans] broken the kind of unwritten rule of moratorium [on campaigning] during the convention?

ER: I think the Vice President has to a degree. I think he has … you’re right, there was always this moratorium that the one party would step aside and let the other party have the four days, and I think to some extent they’ve broken the unwritten rule.

Me: Have you taught the good Senator how to order a cheese steak?

ER: Well, he won’t ever order Swiss cheese again, I can assure you of that … fortunately, Senator Kerry is a good learner.

He was beyond gracious to give the blogosphere some of his valuable time, so “thanks” to him and his press folks.

Observation #4: Blogger Media Savvy

An hour or so ago I sat here watching Byron from Burnt Orange Report do an interview with ABC news, which is trolling Blogger’s Roost for on-air material. I’ve seen many of these interviews now, and I have to say that the bloggers are now officially media savvy. Byron, as an example, knows how to give the reporter his name (spelling the surname), plug his site, address the camera, smile knowingly, even work his PC so the camerman can get some good B-roll of him scrolling his blog, and most important, talk in sound bites.

And he’s not alone … many of us up here in the Roost have acquired this skill, learning very quickly on the fly and from those around us. As Byron just told me, “Well, after a few days you get good at it.” But by day 4 it’s clear: The DNC credentialed bloggers … but they’ve created media-savvy hothouse flowers in the process.

The Roost

Some more photoblogging … here’s the view of Blogger’s Roost from the media gallery just to the right of the podium. That’s us … waaay up at the top there, just in front of the klieg lights.

The 2004 DNC, Brought To You By ...

… beer.

Update

I’ve spent the past hour walking the Fleet, taking photos, and interviewing Ed Rendell. Posts on all to follow, and I haven’t forgotten about those anarchists I promised …

Blog Spotting

Today I’m sitting next to Brian Montopoli of Campaigndesk.org. He’s 27, and obviously the kind of nice, smart 27-year-old that can only piss off somebody as inherently jealous of others as I. Read his latest post here.

System Shockers

It’s not every day that you come across a squad of radical cheerleaders. Today, however, is one of those days.

As I left Copley Square with today’s credential, I came across a demonstration of many colors … greens, anarchists in black (who I’ll get to in a moment), and these folks in pink (click to enlarge).

They are a squad of radical cheerleaders: the Syracuse System Shakers (no website as yet). They’re part of an international national network of “Radical Cheerleading Squads” that like to demonstrate with a twist. The basic premise: offer a political message in a manner this manner—pink and fishnets with politically-themed cheers—a bit more palatable than the typical point-and-shout demonstration

I spent some time talking with Kate Cooper, a System Shaker and Radical Cheerleader from Syracuse who’s been here since Monday night. The outfits were pink (“We just wear it ‘cause it’s hot.”), and the message was anti-Kerry.

“We’re here to kind of deescalate the situation,” she said. “We’re very effective in getting our message across to people in a way that’s not too confrontational … we’re here specifically to tell people about John Kerry’s record, and that it’s not that much different than Bush’s.”

While she’s voting for Nader, the group hasn’t issued an endorsement. I particularly enjoyed this guy (again, click to enlarge). Where does a man find fishnets like that, anyway?

Latino Focus

The Boston Globe notes that only two prominent Latinos—Bob Menendez and Bill Richardson—had prime-time podium spots this week, despite the party’s heavy focus on the latino vote.

Robert Kennedy Speech Text

Good morning. Everybody up and at ‘em.

I noted yesterday the Robert Kennedy, Jr. was the first yesterday to use his convention speech to turn up the level of partisan rhetoric, especially regarding the environment. The DNC has now sent me the speech, which you may read in the extended entry.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. President, Waterkeeper Alliance and Chief Prosecuting Attorney, Riverkeeper

In 20 years as an environmental advocate, I’ve been disciplined about being non-partisan in my approach to the environment. If you talk to the CEOs of almost any environmental organization, they’ll say that the worst thing that could happen to the environment would be if it became a partisan issue, the province of a single political party. Five years ago, if you asked experts what they thought was the gravest threat to our environment, they’d mention a whole range of issues, from over-population to global warming, to toxins in our food and air. But today, they’ll give you just one answer: It’s George W. Bush.

You simply cannot talk honestly about the environment today without speaking critically about this administration. This administration has promoted 400 major rollbacks that threaten to eviscerate 30 years of environmental progress. They’ve put polluters in charge of the very agencies that are supposed to regulate them. The second in command of the EPA is a former Monsanto lobbyist. The second in command of the Forest Service is a former timber industry lobbyist.

This administration says that we have to choose between environmental protection on one hand and economic prosperity on the other. But that is a false choice. Good environmental policy and good economic policy are identical. If we treat this earth as a business, converting our natural resources to cash as fast as possible, we might have a few years of pollution- based prosperity. But our children would have to pay for it - pay for it with a barren landscape, poor health, and astronomical clean up costs.

Environmental injury is deficit spending - putting the cost of our generation’s prosperity on the backs of our children. This entire Administration is about deficit spending. They’ve squandered a $5 trillion surplus. And they’ve squandered the goodwill of the world.

When I was a little boy, I went to Europe with my uncle and my father. Thousands of people came out to welcome us. They were proud to name their streets after American presidents such as Teddy Roosevelt and JFK. But in just three and half years, the international goodwill that took America more than 200 years to earn has been squandered.

John Kerry understands that we’ve got to protect our environment not just for the sake of the fishes and the birds, but for our own sake. John Kerry understands that we’ve got to protect our environment because it enriches us - not just economically, but historically, culturally and spiritually.

When we destroy nature, we diminish ourselves. John Kerry understands that.

And that’s why we need to join John Kerry in protecting our environment - in standing up to polluters, preserving our environmental monuments, and keeping our air and water safe for our children.

Source: Democratic National Convention Committee

The General

Wes Clark just took the stage … didn’t say a word … but his mere presence brought the crowd to its feet, and then the crowd broke into a change of “USA! USA!” as he left the stage.

So THAT'S How It's Done

I’ve been wondering all night how the delegates get all that crap they hold up at just the right time … flags, signs … even shirts to wear.

As if they’re reading my mind, the DNCC tells us how, and it’s called the Visibility Team.

Brian Mason and Matt Burton manage a team of 70 or so of the world’s hardest working volunteers. They spend their days backstage stapling and their nights running around the FleetCenter in fluorescent vests, lugging huge bags and boxes of posters, and delivering them to every section building. And they do so without a second to spare. Tonight, for instance, in just the last of their many assignments, they will be handing out 10,000 “Edwards” signs.

It is not easy. For the week, our Floor Manager Shelly Loos estimates that the volunteers will have moved almost 150,000 signs into the bowl of the Fleet.

Tip to Winer’s kick ass aggregator.

I Don’t Feel The Vibe

We’ve seen a number of instances of the “I repeat the line or question and then you repeat / chant in unison” cliché today. The most recent example is Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, who has asked the crowd several times “Who will stand up?” and such, to which the crowd responds “John Kerry will!”

But here’s the issue: in each instance, people have played the game, but the vibe hasn’t really been there. Some of that might be that we’re all wise to the game … that it really has become cliché. It might also be that people are simply in the middle of the convention and the energy level isn’t yet fully tweaked. But I don’t think either of those elements are the whole of the matter. Sharpton had people chanting vigorously when he wished, and sometimes when he didn’t, and the vibe of the crowd was beyond enthusiastic when doing so.

I’m left to wonder: Is it the timing, or the speaker and his or her ability to motivate, or is it the subject? Is the crowd really that passionate about Kerry?

I have to tell you, I’m not feeling it. Now, let’s be clear: the crowd is VERY passionate. And they are VERY passionate about winning the election, and I get lots of “we love the party” vibe and lots of “we love certain party stars” vibe and lots of “boot Bush” vibe. But I haven’t picked up any widespread “we love Kerry vibe.” I don’t hear anyone talking about how excited they are to hear him speak, or how electrified they expect to be when he takes the floor (although, with the continued building of anticipation, I imagine electrified they will be). If anything, the discursive expectations are built around Edwards tonight, who everyone expects to knock it out of the park.

It’s like the woman I interviewed the other night, the dyed-in-the-wool Massachusetts democrat who described Kerry as the “lesser of two evils.” I’ve only been here one day, and it’s too early to say this with any certainty—after all, tomorrow the vibe may be very different—but right now, this feels to me very much a convention for the party and for the upsetting of the incumbent, but not a convention to anoint a favorite leader.

And in the end, it may be that it’s not important … that the point is to motivate the faithful and move the message. But it’s not what I expected to see.

John Mellencamp

None shall call him Cougar. Here’s a snap of the scene (click to enlarge).

Full Speech Text: Ed Rendell

In the extended entry …

The Honorable Governor Edward Rendell’s Speech Before the Democratic National Convention Wednesday, July 28, 2004

My fellow Americans, my Democrats, my fellow Pennsylvanians — thank you for that warm welcome. The greatness of the American people is that we are at our best in times of crisis.

In 1945, America faced a Europe with a shattered infrastructure, a decimated economy, and threatened by an encroaching Soviet Union. To meet that challenge, we launched the Marshall Plan, formed NATO, and changed the course of history.

Today, the crisis is on our shores. The challenge before us is here at home. The price of gas at the pump is at record levels. The cost of energy to run our factories is wreaking havoc on our industrial competitiveness. And families are finding it harder and harder to afford to heat their homes.

Instead of responding with big ideas that put Americans to work, we are exporting jobs, exporting dollars, and we are exporting opportunity — the opportunity to strengthen our economy by becoming the world’s leader in new environmental technologies: the clean cars, efficient appliances, and alternative fuels that are the wave of the future.

And more than that: because we lack a sound energy policy, we are forced to deal with tyrants who fund terrorists in order to keep the lights on in our homes and fuel in our cars.

Our foreign policy is skewed. Our values are compromised. And we are paying a price. John Kerry said it best, “No young American solider should fight and die because of our dependence on foreign oil.”

My friends, we are losing jobs. Our economy is hurting. And middle-class families are feeling the squeeze all because America is dependent on foreign oil, oil that flows at the whim of world events … and too often from the wells of dictators.

John Kerry knows that to build a stronger America, we must do better. We can no longer rely on foreign oil fields to power our economy. We can no longer compromise the interests of our security just to make sure that the pipelines from faraway kingdoms flow freely.

That is why, tonight - here in the birthplace of the American revolution - - we must declare our independence - our energy independence. We must elect a President to lead us toward a safer, stronger America free from the tyranny of foreign oil. We must elect John Kerry.

John Kerry has a plan to move America away from its dependence on Mideast oil. First, to bring down our fuel costs, he will do what it takes to deliver clean natural gas to our factory doors in abundant supply — and at a reasonable price.

And John Kerry will roll up his sleeves to work with coal companies to scrub their plants and create new technologies to generate clean coal energy to heat our homes.

In Pennsylvania, we are already using waste coal to generate electricity and coal mine gas is being converted into energy. And when John Kerry is President, we will become a world leader in the clean coal economy.

Second, John Kerry knows that moving toward energy independence means creating more jobs. There are thousands of people who are choosing to drive new hybrid cars that get great gas mileage. Yet, the waiting lists stretch for six months — with spots on those list being auctioned on e-bay for $500 or more. Yet where are these cars being made? In Korea and Japan.

To make sure those jobs are created here, John Kerry will invest $10 billion in tax incentives for American car manufacturers to convert factories to build these cars of the future right here in the United States and tax credits for consumers to purchase those vehicles.

Third, John Kerry will put America ahead of the rest of the world by boosting demand for alternative sources of energy to 20 percent — and to meet that demand and to put more Americans to work, he intends to make America the world’s largest producer of alternative fuels.

Now, I don’t have a PhD in energy policy. But I do know this: if I use less energy in my house, my electric bill goes down. It’s commonsense - commonsense for me, commonsense for America.

That’s why John Kerry will cut the federal energy bill by $14 billion — freeing up resources for us to invest in education and the economy. And he will help every American family and business to do the same, driving down their energy bills too.

Two hundred and twenty eight years ago — in my hometown of Philadelphia - - a native son of Boston — John Hancock — signed his name to the Declaration of Independence knowing full well the risk of taking this action.

There is only one candidate for president who will courageously offer his signature to American’s new declaration of energy independence because he knows full well the risk of not doing so — that person is the next President of the United States of America, John Kerry.

Thank you, and good night.

Source: Democratic National Convention Committee

Yes, Virginia ...