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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 ...

… reporters wear tennis shoes with their suits.

Is Al Riffing? I Think So ...

FYI, the content on Lincoln and the emancipation proclamation, which produced by far the largest reaction of the speech to that point, was not in the version of the speech pre-released to journalists. I don’t know if he was riffing or if it was a late change … but it sure worked.

Update: This, too wasn’t in the pre-released speech: “With all due respect, Mr. president, read my lips: Our vote is not for sale.” He is riffing large parts of this speech, I believe, including much of the alliteration in the close. There’s simply too much new content for these to be late changes.

Amazing stuff …

Al's Raising The Roof

The largest applause line for Al Sharpton so far:

We are also faced with the prospect, in the next four years, that two or more of the Supreme Court Justice seats will become available. This year, as we celebrated the anniversary of Brown vs. the Board of Education, this court voted 5 to 4 on critical issues of women’s rights and civil rights. It is frightening to think that the gains of the civil and women’s rights movements of the last century could be reversed if this administration sits in the White House for four more years.

Interview With Melissa Fitzgerald

The celebrities are stumping the blogs.

Melissa Fitzgerald, who plays Carol, EA to CJ Craig on the West Wing, just spent a few minutes in Blogger’s Roost pitching for her favorite cause: Environment2004.

Rather than ask about her views on the environment, though, I asked what she thought of those who suggest celebrities should be less outspoken regarding political matters. Her response was immediate and strident:

Everyone has a right to speak and an obligation to speak … [those people] should get involved in the debate.”

Her bottom-line: she has just as much a right to make her voice heard as anyone else, and rather that critique, those who disagree should speak out as well.

I thought this was the most interesting exchange, though:

Me: “When are you starting your own blog?”

Melissa: “I just heard this word for the first time yesterday.”

Ahhh … but your PR agency … they know the word quite well, it appears.

Huge Applause For Kucinich

He comes on stage to the strands of “Power to the People,” and you’d have thought it was Elvis. Close, but no. His voice, high and narrow in range, measured in its meter, has a nearly hypnotic quality in the hall, especially as it echoes through the chamber and off the rafters. In fact, it reminds me of the recordings of Hitler (JUST the voice, trust me … no emails saying I compared DK to AH, please) in its tenor, timber, and pacing. Very surreal …

Full Speech Text: Jesse Jackson

Via the DNC:

Tonight the pendulum swings from pain to possibilities. From hurt to hope. Darkness to light. The line of progress is unbroken:

1944: My father’s generation served in the war - duty without honor.

1954: 335 years of legal race supremacy was ended. Brown versus Board of
Education.

1964: Dr. King. The Public Accommodations bill. Fannie Lou Hamer knocking
on the door at Atlantic City.

1984: The first Rainbow presidential campaign in San Francisco.

2004: Barak Obama symbolizes the line of progress and growth.

These movements enabled Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Carter, and Clinton to be great.

In 1984 a generation of youth - Mayor Kilpatrick of Detroit, Congressman Harold Ford, Congressman Jackson, Junior, Congressman Lee, Congressman Meeks, Alicia Reece, and Reverend Al Sharpton, Congressman Bobby Rush, and Senator Tony Hill of Florida. Senator Paul Wellstone. Seeds sown are now bearing fruit. The pendulum swings, the morning cometh.

In the darkness of 2000, the winners lost and the losers won. Jewish voters in West Palm Beach, immigrants stopped at the polls, a million black votes cast, but not counted. Pain.

In the dark, our nation’s record budget surplus turned into a $500 billion deficit. In the dark, a net loss of jobs in every state. The ignored genocide in the Sudan, and the induced coup in Haiti. And yet, as the darkness abounds, hope abounds even more. For the 44 million people without health care insurance, help is on the way. For parents too afraid to call a doctor for their children because they do not know how to pay the bills, help is on the way. For our seniors, whose Social Security is at risk and who must choose between paying their rent or paying for the soaring costs of their prescription drugs, help is on the way.

This president speaks of leaving no child behind, but leaves 2 million children behind to protect the tax cut for the top 1%. Millions of youth today cannot afford college tuition and cannot find a job. Every child in America deserves a Constitutional Right to an Equal High Quality Education. Yes: Hope cometh in the morning.

In the dark, a president chooses tax cuts for millionaires but job cuts for steel and auto workers, firefighters and police. A president who talks of homeland security but wants to let AK-47’s and Uzi’s back on the street.

Hope cometh in the morning for the children of Appalachia, for coal miners dying of black lung disease every six hours.

Hope cometh in the morning, for our children who were sent to war in Iraq with bad intelligence and worse leadership. Sent to fight for a foreign policy that is foreign to our values and leaves us weaker and less secure. Sent to war in Iraq where words of mass deception are more apparent than weapons of mass destruction. It’s a moral disgrace, I tell you. A moral disgrace. A moral disgrace. America, we deserve better. Hope, cometh in the morning.

But a new day is dawning. A new America turning pain into power. Beyond the extreme right wing is a beautiful rainbow of all of God’s children. Out of the darkness of the bushes, we see the soaring of an authentic American eagle on the horizon. Hope cometh in the morning.

When I campaigned for John Kerry’s Senate campaign in 1996, he was resolved in his convictions, cool under fire. Dr. King said you measure the character of leaders in the fire of crisis. John Kerry stood in the valleys and the shadow of death in the Mekong Delta. Though wounded, he got away. A lesser man might say, “I’m lucky,” and speed away. When he heard comrades had fallen, he led his men back through the Delta to save them. When courage and duty called, he said, “Send me.” John Kerry had the faith and knew God had the power.

In the exalted realm of valor under fire, in this campaign of courage and faith and leadership and honor, John Kerry stands alone, a beacon of hope who will make America stronger, safer, and a more secure America, who will restore the values that make America great. John Kerry sees a new America through a door, not a key hole.

With studied intellect and keen insight, he saw talent and strength in John Edwards — a man whose journey is the best of American folklore. He inherited little, but worked hard and earned much, embodying hope and inspiration. He dares to stand in the gap between rich and poor, black and white, urban and rural — a vision of a new America.

The Bible speaks of the difficulties of rich young rulers getting into the Kingdom. It’s because they are intoxicated by the rarified air of privilege. John Edwards understands using wallpaper for a windbreaker. Peanut butter sandwiches and Kool-Aid. The fear of winter without heat. He grew up on the edge but now stands at the middle of reconciling the breach in our nation.

John Kerry and John Edwards will reinvest in America and put America back to work. They represent hope and healing for a new America. John Kerry and John Edwards will fight for health care for all. John Kerry and John Edwards will fight for our environment and civil rights.

Hope cometh in the morning. In 96 days dark clouds roll away. Children can rejoice. Lady Liberty will be unmasked and unshackled. We can sing again: My country ‘tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died. Land of the Pilgrim’s pride. From every mountainside, let freedom ring. She can sing that song again. The shackles will leave her arms. She can stretch forth in all of her splendor, free of crippling civil rights and liberties. She can proclaim again, “Give me your tired, give me your poor, your huddled masses who yearn to breathe free,” come November.

Let eagles fly to Washington. It’s time to bring our troops home from Iraq and send Bush home to Texas. And it’s time to send John Kerry and John Edwards to the White House this November.

Keep Hope Alive.

Thank you very much.

Blog Spotting: Eschaton

This from Atrios:

One thing that I really want to stress is just how much this event is not a canned television event. It’s one of those things you always hear about conventions, that they’re just a canned event, that they’re a show put on for the audiences at home. It’s shocking how not true that is. Sure, they’re timing the event to fit in with the hour or so of network coverage that they’ve been granted, because while a football game can cut into the Sunday night lineup, something stupid like this can’t. But, otherwise this is a show for the people who are here. And, if the media don’t like the “canned” version, they’re free to cover it any way they want, which appears to involve interviewing people in funny hats.

Atrios (who’s sitting right behind me) on Command Post. Conservative readers of this page will now say we’ve jumped the shark.

Overdelivery 101

Don’t know if you can see it on your TV, but here in the hall Martin O’Malley, Mayor of Baltimore, is over-delivering his speech. Reminds me of Spinal Tap, “This goes to 11.” Definitely striving for Kennedy-esque … falling well short.

Audioblog Post

“Keep hope alive!”

Jesse Jackson Takes The Stage

You can see the speech on TV, so I won’t post about the speech just now. Instead, I’ll remark on the sudden feeling of gratitude that has just washed over me, like a cascade of warm, soft water from above, as I heard the crowd react to this hero of the Democratic party.

It is a very fortunate thing, to watch history as we are. And it is an even more fortunate thing to be party to it. Never in my life did I think I would sit here. This, the blog, the readers … it’s all a very remarkable thing. And while it can ultimately happen in many places on this earth, it could only first happen here, in the United States, and I’m glad to be a part.

So: thank you for reading, and for giving me this front row seat to this small part of our history.

Chill Moment

In an interlude between speakers, the DNC placed a photograph of Geraldine Ferraro on-screen, with this quote, while they played the audio live over the PA.

Ladies and gentlemen of the convention: My name is Geraldine Ferraro. I stand before you to proclaim tonight: America is the land where dreams can come true for all of us …. I proudly accept your nomination for vice president of the United States.

The hall drew more quiet, people looked up from their screens, many of the delegates rose to their feet, and an unexpected chill ran throughout the crowd.

These things you can plan, but the reaction you cannot. And this time, it worked, whether you like GF or not. Wish you were here.

Actually ...

… we’re all playing Quake.

Blog Spotting: TalkLeft

Given that we don’t really opine here on the CP news pages, I’m going to occasionally link to other credentialed bloggers who do opine … especially when I see something tasty. In this case, I’m sitting next to Jeralyn Merritt of TalkLeft, one of my cohorts up here in Blogger’s Roost. She’s a little … well … liberal would be the word. REALLY liberal. So liberal that she goes after Dianne Feinstein. Witness:

Dianne Feinstein just finished. We missed her speech but don’t mind because we think she is the least liberal Democrat in the Senate. She co-sponsored the ill-advised gang bill. She co-sponsored the unnecessary federal Victim’s Rights Amendment. She loves joining up with that paragon of democracy, Orrin Hatch. Spare us. If we were watching on tv, we’d mute her.

Asses In Action

While making my way through the Fleet I passed a woman, Julie Brickman, selling t-shirts that read “Donkeys In The Desert” on the front and “Asses In Action” on the back. I stopped to chat and explore the shtick, and as it turns out, she’s selling the shirts to raise money for the Iraq chapter of Democrats Abroad. DA organizes absentee ballot collection for expat registered Democrats worldwide.

Nice conversation, nice shirt … but here’s what I found interesting: by her account there is significantly greater activity in registering and organizing Dem absentee balloting than in 2000. “Significant?” I asked. “No question … it’s huge,” she said, with 20 new committees formed in recent months.

Given the razor-thin electoral margin many are predicting, this element of the Get Out The Vote effort is likely worth watching.

Visit Democrats Abroad here, and the Iraq chapter, Donkeys In The Desert here. There’s also some blogging about DITD here and here. Also see this New Yorker article.

What?

Dianne Feinstein: A warm welcome, but from up here, completely unintelligible. Somebody let me know if she said something insightful.

An Increase In Partisanship

To this point, one of the minor stories at the convention has been the limited number of direct references to president Bush during the speeches. The directness of attack was increased today, though, by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., President, Waterkeeper Alliance and Chief Prosecuting Attorney, Riverkeeper. I’ll try to find the speech and post it, but it was quite aggressive, especially regarding environmental policy.

The Scene

Wednesday’s convention is under way. There’s not really any “news” here at the moment, but perhaps I can offer a sense of what it’s like being here. First, the hall is perhaps a quarter full on the floor, and nearly empty in the bowl. Although the speakers have begun, the media seats are vacant, and it’s clearly a time in which delegates are making their way here from sightseeing, late caucus meetings, and other mid-day activities.

The delegates that are here are in full-on “mill mode,” making their way across the floor, visiting with each other and talking in small groups.

The early speeches are very brief … perhaps five minutes. The people who are seated appear generally attentive, but the listening audience is much smaller than the number of people in the hall. It’s also clear that the people who are here are skewed to the delegates of the speakers … the entire Washington delegation just rose and cheered for the latest speaker, a member of their elected representatives.

The delegation is very much the cast of characters you see in TV cut shots. From my perch (and we are on a perch, nearly at the top of the Fleet Center), a number of colorful floppy top hats are in view, as are a number of Statue of Liberty hats, American Flag hats, and the old convention standard: the Uncle Sam hat. Hats, it seems, are very much the thing, and I suppose the discerning delegate carefully considers their choice of hat.

My favorite delegate, though, is this gentleman, whom I’ve been calling “Orange Guy.” (Click the pic to see it full-sized.) He’s actually Michael J. “Orange Mike” Lowrey, a Dean delegate from Wisconsin’s 4th Congressional District in Milwaukee. He’s sort of a Hagrid in hunter’s-orange pants, shirt, and hat.

It takes a certain amount of courage to walk about the city of Boston in hunger-orange regalia. A certain level of confidence … and panache. Gotta admire a guy like Orange Mike. From now on, whenever I see the DNC, or hunter orange, I’ll think: Orange Mike … he’s the man.

Lieberman Or Cleland: What Would You Ask?

I’ve signed on to try and interview Joe Lieberman and Max Cleland tomorrow. No guarantees, but who knows … it might work out. So my question is: what’s your question? If there’s anything you’d like me to ask either gentleman, post it in the comments. I’m more than happy to say, “One of my readers wants to know.” BUT … keep it civil, respectful, and serious. Don’t make me sort through snarky questions, please.

Blogger’s Roost Visit: The K/E Campaign

Some of the folks from the Kerry / Edwards campaign just stopped by Blogger’s Roost to say hello. One in particular, Kerry advisor Peter Daou, blogs for the campaign himself … read his posts here.

Like everyone else I’m seeing up here: friendly, earnest, and frighteningly smart. I suspect he was part of the powers-that-be that got us here, and for that he (and the entire K/E camp) has my thanks.

Only Via Blogs

Just came across this in a convention blog post at Democracy for Vancouver:

Before I begin, I want to mention that Madeleine Albright fell on me and I didn’t recognize her. I said to the guy next to me, “some random old lady just fell on me” and he responded, “That was Madeleine Albright.”

Love it.

The Non-Story Story: Violence & Disruption Go To The Cape

I had breakfast with Dan Rubin this morning, and one of the things we talked about was what may be THE key story out of Boston so far:

There’s no story in Boston so far.

We expected the convention itself to be a “non-news” convention … the ticket’s wrapped up, it’s a party production (the DNC even hired an Emmy-winning TV award show producer to do the creative production), etc.

What I didn’t expect was the extreme lack of news outside the convention.

I have not seen protesters (the protester pen notwithstanding), save some friendly Lyndon LaRouche and Billionaires for Bush folks passing out literature. I have not seen any evidence of discord. I have not heard a police officer raise his or her voice. I have not even, truthfully, seen any people. Boston is empty (any locals with any sense abandoned the core of the city days ago). I expect my rush-hour ride in this morning took less time that it would on a Sunday morning.

And how’s this for a statistic: this morning I heard that as of last night there has not been a single convention-related arrest (something I’ll try to confirm).

And in my mind that’s a hell of a story … this convention is so far from 1968, it almost seems like it was 36 years ago. Let’s hope it stays that way …

WEC: Dems contesting Nader on S.C. ballot

Nader off S.C. ballot?

 Independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader will not be on South Carolina’s Election Day ballots, state Democratic Chairman Joe Erwin predicted at a breakfast Wednesday for the state’s convention delegates.

Former U.S. Rep. John Jenrette, D-S.C., (pictured) was among those attending.

While Nader’s Web site reports more than 11,000 signatures have been collected in South Carolina, Erwin said the petitions do not have enough valid names. State Election Commission spokeswoman Hannah Majewski said the Nader campgain met the July 15 deadline and turned in about 800 signatures more than the 10,000 required to get on November’s ballot.

Thursday Schedule Of Events

This via the DNC (email). I plan to at least attend the National Security Advisors briefing.

11 am BRIEFING: EAST/MIDWEST POLITICAL BRIEFING

• LOCATION: Sheraton Boston Hotel
• State directors and top political leaders from Pennsylvania,
• Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Maine, and New Hampshire will brief media on John Kerry and John Edward’s messages and update reporters on the Kerry-Edwards fast-growing grassroots operation in the field.

11:30 am KERRY ARRIVES BOSTON LOGAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

• Location: Signature Flight Support, 240 Prescott Street, East Boston
• Event: Kerry will be met by his crewmates from Vietnam before they board a boat to cross Boston Harbor for an arrival ceremony at Charlestown Navy Yard, Pier 4

12 pm KERRY COMPLETE JOURNEY ON AMERICA’S FREEDOM TRAIL WITH AN ARRIVAL CELEBRATION IN BOSTON

• LOCATION: Charlestown Navy Yard, Pier 4, 197 8th Street, Flagship Wharf, Charlestown

12:30 pm BRIEFING: KERRY CAMPAIGN NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISORS

• LOCATION; Back Bay A Ballroom, Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton Street
• EXPECTED SPEAKERS: General Wesley Clark, General Tony McPeak (former chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force), Rand Beers (Kerry senior advisor on national security), Dr. Susan Rice, and Admiral Gunn

2:30 pm BRIEFING: DEMOCRATIC HISPANIC CANDIDATES DISCUSS HOW THE KERRY-EDWARDS PLAN WILL IMPACT THEIR LIVES

• LOCATION: Back Bay A Ballroom, Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton Street
• SPEAKERS: Carissa Romero (college student, Ohio), Mark Haro (veteran, Florida), Dr. Laura Elias de la Torre (family practice physician, Arizona), Richardo Hernandez (educator, Arizona)

5 pm MAX CLELAND AND VETERANS VISIT HOMELESS SHELTERS

Observations 1 & 2: Youth & Beauty

It was early in my evening last night that I stumbled across my first two observations about the DNC: a disproportionate percentage of the people in attendance are (1) young and (2) very attractive. Seriously … many, many young, lean, well-dressed, attractive folks walking about. Four morphologies are dominant:

• Blue-Suited Young Staffer Guy: The Blue-Suited Young Staffer Guy, in his natural environment, tends to cluster in small groups. Mean age is 27; mean body fat is 5 percent. Likely is a Legislative Affairs staffer, or perhaps a media staffer. If left to roam in his preferred environment, he will make a self-important sounding call on his cell phone.

• Trim Skirt-Wearing Staffer Girl: The Trim Skirt-Wearing Staffer Girl walks always in pairs. Mean age is a bit older than Blue-Suited Young Staffer Guy … possibly 31, body fat percentage is even lower. Professionally, skews toward media. Often pursued by Blue-Suited Young Staffer Guy, but if left to roam in her preferred environment, will walk rapidly toward a location of presumed importance, but can be easily distracted by people of fame and import.

• Delegate: Delegates look much more like you and I, if you and I were to wear red, white, and blue Cat In The Hat hats. Delegates, if left to roam in their preferred environment, will gather together in large groups and seek the nearest source of complementary food and drink.

• Blogger: The least attractive people here … avoid the Blogger at all cost. (Candidly, the blogger contingent here is very impressive. I just listed to David Sifry describe Technorati’s thinking on power curves and media link distribution. The guy is incredibly smart, and the people up here in Blogger’s Roost impress me with their brains and diligence—present company excluded, of course).

So there was very much a “fraternity party” feel around the parts of the city I frequented last night. Not that there’s anything wrong with that … but the level of partying done by young, attractive people here isn’t something of which I had heard (or expected). Tonight we’ll see if it’s any different in the hall itself.

Small Town

Time for a color post: John Mellencamp is rehearsing at the moment, and a small crowd had gathered to watch and listen. Here’s a pic, and click here to listen to a clip I’ve recorded.

In The Roost

I post this from Blogger’s Roost at the Fleet Center … I’ve uploaded a pic from the main / print media section of today’s setup. I’m sitting next to Hugh Hewitt, who’s every bit as pleasurable as he seems. Apologies for starting so late … it took some time to get credentials and make my way here. Forward …

Convention Coverage

Covering the DNC like butter on bread: it’s the a supplement to this week’s Toast-O-Meter.

Speech Text: THK

Courtesy the DNC (via email), here are tonight’s comments from Teresa Heinz Kerry:

Thank you, Christopher. Your father would be proud of you and your brothers. I love you and all our family.

My name is Teresa Heinz Kerry. And by now I hope it will come as no surprise to anyone that I have something to say.

And tonight, as I have done throughout this campaign I would like to speak to you from my heart. Y a todos los Hispanos, los Latinos; a tous les Americains, Francais et Canadiens; a tutti Italiani; a toda a familia Portugesa e Brazileria; to all my continental African family living in this country, and to all new Americans: I invite you to join our conversation, and together with us work towards the noblest purpose of all: a free, good, and democratic society.

I am grateful for the opportunity to stand before you and say a few words about my husband, John Kerry, and why I firmly believe he should be the next president of the United States.

This is such a powerful moment for me. Like many other Americans, like many of you, and like even more of your parents and grandparents, I was not born in this country. As you have seen, I grew up in East Africa, in Mozambique, in a land that was then under a dictatorship. My father-a wonderful, caring man who practiced medicine for 43 years, and taught me how to understand disease and wellness-only got the right to vote for the first time when he was 71 years old. That’s what happens in dictatorships.

As a young woman, I attended Witwatersrand University in Johannesburg, South Africa, which was then not segregated. But I witnessed the weight of apartheid everywhere around me. And so, with my fellow students we marched against its extension into higher education. This was the late 50’s, the dawn of the civil rights marches in America. As history records, our efforts in South Africa failed and the Higher Education Apartheid Act was passed. Apartheid tightened its ugly grip, the Sharpsville riots followed, and a short while later Nelson Mandela was arrested and sent to Robin Island.

I learned something then, and I believe it still. There is a value in taking a stand whether or not anyone may be noticing and whether or not it is a risky thing to do. And if even those who are in danger can raise their lonely voices, isn’t more required of all of us, in this land where liberty had her birth?

I have a very personal feeling about how special America is, and I know how precious freedom is. It is a sacred gift, sanctified by those who have lived it and those who have died defending it. My right to speak my mind, to have a voice, to be what some have called “opinionated,” is a right I deeply and profoundly cherish. My only hope is that, one day soon, women-who have all

earned the right to their opinions-instead of being labeled opinionated, will be called smart or well-informed, just as men are.

Tonight I want to remember my mother’s warmth, generosity, wisdom, and hopefulness, and thank her for all the sacrifices she made on our behalf, like so many other mothers. This evening, I want to acknowledge and honor the women of this world, whose wise voices for much too long have been excluded and discounted. It is time for the world to hear women’s voices, in full and at last.

In the past year, I have been privileged to meet with Americans all across this land. They voiced many different concerns, but one they all seemed to share was about America’s role in the world-what we want this great country of ours to stand for.

To me, one of the best faces America has ever projected is the face of a Peace Corps volunteer. That face symbolizes this country: young, curious, brimming with idealism and hope-and a real honest compassion. Those young people convey an idea of America that is all about heart and creativity, generosity and confidence-a practical, can-do sense and a big, big smile. For many generations of people around the globe, that is what America has represented. A symbol of hope, a beacon brightly lit by the optimism of its people-people coming from all over the world.

Americans believed they could know all there is to know, build all there is to build, break down any barrier, tear down any wall. We sent men to the moon, and when that was not far enough, we sent Galileo to Jupiter, we sent Cassini to Saturn, and Hubble to touch the very edges of the universe at the very dawn of time. Americans showed the world what can happen when people believe in amazing possibilities.

And, that, for me, is the spirit of America-the America you and I are working for in this election. It is the America that people all across this nation want to restore-from Iowa to California, from Florida to Michigan, from Washington State to my home state of Pennsylvania. It is the America the world wants to see, shining, hopeful, and bright once again. And that is the America that my husband John Kerry wants to lead.

John believes in a bright future. He believes we can, and we will, invent the technologies, new materials, and conservation methods of the future. He believes that alternative fuels will guarantee that not only will no American boy or girl go to war because of our dependence on foreign oil, but also that our economy will forever become independent of this need. We can, and we will, create good, competitive, and sustainable jobs while still protecting the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the health of our children, because good environmental policy is good economics.

John believes that we can, and we will, give every family and every child access to affordable health care, a good education, and the tools to become self-reliant. John Kerry believes we must, and we should, recognize the immense value of the caregivers in our country-those women and men who nurture and care for children, for elderly parents, for family members in need. These are the people who build and support our most valuable assets-our families. Isn’t it time we began working to give parents more opportunity to be with their children, and to afford to have a family life?

With John Kerry as president, we can, and we will, protect our nation’s security without sacrificing our civil liberties. In short, John believes we can, and we must, lead in the world-as America, unique among nations, always should-by showing the face, not of our fears, but of our hopes.

John is a fighter. He earned his medals the old-fashioned way, by putting his life on the line for his country. No one will defend this nation more vigorously than he will-and he will always be first in the line of fire.

But he also knows the importance of getting it right. For him, the names of too many friends inscribed in the cold stone of the Vietnam Memorial testify to the awful toll exacted by leaders who mistake stubbornness for strength. That is why, as president, my husband will not fear disagreement or dissent. He believes that our voices-yours and mine-must be the voices of freedom. And if we do not speak, neither does she.

In America, the true patriots are those who dare speak truth to power. The truth we must speak now is that America has responsibilities that it is time for us to accept again.

With John Kerry as president, global climate change and other threats to the health of our planet will begin to be reversed. With John Kerry as president, the alliances that bind the community of nations and that truly make our country and the world a safer place, will be strengthened once more.

The Americans John and I have met in the course of this campaign all want America to provide hopeful leadership again. They want America to return to its moral bearings. It is not a moralistic America they seek, but a moral nation that understands and willingly shoulders its obligations; a moral nation that rejects thoughtless and greedy choices in favor of thoughtful and generous actions; a moral nation that leads through the power of its ideas and the power of its example. We can and we should join together to make the most of this great gift we have been given, this gift of freedom, this gift of America.

In his first inaugural, speaking to a nation on the eve of war, Abraham Lincoln said, “We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave, to every living heart and hearth- stone, all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.”

Today, the better angels of our nature are just waiting to be summoned. We only require a leader who is willing to call on them, a leader willing to draw again on the mystic chords of our national memory and remind us of all that we, as a people, everyday leaders, can do; of all that we as a nation stand for and of all the immense possibility that still lies ahead.

I think I’ve found just the guy. I’m married to him.

John Kerry will give us back our faith in America. He will restore our faith in ourselves and in the sense of limitless opportunity that has always been America’s gift to the world.

Together we will lift everyone up. We have to. It’s possible. And you know what? It’s the American thing to do. Goodnight and God bless.

Speech Text: Ron Reagan

Here’s the full text of Ron Reagan’s Democratic National Convention comments, via the DNCC (email):

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

A few of you may be surprised to see someone with my last name showing up to speak at a Democratic convention. Let me assure you, I am not here to make a political speech, and the topic at hand should not — must not — have anything to do with partisanship.

I am here tonight to talk about the issue of research into what may be the greatest medical breakthrough in our or in any lifetime: the use of embryonic stem cells — cells created using the material of our own bodies — to cure a wide range of fatal and debilitating illnesses: Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, lymphoma, spinal cord injuries, and much more. Millions are afflicted. Every year, every day, tragedy is visited upon families across the country, around the world.

Now, we may be able to put an end to this suffering. We only need to try. Some of you already know what I’m talking about when I say “embryonic stem cell research.” Others of you are probably thinking, hmm, that’s quite a mouthful, what is this all about?

Let me try and paint as simple a picture as I can while still doing justice to the incredible science involved. Let’s say that ten or so years from now you are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. There is currently no cure and drug therapy, with its attendant side-effects, can only temporarily relieve the symptoms.

Now, imagine going to a doctor who, instead of prescribing drugs, takes a few skin cells from your arm. The nucleus of one of your cells is placed into a donor egg whose own nucleus has been removed. A bit of chemical or electrical stimulation will encourage your cell’s nucleus to begin dividing, creating new cells which will then be placed into a tissue culture. Those cells will generate embryonic stem cells containing only your DNA, thereby eliminating the risk of tissue rejection. These stem cells are then driven to become the very neural cells that are defective in Parkinson’s patients. And finally, those cells — with your DNA — are injected into your brain where they will replace the faulty cells whose failure to produce adequate dopamine led to the Parkinson’s disease in the first place.

In other words, you’re cured. And another thing, these embryonic stem cells, they could continue to replicate indefinitely and, theoretically, can be induced to recreate virtually any tissue in your body. How’d you like to have your own personal biological repair kit standing by at the hospital? Sound like magic? Welcome to the future of medicine.

By the way, no fetal tissue is involved in this process. No fetuses are created, none destroyed. This all happens in the laboratory at the cellular level.

Now, there are those who would stand in the way of this remarkable future, who would deny the federal funding so crucial to basic research. They argue that interfering with the development of even the earliest stage embryo, even one that will never be implanted in a womb and will never develop into an actual fetus, is tantamount to murder. A few of these folks, needless to say, are just grinding a political axe and they should be ashamed of themselves. But many are well-meaning and sincere. Their belief is just that, an article of faith, and they are entitled to it.

But it does not follow that the theology of a few should be allowed to forestall the health and well-being of the many. And how can we affirm life if we abandon those whose own lives are so desperately at risk?

It is a hallmark of human intelligence that we are able to make distinctions. Yes, these cells could theoretically have the potential, under very different circumstances, to develop into human beings — that potential is where their magic lies. But they are not, in and of themselves, human beings. They have no fingers and toes, no brain or spinal cord. They have no thoughts, no fears. They feel no pain. Surely we can distinguish between these undifferentiated cells multiplying in a tissue culture and a living, breathing person-a parent, a spouse, a child.

I know a child — well, she must be 13 now — I’d better call her a young woman. She has fingers and toes. She has a mind. She has memories. She has hopes. And she has juvenile diabetes.

Like so many kids with this disease, she has adjusted amazingly well. The insulin pump she wears — she’s decorated hers with rhinestones. She can insert her own catheter needle. She has learned to sleep through the blood drawings in the wee hours of the morning. She’s very brave. She is also quite bright and understands full well the progress of her disease and what that might ultimately mean: blindness, amputation, diabetic coma. Every day, she fights to have a future.

What excuse will we offer this young woman should we fail her now? What might we tell her children? Or the millions of others who suffer? That when given an opportunity to help, we turned away? That facing political opposition, we lost our nerve? That even though we knew better, we did nothing?

And, should we fail, how will we feel if, a few years from now, a more enlightened generation should fulfill the promise of embryonic stem cell therapy? Imagine what they would say of us who lacked the will.

No, we owe this young woman and all those who suffer — we owe ourselves - - better than that. We are better than that. A wiser people, a finer nation. And for all of us in this fight, let me say: we will prevail.

The tide of history is with us. Like all generations who have come before ours, we are motivated by a thirst for knowledge and compelled to see others in need as fellow angels on an often difficult path, deserving of our compassion.

In a few months, we will face a choice. Yes, between two candidates and two parties, but more than that. We have a chance to take a giant stride forward for the good of all humanity. We can choose between the future and the past, between reason and ignorance, between true compassion and mere ideology. This is our moment, and we must not falter.

Whatever else you do come November 2nd, I urge you, please, cast a vote for embryonic stem cell research. Thank you for your time.

Speech Text: Barack Obama

From the DNCC via email, the full text of Barack Obama’s convention speech:

On behalf of the great state of Illinois, crossroads of a nation, land of Lincoln, let me express my deep gratitude for the privilege of addressing this convention. Tonight is a particular honor for me because, let’s face it, my presence on this stage is pretty unlikely. My father was a foreign student, born and raised in a small village in Kenya. He grew up herding goats, went to school in a tin-roof shack. His father, my grandfather, was a cook, a domestic servant.

But my grandfather had larger dreams for his son. Through hard work and perseverance my father got a scholarship to study in a magical place; America which stood as a beacon of freedom and opportunity to so many who had come before. While studying here, my father met my mother. She was born in a town on the other side of the world, in Kansas. Her father worked on oil rigs and farms through most of the Depression. The day after Pearl Harbor he signed up for duty, joined Patton’s army and marched across Europe. Back home, my grandmother raised their baby and went to work on a bomber assembly line. After the war, they studied on the GI Bill, bought a house through FHA, and moved west in search of opportunity.

And they, too, had big dreams for their daughter, a common dream, born of two continents. My parents shared not only an improbable love; they shared an abiding faith in the possibilities of this nation. They would give me an African name, Barack, or “blessed,” believing that in a tolerant America your name is no barrier to success. They imagined me going to the best schools in the land, even though they weren’t rich, because in a generous America you don’t have to be rich to achieve your potential. They are both passed away now. Yet, I know that, on this night, they look down on me with pride.

I stand here today, grateful for the diversity of my heritage, aware that my parents’ dreams live on in my precious daughters. I stand here knowing that my story is part of the larger American story, that I owe a debt to all of those who came before me, and that, in no other country on earth, is my story even possible. Tonight, we gather to affirm the greatness of our nation, not because of the height of our skyscrapers, or the power of our military, or the size of our economy. Our pride is based on a very simple premise, summed up in a declaration made over two hundred years ago, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. That they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights. That among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

That is the true genius of America, a faith in the simple dreams of its people, the insistence on small miracles. That we can tuck in our children at night and know they are fed and clothed and safe from harm. That we can say what we think, write what we think, without hearing a sudden knock on the door. That we can have an idea and start our own business without paying a bribe or hiring somebody’s son. That we can participate in the political process without fear of retribution, and that our votes will be counted — or at least, most of the time.

This year, in this election, we are called to reaffirm our values and commitments, to hold them against a hard reality and see how we are measuring up, to the legacy of our forbearers, and the promise of future generations. And fellow Americans — Democrats, Republicans, Independents — I say to you tonight: we have more work to do. More to do for the workers I met in Galesburg, Illinois, who are losing their union jobs at the Maytag plant that’s moving to Mexico, and now are having to compete with their own children for jobs that pay seven bucks an hour. More to do for the father I met who was losing his job and choking back tears, wondering how he would pay $4,500 a month for the drugs his son needs without the health benefits he counted on. More to do for the young woman in East St. Louis, and thousands more like her, who has the grades, has the drive, has the will, but doesn’t have the money to go to college.

Don’t get me wrong. The people I meet in small towns and big cities, in diners and office parks, they don’t expect government to solve all their problems. They know they have to work hard to get ahead and they want to. Go into the collar counties around Chicago, and people will tell you they don’t want their tax money wasted by a welfare agency or the Pentagon. Go into any inner city neighborhood, and folks will tell you that government alone can’t teach kids to learn. They know that parents have to parent, that children can’t achieve unless we raise their expectations and turn off the television sets and eradicate the slander that says a black youth with a book is acting white. No, people don’t expect government to solve all their problems. But they sense, deep in their bones, that with just a change in priorities, we can make sure that every child in America has a decent shot at life, and that the doors of opportunity remain open to all. They know we can do better. And they want that choice.

In this election, we offer that choice. Our party has chosen a man to lead us who embodies the best this country has to offer. That man is John Kerry. John Kerry understands the ideals of community, faith, and sacrifice, because they’ve defined his life. From his heroic service in Vietnam to his years as prosecutor and lieutenant governor, through two decades in the United States Senate, he has devoted himself to this country. Again and again, we’ve seen him make tough choices when easier ones were available. His values and his record affirm what is best in us.

John Kerry believes in an America where hard work is rewarded. So instead of offering tax breaks to companies shipping jobs overseas, he’ll offer them to companies creating jobs here at home. John Kerry believes in an America where all Americans can afford the same health coverage our politicians in Washington have for themselves. John Kerry believes in energy independence, so we aren’t held hostage to the profits of oil companies or the sabotage of foreign oil fields. John Kerry believes in the constitutional freedoms that have made our country the envy of the world, and he will never sacrifice our basic liberties nor use faith as a wedge to divide us. And John Kerry believes that in a dangerous world, war must be an option, but it should never be the first option.

A while back, I met a young man named Shamus at the VFW Hall in East Moline, Illinois. He was a good-looking kid, six-two or six-three, clear eyed, with an easy smile. He told me he’d joined the Marines and was heading to Iraq the following week. As I listened to him explain why he’d enlisted, his absolute faith in our country and its leaders, his devotion to duty and service, I thought this young man was all any of us might hope for in a child. But then I asked myself: Are we serving Shamus as well as he was serving us? I thought of more than 900 service men and women, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, friends and neighbors, who will not be returning to their hometowns. I thought of families I had met who were struggling to get by without a loved one’s full income, or whose loved ones had returned with a limb missing or with nerves shattered, but who still lacked long-term health benefits because they were reservists. When we send our young men and women into harm’s way, we have a solemn obligation not to fudge the numbers or shade the truth about why they’re going, to care for their families while they’re gone, to tend to the soldiers upon their return, and to never ever go to war without enough troops to win the war, secure the peace, and earn the respect of the world.

Now let me be clear. We have real enemies in the world. These enemies must be found. They must be pursued and they must be defeated. John Kerry knows this. And just as Lieutenant Kerry did not hesitate to risk his life to protect the men who served with him in Vietnam, President Kerry will not hesitate one moment to use our military might to keep America safe and secure. John Kerry believes in America. And he knows it’s not enough for just some of us to prosper. For alongside our famous individualism, there’s another ingredient in the American saga.

A belief that we are connected as one people. If there’s a child on the south side of Chicago who can’t read, that matters to me, even if it’s not my child. If there’s a senior citizen somewhere who can’t pay for her prescription and has to choose between medicine and the rent, that makes my life poorer, even if it’s not my grandmother. If there’s an Arab American family being rounded up without benefit of an attorney or due process, that threatens my civil liberties. It’s that fundamental belief — I am my brother’s keeper, I am my sisters’ keeper — that makes this country work. It’s what allows us to pursue our individual dreams, yet still come together as a single American family. “E pluribus unum.” Out of many, one.

Yet even as we speak, there are those who are preparing to divide us, the spin masters and negative ad peddlers who embrace the politics of anything goes. Well, I say to them tonight, there’s not a liberal America and a conservative America — there’s the United States of America. There’s not a black America and white America and Latino America and Asian America; there’s the United States of America. The pundits like to slice-and-dice our country into Red States and Blue States; Red States for Republicans, Blue States for Democrats. But I’ve got news for them, too. We worship an awesome God in the Blue States, and we don’t like federal agents poking around our libraries in the Red States. We coach Little League in the Blue States and have gay friends in the Red States. There are patriots who opposed the war in Iraq and patriots who supported it. We are one people, all of us pledging allegiance to the stars and stripes, all of us defending the United States of America.

In the end, that’s what this election is about. Do we participate in a politics of cynicism or a politics of hope? John Kerry calls on us to hope. John Edwards calls on us to hope. I’m not talking about blind optimism here — the almost willful ignorance that thinks unemployment will go away if we just don’t talk about it, or the health care crisis will solve itself if we just ignore it. No, I’m talking about something more substantial. It’s the hope of slaves sitting around a fire singing freedom songs; the hope of immigrants setting out for distant shores; the hope of a young naval lieutenant bravely patrolling the Mekong Delta; the hope of a millworker’s son who dares to defy the odds; the hope of a skinny kid with a funny name who believes that America has a place for him, too. The audacity of hope!

In the end, that is God’s greatest gift to us, the bedrock of this nation; the belief in things not seen; the belief that there are better days ahead. I believe we can give our middle class relief and provide working families with a road to opportunity. I believe we can provide jobs to the jobless, homes to the homeless, and reclaim young people in cities across America from violence and despair. I believe that as we stand on the crossroads of history, we can make the right choices, and meet the challenges that face us. America!

Tonight, if you feel the same energy I do, the same urgency I do, the same passion I do, the same hopefulness I do — if we do what we must do, then I have no doubt that all across the country, from Florida to Oregon, from Washington to Maine, the people will rise up in November, and John Kerry will be sworn in as president, and John Edwards will be sworn in as vice president, and this country will reclaim its promise, and out of this long political darkness a brighter day will come. Thank you and God bless you.

Lines of the Night 1 & 2

I spent most of the night in The Purple Shamrock, a local haunt that for the first part of the night was party to the Captain Morgan party, and after that was simply a party party. As the night wore on the place was primarily haunted by locals. So I asked the question, “Tell me about Ted Kennedy.”

Here was the answer, verbatim: “Ted Kennedy could blow up the universe, and I’d still vote for him … he’s the best advocate Massachusetts has ever had.”

So then I ask: “Tell me about John Kerry.” The answer: “He’s the lesser of two evils. Bush is bad, but Kerry isn’t as bad.”

So I’m like, “What? Isn’t this your favorite son? What’s the deal?? Is Kerry a waffler?”

To which this Massachusetts self-proclaimed-liberal replies (and I quote): “Well, for the most part … yes.”

Huh? The local folks proclaiming their own senator a waffler and the lesser of two evils? True, it’s casual random sampling, N of like, 3. But still … it’s gonna’ be a long campaign.

Billionaires for Bush

Still at The Purple Shamrock (but not drinking … it is, after all, a weeknight). One of my interesting encounters tonight was with Billionaires for Bush, a sardonic parody organization that poses as rich people (think the little guy on Monopoly rich), walking the streets in finery (top hats, cigars, evening dresses) saying “Billionaires for Bush!” and handing out anti-Bush literature.

It was odd, seeing all these (primarily young) people, walking down the street as the faithful headed to the Fleet, wearing pearls and sequins, chanting “No billionaire left behind!” I spent some time talking with the person who seemed the leader to me, a more mature woman, trailing the main group in a smashing dress and crystal tiara. Here’s what I learned:

• They had just marched to the RNC office, but received no reaction from the RNC faithful.

• There are several hundred of them here. You know them when you see them. Again, think Monopoly guy.

• Billionaires for Bush has chapters in multiple states.

• Reaction has been very positive, and they’ve passed out “lots of literature.”

• They will soon launch a “limo tour,” which will pass through all 50 states before arriving at the RNC in NYC this August.

Visit Billionaires for Bush here.

Hardball

I blog this from The Purple Shamrock, which has WiFi access. The Captain Morgan party just concluded, but the bar is still and open bar. Free WiFi, free booze … this must be heaven.

My first convention “encounter” was the live broadcast of Chris Mathews’ Hardball, taking place in Faneuil Square (see the pic). Guests were David Gergen and Dee Dee Meyers, followed by Teamster’s chief Hoffa Jr. What was more interesting was how the Hardball producer kept haranguing the pro-Kerry crowd as they went to and returned from breaks (see pic 2). ”Come on Democrats … act indignant!!” Whatever. All TV is staged, but we knew that. All in all it was a cool scene … freedom of press and freedom of speech side-by-side. Hamilton, Jefferson, and the rest of the boys would be proud (as long as they don’t see the Protester Cage, that is).

More to follow …

Sen. Ted Kennedy Speech

Here is Ted Kennedy’s speech from Tuesday night:

Thank you. Thank you, Bob Caro, for that generous introduction. With the continuing support of the people of Massachusetts, I intend to stay in this job until I get the hang of it.

To my fellow delegates and my fellow Democrats — I’ve waited a very, very long time to say this — welcome to my hometown!

To Americans everywhere — whose aspirations have been kindled anew by this campaign — we, who convene here tonight in liberty’s cradle, say: Welcome home!

Welcome home — for the ideals born in Boston and strengthened by centuries of service and sacrifice. Ideals like freedom and equality and opportunity and fairness and common decency for all - ideals that all Americans yearn to reclaim.

And make no mistake: Come November, reclaim them we shall — by making John Kerry President of the United States.

These fundamental ideals light the fire in each of us to do all we can, and then more, to see that next January, John Kerry has a nice new home — at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

It fills me with pride to have our Democratic Convention in this city, this hallowed ground that gave birth to these enduring American ideals. Like my grandfather and my brother before me, I have been privileged to serve this place where every street is history’s home: The Old North Church, where lanterns signaled Paul Revere; The Old State House, where John Adams said independence was born; The Golden Steps, where waves of new immigrants entered this new land of liberty and opportunity, including all eight of my own great-grandparents from Ireland.

Here in New England, we love our history, and like all Americans, we learn from it. We breathe it deep, because it sustains us, it guides us, it inspires us.

It was no accident that Massachusetts was founded as a commonwealth, a place where authority belongs not to a single ruler, but to the people themselves, joined together for the common good.

The old system was based on inequality. Loyalty was demanded, never earned. Leaders ruled by fear, by force, by special favors for the few.

Under that old, unequal system, the quality of your connections mattered more than the content of your character. Your voices were not heard. Your concerns did not matter. Your votes did not count.

The colonists knew they could do better, just as we know we can do better today — but only if we all work together, only if we all reach out together, only if we all come together for the common good.

Now, it is for us, the patriots of this new century to do that, to shape our own better future and make it worthy of our past, to choose a leader worthy of our country — and that leader is John Kerry.

Today, more than two centuries after the embattled farmers stood and fired the shot heard “round the world,” the ideals of our founders still resonate across the globe. Young people in other lands — inspired by the liberty we cherish — linked arms and sang “We Shall Overcome” when the Berlin Wall fell, when apartheid ended in South Africa, and when the courageous protests took place in Tiananmen Square.

The goals of the American people are every bit as high as they were more than 200 years ago. If America is failing to reach them today, it’s not because our ideals need replacing, it’s because our President needs replacing.

We bear no ill will toward our opponents. In fact, we’d be happy to have them over for a polite little tea party. I know just the place: right down the road at Boston Harbor.

For today, like the brave and visionary men and women before us, we are determined to change our government.

I’ve served for many years in the Senate and have seen many elections. But there have been none more urgent or more important than this one. Never before have I seen a contrast so sharp or consequences so profound as in the choice we will make for President in 2004.

So much of the progress we once achieved has been turned back. So much of the goodwill America once enjoyed in the world has been lost. But we are a hopeful nation, and our values and our optimism are still burning bright.

Those same values and optimism are what brought our forebears across a harsh ocean and sustained them through many brutal winters — that inspired patriots from John Adams to John Kennedy to John Kerry, and their strong belief that America’s best days are still ahead.

There’s a reason why this land was called “the American experiment.” If dedication to the common good were hardwired into human nature, we would never have needed a revolution. If each of us cared about the public interest, we wouldn’t have the excesses of Enron. We wouldn’t have the abuses of Halliburton. And Vice President Cheney would be retired to an undisclosed location.

Soon, thanks to John Kerry and John Edwards, he’ll have ample time to do just that.

Our country demands a great deal from us, and we rightly demand a great deal from our leaders. America is a compact, a bargain, a contract. It says that all of us are connected. Our fates are intertwined. Fifty states, one nation. Our Constitution binds us together.

Yet in our own time, there are those who seek to divide us. One community against another. Urban against rural. City against suburb. Whites against blacks. Men against women. Straights against gays. Americans against Americans.

In these challenging times for our country, in these fateful times for the world, America needs a genuine uniter - not a divider who only claims to be a uniter.

We have seen how they rule-they divide and try to conquer. They know the power of the people is weakened when our house is divided. They believe they can’t win, unless the rest of us lose. We reject that shameful view.

The Democratic Party has a different idea. We believe that all of us can win. We believe we are one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. And when we say all, we mean all.

Today in this global age, our goal of the common good extends far beyond America’s borders.

As President Kennedy said in 1963 in his quest for restraint in nuclear arms: “We can help make the world safe for diversity. For in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s future. And we are all mortal.”

Interdependence defines our world. For all our might, for all our wealth, we know we are only as strong as the bonds we share with others. The dangers of terrorism and nuclear proliferation-our greatest challenges - are shared by all nations. And our greatest opportunities-from achieving lasting peace and security, to building a more prosperous society, to ending the ravages of disease and the despairs of poverty-can all be seized. But only if the world works together, and only if America helps to lead in the right direction. And John Kerry has the skill and the judgment and the experience to lead us on that great journey.

The eyes of the world were on us and the hearts of the world were with us after September 11th - until this administration broke that trust. We should have honored, not ignored, the pledges we made. We should have strengthened, not scorned, the alliances that won two World Wars and the Cold War.

Most of all, we should have honored the principle so fundamental that our nation’s founders placed it in the very first sentence of the Declaration of Independence — that America must give “a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind.”

We failed to do that in Iraq. More than 900 of our servicemen and women have already paid the ultimate price. Nearly 6,000 have been wounded in this misguided war. The administration has alienated long-time allies. Instead of making America more secure, they have made us less so. They have made it harder to win the real war on terrorism, the war against Al Qaeda. None of this had to happen.

How could any President have possibly squandered the enormous goodwill that flowed to America from across the world after September 11th?

Most of the world still knows what we can be — what only we can be — and they want us to be that nation again.

America must be a light to the world, and under John Kerry and John Edwards, that’s what America will be.

We need a President who will bind up the nation’s wounds. We need a President who will be a symbol of respect in a world yearning to be at peace again. We need John Kerry as our President.

Time and again in America’s history, we as Democrats have offered new hope — of a stronger, fairer, more prosperous future for all our people, a society that feeds the hungry, shelters the homeless, and cares for the sick — so that none must walk alone.

When the elderly faced poverty and sickness that threatened their golden years, we created Social Security and Medicare.

When the voices of many citizens went unheard and their lives were blighted by bigotry, we fought for equality and justice, for civil rights and voting rights and the rights of women, for the cause of Americans with disabilities.

When higher education was beyond the reach of veterans returning home from war, we created the GI Bill of Rights — and we have continued ever since to make college more affordable for millions more Americans.

When men and women needed protection in the workplace, we demanded safe conditions for their jobs. We insisted on the right to higher pay for working overtime. We guaranteed the right to form a union. We pledged a fair minimum wage, so that no one in America who works for a living should have to live in poverty.

Only leaders who know this history — and abide by the ideals that shaped it — deserve to be trusted with our nation’s future. Sometimes, as in recent years, they have fooled us with their rhetoric. But we will not let them fool us twice.

In the White House, inscribed on a plaque above the fireplace in the State Dining Room, is a prayer — a simple but powerful prayer of John Adams, the first president to live in that great house. It reads: “I pray heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this house and on all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but [the] honest and wise ever rule under this roof.” In November, we will make those words ring true again.

All of us who know John Kerry know that he is a fitting heir to these ideals. I have known John Kerry for three decades. I have known him as a soldier, as a peacemaker, as a prosecutor, as a Senator, and as a friend. And in every role he has shown his strengths. He was the right man for every tough task and he is the right leader for this time in history.

John is a war hero who understands that America’s strength comes from many sources — especially the power of our ideas. He knows that a true leader inspires hope and vanquishes fear.

This administration does neither. Instead it brings fear. Fear of rising costs for health care and for college. Fear of higher unemployment and lesser pay. Fear for the future of Social Security and Medicare. Fear of greater bigotry. Fear of pollution’s stain on our magnificent natural heritage. Fear of four more years of dreams denied and promises unfulfilled and progressed rolled back.

In the depths of the Depression, Franklin Roosevelt inspired the nation when he said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” Today, we say the only thing we have to fear is four more years of George Bush.

John Kerry offers hope, not fear. The hope of real victory against terrorism and true security at home. Of good health care for all Americans. Of Social Security that is always there for the elderly. Of schools that open golden doors of opportunity for all our children. Of an economy that works for everyone. That’s the kind of America we’ll have with John Kerry in the White House.

The roots of that America are planted deep in the New England soil. Across this region are burial grounds - many so humble you find them without intending to. You’re in a town like Concord, Massachusetts, or Hancock, New Hampshire. You’re visiting the old church there, and behind the chapel you find a small plot. Simple stones bearing simple markers. The markers say “War of 1776.”

They do not ask for attention. But they command it all the same. These are the patriots who won our freedom. These are the first Americans, who enlisted in a fight for something larger than themselves-for a shared faith in the future-for a nation that was alive in their hearts but not yet a part of their world.

They and their fellow patriots won their battle. But the larger battle for freedom, justice, equality and opportunity is our battle too, and it is never fully won. Each new generation has to take up the cause. Sometimes with weapons in hand; sometimes armed only with faith and hope, like the marchers in Birmingham or Selma four decades ago.

Sometimes the fight is waged in Congress or the courts; sometimes on foreign shores, like the battle that called one of my brothers to war in the Pacific, and another to die in Europe.

Now it is our turn to take up the cause. Our struggle is not with some monarch named George who inherited the crown.

Although it often seems that way.

Our struggle is with the politics of fear and favoritism in our own time, in our own country. Our struggle-like so many others before-is with those who put their own narrow interest ahead of the public interest.

We hear echoes of past battles in the quiet whisper of the sweetheart deal, in the hushed promise of a better break for the better connected. We hear them in the cries of the false patriots who bully dissenters into silence and submission. These are familiar fights. We’ve fought and won them before. And with John Kerry and John Edwards leading us, we will win them again and make America stronger at home and respected once more in the world.

For centuries, kings ruled by what they claimed was divine right. They could not be questioned. They could not be challenged. The people’s fate was not their own. But today, because of the surpassing wisdom of our founders, the constant courage of the patriots of the past, and the shared sacrifice of generations of Americans who kept the faith, the power of America still rests securely in citizens’ hands. In our hands.

True to our highest and noblest ideals, we intend to use that power. We will use it wisely and well. We will use it, in the poet’s words my brothers loved, “to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.” We will use it to heal, to build, to hope, and to dream again. And in doing so, we will truly make our country once more America the Beautiful.

Thank you very much.

Fahrenheit 9/11 and Moore feted this morning

Before the convention began today, Michael Moore screened Fahrenheit 9/11 to a packed house. He also received a key to the city of Cambridge, Mass. Photos and coverage available at the Wireless Election Connection student journalists’ moblog:
Moore: Bush a ‘hateriot’,
Moore reserved
Just in time for Moore
and Moore honored

Boots On The Ground

It seems I’ve arrived too late to secure my credentials for today, so I’ll likely be on the outside looking in … that said, there should still be plenty to blog, and I hope do so shortly from downtown.

Convention Dems not takin' Whoopi

NY DAILY NEWS: Convention Dems not takin’ Whoopi

Don’t look for Whoopi Goldberg at the Democratic National Convention: We hear the Kerry-Edwards campaign thinks the comic is still radioactive after her controversial Bush-bashing jokes at a recent Radio City fund-raiser.

Democratic strategists have asked far-left celebs and pundits to hold their tongues this week because “they don’t want the chattering class clouding their message,” says a well-placed source.

Whoopi, who didn’t let the Kerry camp preview her jokes prior to the Radio City gig, won’t be among the sanctioned message-bearers at the convention.

Director Rob Reiner is among those who think her blue-tinged routine was a gift to Republican Kerry-baiters.

“When you’re representing a candidate, you have to be more careful about what you say,” Reiner tells us. “There’s plenty to say about Bush without resorting to name-calling.”

Reiner thinks Billy Crystal did a better job as emcee of a major Kerry fund-raiser in Los Angeles.

“Billy’s a brilliant comedian,” says Reiner, “because he knows how to walk up to the line and not cross it.”

(FYI: Crystal and Goldberg were co-hosts of the Comic Relief fundraising comedy concerts along with Robin Williams.)

Tonight: Stem Cells

The WSJ reports that tonight’s Dem podium agenda will place the “spotlight” on stem cell research:

A high point will be a speech by Ron Reagan, son of the late President Reagan. The younger Mr. Reagan’s presence at a Democratic convention is seen as a coup by the party. Mr. Reagan is expected to repeat recent remarks calling for the government to launch an “Apollo style” program to investigate embryonic stem-cell research for its potential to “revolutionize medicine.”

Understatement Of The Year?

Headlines Of The Painfully Obvious, brought to you by the BBC: Conventions More Show Than Substance.

Covering The Coverage Of The Coverage

Lisa Stone is covering the blog coverage here at the LA Times Convention Blog Watch. Let’s see … I think that’s at least meta-meta, right?

Full Speech Text: Bill Clinton

I’ve posted Bill Clinton’s convention speech in the extended entry (source, DNCC email). It begins with:

Thank you. I am honored to share the podium with my Senator, though I think I should be introducing her. I’m proud of her and so grateful to the people of New York that the best public servant in our family is still on the job and grateful to all of you, especially my friends from Arkansas, for the chance you gave us to serve our country in the White House.

I am also honored to share this night with President Carter, who has inspired the world with his work for peace, democracy, and human rights. And with Al Gore, my friend and partner for eight years, who played such a large role in building the prosperity and progress that brought America into the 21st century, who showed incredible grace and patriotism under pressure, and who is the living embodiment that every vote counts — and must be counted in every state in America.

Tonight I speak as a citizen, returning to the role I have played for most of my life as a foot soldier in the fight for our future, as we nominate a true New England patriot for president. The state that gave us John Adams and John Kennedy has now given us John Kerry, a good man, a great senator, a visionary leader. We are constantly told America is deeply divided. But all Americans value freedom, faith, and family. We all honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world.

The following is a transcript of a speech by William J. Clinton at the Democratic National Convention on Monday, July 26, 2004:

Thank you. I am honored to share the podium with my Senator, though I think I should be introducing her. I’m proud of her and so grateful to the people of New York that the best public servant in our family is still on the job and grateful to all of you, especially my friends from Arkansas, for the chance you gave us to serve our country in the White House.

I am also honored to share this night with President Carter, who has inspired the world with his work for peace, democracy, and human rights. And with Al Gore, my friend and partner for eight years, who played such a large role in building the prosperity and progress that brought America into the 21st century, who showed incredible grace and patriotism under pressure, and who is the living embodiment that every vote counts — and must be counted in every state in America.

Tonight I speak as a citizen, returning to the role I have played for most of my life as a foot soldier in the fight for our future, as we nominate a true New England patriot for president. The state that gave us John Adams and John Kennedy has now given us John Kerry, a good man, a great senator, a visionary leader. We are constantly told America is deeply divided. But all Americans value freedom, faith, and family. We all honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world.

We all want good jobs, good schools, health care, safe streets, a clean environment. We all want our children to grow up in a secure America leading the world toward a peaceful future. Our differences are in how we can best achieve these things, in a time of unprecedented change. Therefore, we Democrats will bring the American people a positive campaign, arguing not who’s good and who’s bad, but what is the best way to build the safe, prosperous world our children deserve.

The 21st century is marked by serious security threats, serious economic challenges, and serious problems like global warming and the AIDS epidemic. But it is also full of enormous opportunities-to create millions of high paying jobs in clean energy, and biotechnology; to restore the manufacturing base and reap the benefits of the global economy through our diversity and our commitment to decent labor and environmental standards everywhere; and to create a world where we can celebrate our religious and racial differences, because our common humanity matters more.

To build that kind of world we must make the right choices; and we must have a president who will lead the way. Democrats and Republicans have very different and honestly held ideas on that choices we should make, rooted in fundamentally different views of how we should meet our common challenges at home and how we should play our role in the world. Democrats want to build an America of shared responsibilities and shared opportunities and more global cooperation, acting alone only when we must.

We think the role of government is to give people the tools and conditions to make the most of their lives. Republicans believe in an America run by the right people, their people, in a world in which we act unilaterally when we can, and cooperate when we have to.

They think the role of government is to concentrate wealth and power in the hands of those who embrace their political, economic, and social views, leaving ordinary citizens to fend for themselves on matters like health care and retirement security. Since most Americans are not that far to the right, they have to portray us Democrats as unacceptable, lacking in strength and values. In other words, they need a divided America. But Americans long to be united. After 9/11, we all wanted to be one nation, strong in the fight against terror. The president had a great opportunity to bring us together under his slogan of compassionate conservatism and to unite the world in common cause against terror.

Instead, he and his congressional allies made a very different choice: to use the moment of unity to push America too far to the right and to walk away from our allies, not only in attacking Iraq before the weapons inspectors finished their jobs, but in withdrawing American support for the Climate Change Treaty, the International Court for war criminals, the ABM treaty, and even the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.

Now they are working to develop two new nuclear weapons which they say we might use first. At home, the President and the Republican Congress have made equally fateful choices indeed. For the first time ever when America was on a war footing, there were two huge tax cuts, nearly half of which went to the top one percent. I’m in that group now for the first time in my life.

When I was in office, the Republicans were pretty mean to me. When I left and made money, I became part of the most important group in the world to them. At first I thought I should send them a thank you note — until I realized they were sending you the bill.

They protected my tax cuts while:
— Withholding promised funding for the Leave No Child Behind Act, leaving
over 2 million children behind
— Cutting 140,000 unemployed workers out of job training
— 100,000 working families out of child care assistance
— 300,000 poor children out of after school programs
— Raising out of pocket healthcare costs to veterans
— Weakening or reversing important environmental advances for clean air
and the preservation of our forests.

Everyone had to sacrifice except the wealthiest Americans, who wanted to do their part but were asked only to expend the energy necessary to open the envelopes containing our tax cuts. If you agree with these choices, you should vote to return them to the White House and Congress. If not, take a look at John Kerry, John Edwards and the Democrats.

In this year’s budget, the White House wants to cut off federal funding for 88,000 uniformed police, including more than 700 on the New York City police force who put their lives on the line on 9/11. As gang violence is rising and we look for terrorists in our midst, Congress and the President are also about to allow the ten-year-old ban on assault weapons to expire. Our crime policy was to put more police on the streets and take assault weapons off the streets. It brought eight years of declining crime and violence. Their policy is the reverse, they’re taking police off the streets and putting assault weapons back on the streets. If you agree with their choices, vote to continue them. If not, join John Kerry, John Edwards and the Democrats in making America safer, smarter, and stronger.

On Homeland Security, Democrats tried to double the number of containers at ports and airports checked for Weapons of Mass Destruction. The one billion dollar cost would have been paid for by reducing the tax cut of 200,000 millionaires by five thousand dollars each. Almost all 200,000 of us would have been glad to pay 5,000 dollars to make the nearly 300 million Americans safer-but the measure failed because the White House and the Republican leadership in the House decided my tax cut was more important — If you agree with that choice, re-elect them. If not, give John Kerry and John Edwards a chance.

These policies have turned the projected 5.8 trillion dollar surplus we left-enough to pay for the baby boomers retirement-into a projected debt of nearly 5 trillion dollars, with a 400 plus billion dollar deficit this year and for years to come. How do they pay for it? First by taking the monthly surplus in Social Security payments and endorsing the checks of working people over to me to cover my tax cut. But it’s not enough. They are borrowing the rest from foreign governments, mostly Japan and China. Sure, they’re competing with us for good jobs but how can we enforce our trade laws against our bankers? If you think it’s good policy to pay for my tax cut with the Social Security checks of working men and women, and borrowed money from China, vote for them. If not, John Kerry’s your man.

We Americans must choose for President one of two strong men who both love our country, but who have very different worldviews: Democrats favor shared responsibility, shared opportunity, and more global cooperation. Republicans favor concentrated wealth and power, leaving people to fend for themselves and more unilateral action. I think we’re right for two reasons: First, America works better when all people have a chance to live their dreams. Second, we live in an interdependent world in which we can’t kill, jail, or occupy all our potential adversaries, so we have to both fight terror and build a world with more partners and fewer terrorists. We tried it their way for twelve years, our way for eight, and then their way for four more.

By the only test that matters, whether people were better off when we finished than when we started, our way works better-it produced over 22 million good jobs, rising incomes, and 100 times as many people moving out of poverty into the middle class. It produced more health care, the largest increase in college aid in 50 years, record home ownership, a cleaner environment, three surpluses in a row, a modernized defense force, strong efforts against terror, and an America respected as a world leader for peace, security and prosperity.

More importantly, we have great new champions in John Kerry and John Edwards. Two good men with wonderful wives-Teresa a generous and wise woman who understands the world we are trying to shape. And Elizabeth, a lawyer and mother who understands the lives we are all trying to lift. Here is what I know about John Kerry. During the Vietnam War, many young men — including the current president, the vice president and me-could have gone to Vietnam but didn’t. John Kerry came from a privileged background and could have avoided it too. Instead he said, send me.

When they sent those swift-boats up the river in Vietnam, and told them their job was to draw hostile fire-to show the American flag and bait the enemy to come out and fight-John Kerry said, send me. When it was time to heal the wounds of war and normalize relations with Vietnam-and to demand an accounting of the POWs and MIAs we lost there-John Kerry said, send me.

When we needed someone to push the cause of inner-city kids struggling to avoid a life of crime, or to bring the benefits of high technology to ordinary Americans, or to clean the environment in a way that creates jobs, or to give small businesses a better chance to make it, John Kerry said send me.

Tonight my friends, I ask you to join me for the next 100 days in telling John Kerry’s story and promoting his plans. Let every person in this hall and all across America say to him what he has always said to America: Send Me. The bravery that the men who fought by his side saw in battle I’ve seen in the political arena. When I was President, John Kerry showed courage and conviction on crime, on welfare reform, on balancing the budget at a time when those priorities were not exactly a way to win a popularity contest in our party.

He took tough positions on tough problems. John Kerry knows who he is and where he’s going. He has the experience, the character, the ideas and the values to be a great President. In a time of change he has two other important qualities: his insatiable curiosity to understand the forces shaping our lives, and a willingness to hear the views even of those who disagree with him. Therefore his choices will be full of both conviction and common sense.

He proved that when he picked a tremendous partner in John Edwards. Everybody talks about John Edwards’ energy, intellect, and charisma. The important thing is how he has used his talents to improve the lives of people who — like John himself — had to work hard for all they’ve got. He has always championed the cause of people too often left out or left behind. And that’s what he’ll do as our Vice President.

Their opponents will tell you to be afraid of John Kerry and John Edwards, because they won’t stand up to the terrorists — don’t you believe it. Strength and wisdom are not conflicting values — they go hand in hand. John Kerry has both. His first priority will be keeping America safe. Remember the scripture: Be Not Afraid.

John Kerry and John Edwards, have good ideas:
— To make this economy work again for middle-class Americans;
— To restore fiscal responsibility;
— To save Social Security; to make healthcare more affordable and college
more available;
— To free us from dependence on foreign oil and create new jobs in clean
energy;
— To rally the world to win the war on terror and to make more friends
and fewer terrorists.

At every turning point in our history we the people have chosen unity over division, heeding our founders’ call to America’s eternal mission: to form a more perfect union, to widen the circle of opportunity, deepen the reach of freedom, and strengthen the bonds of community.

It happened because we made the right choices. In the early days of the republic, America was at a crossroads much like it is today, deeply divided over whether or not to build a real nation with a national economy, and a national legal system. We chose a more perfect union.

In the Civil War, America was at a crossroads, divided over whether to save the union and end slavery — we chose a more perfect union. In the 1960s, America was at a crossroads, divided again over civil rights and women’s rights. Again, we chose a more perfect union. As I said in 1992, we’re all in this together; we have an obligation both to work hard and to help our fellow citizens, both to fight terror and to build a world with more cooperation and less terror. Now again, it is time to choose.

Since we’re all in the same boat, let us chose as the captain of our ship a brave good man who knows how to steer a vessel though troubled waters to the calm seas and clear skies of our more perfect union. We know our mission. Let us join as one and say in a loud, clear voice: Send John Kerry.

The Inside Story

Want to know what’s really going on behind the scenes in Boston? Read Ninja Stu, who’s spending his night tonight helping make certain I’ll be able to enjoy a WiFi connection tomorrow night.

Thank you, Ninja Stu … the beer’s on me this week.

Text Of Hillary Clinton's Speech

The Minnneapolis Star Tribune has posted Hillary Clinton’s convention remarks … I’ve posted them in the extended entry as well. They begin:

Twelve years ago, when our country needed new leadership, Americans elected a Democrat who gave us eight years of peace, prosperity, and promise. Tonight I have the pleasure of introducing the next great Democratic president, John Kerry.

We meet at a moment of great peril, but also of great hope. Together we can widen the circle of opportunity for all Americans, transcend our differences and divisions, and give our children a safer and more secure future. That’s the promise of America, and John Kerry will renew that promise. He will lead the world, not alienate it. Lower the deficit, not raise it. Create good jobs, not lose them. Solve a health care crisis, not ignore it. I know a thing or two about health care. And the problems have only gotten worse in the past four years.

Twelve years ago, when our country needed new leadership, Americans elected a Democrat who gave us eight years of peace, prosperity, and promise. Tonight I have the pleasure of introducing the next great Democratic president, John Kerry.

We meet at a moment of great peril, but also of great hope. Together we can widen the circle of opportunity for all Americans, transcend our differences and divisions, and give our children a safer and more secure future. That’s the promise of America, and John Kerry will renew that promise. He will lead the world, not alienate it. Lower the deficit, not raise it. Create good jobs, not lose them. Solve a health care crisis, not ignore it. I know a thing or two about health care. And the problems have only gotten worse in the past four years.

We need to rededicate ourselves to the task of providing coverage for 44 million Americans who are uninsured and the millions of others who face rising costs. We need to lift the ban on stem cell research and find cures that will help millions of Americans.

Health care is a serious issue that requires serious solutions, and that’s what John Kerry will give us. John Kerry will give America something else, a great vice president. I’ve served with John Edwards. He’s smart, he’s energetic, he’s empathetic, and he understands the challenges that hardworking Americans face in their daily lives. Americans will be proud to have the Kerry-Edwards team in the White House, and they’ll be proud to have their extraordinary partners, Teresa Heinz Kerry and Elizabeth Edwards, there as well.

We’ve been through our share of challenges as Americans, from a Civil War to a Great Depression to world wars and more. Today we face a new threat. Being a senator from New York, I saw firsthand the devastation of 9-11. I visited Ground Zero right after we were attacked. I felt like I was standing at the gates of hell. I hope no American ever has to witness a sight like that again. That tragedy changed all of us. I know it changed me. And every day now, as a mother, as a senator, and as an American, I worry about whether we are acting as wisely as we can to protect our country and our people.

Last week, the bipartisan 9-11 commission issued its report. It was a sober call to action that we ignore at our peril. John Kerry understands what’s at stake. We need to fully equip and train our firefighters, police officers and emergency medical technicians - our first responders in the event of a terrorist attack.

We need to secure our borders and our ports, as well as our chemical and nuclear plants. We need to reorganize our federal government to meet the new threats of these times. We need to make sure that homeland security is properly funded and that resources go to areas at greatest risk. We need to take care of our men and women in uniform who risked their lives for our country. These brave Americans deserve better. We need to increase our troop strength, raise their pay, and provide veterans, the National Guard, and Reserve with the benefits they’re entitled to.

Do you know what we need to meet those challenges? We need John Kerry. John Kerry is a serious man for a serious job. So let’s work our hearts out and send him to the White House in 2004. And I’m optimistic we will because I know a great leader when I see one. And so does America.

In 1992 and 1996, Americans chose a president who left our country in far better shape than when he took office. He still spends his days working to empower the powerless, promote racial, religious, and ethnic reconciliation, inspire young people to citizen service, and bring life-saving medicines to people living with HIV/AIDS around the world. He showed Democrats how to win again. And so will John Kerry. Please welcome the 42nd president of the United States, Bill Clinton.

MTV Dem Essay Contest Winner

Michael Negron won the MTV Democratic National Convention Essay Contest with this entry (source, DNCC email):

Elections are about the future. Yet my generation too often opts out and sits on the sidelines as politicians make decisions that affect our lives.

It’s not that we are apathetic. Sixty-one percent of us volunteer regularly. We tutor children, paint schools, work at soup kitchens, and give our time and energy to help communities across the nation. The problem is that many of us have lost faith in the political process. We don’t see the connection between policies made in city halls and state capitols and what happens in our daily lives.

What’s most tragic about our political disenchantment is that our generation has the most to lose. Today, thousands of young soldiers are in Iraq, fighting a war sold under false pretenses. Our young soldiers are bearing the huge burden of this war, yet the current administration tried to cut combat pay for the troops while doling out tax breaks to the richest Americans.

At home, over one-third of the nation’s working poor are in our age group, and we make up the majority of those without health insurance. College tuitions costs are rising faster than our parents’ income. It’s getting harder and harder to believe in the American dream, and our faith won’t be restored through volunteerism alone.

Meanwhile, the current administration’s blustering foreign policy risks alienating an entire generation of young people throughout the world. They’re watching us and forming the opinions of our country they will hold for the rest of their lives. We must show them that we are a beacon of freedom and human rights around the world.

Young Americans have clear incentives to become more involved in the political process. My generation will fight the wars to defend our country. We will also bear the burden of debt racked up by this administration. America is the most powerful country in history, and it is our generation’s duty to use this power for good, at home and abroad.

In the next few years, our leaders will make decisions on war and peace, social security and health care. If we don’t participate, if we sit on the sidelines, then we surrender any say over our own futures. But if we go to the polls in November, if we make our voices heard, then our leaders will listen and our future will truly be our own.

Full Text Of Carter's Speech

I’ve posted the full text of Carter’s speech in the extended entry (source, DNCC).

The Honorable Jimmy Carter Democratic National Convention Monday, July 26, 2004

My name is Jimmy Carter, and I’m not running for president. But here’s what I will be doing: everything I can to put John Kerry in the White House with John Edwards right there beside him.

Twenty-eight years ago I was running for president, and I said then, “I want a government as good and as honest and as decent and as competent and as compassionate as are the American people.” I say this again tonight, and that is exactly what we will have next January with John Kerry as president of the United States.

As many of you know, my first chosen career was in the United States Navy, where I served as a submarine officer. At that time, my shipmates and I were ready for combat and prepared to give our lives to defend our nation and its principles.

At the same time, we always prayed that our readiness would preserve the peace. I served under two presidents, Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower, men who represented different political parties. Both of whom had faced their active military responsibilities with honor.

They knew the horrors of war, and later, as commanders-in-chief, they exercised restraint and judgment and had a clear sense of mission. We had confidence that our leaders, military and civilian, would not put our soldiers and sailors in harm’s way by initiating “wars of choice” unless America’s vital interests were endangered.

We also were sure that these presidents would not mislead us when it came to issues involving our nation’s security. Today, our Democratic party is led by another former naval officer — one who volunteered for military service. He showed up when assigned to duty, and he served with honor and distinction.

He also knows the horrors of war and the responsibilities of leadership, and I am confident that next January he will restore the judgment and maturity to our government that is sorely lacking today. I am proud to call Lieutenant John Kerry my shipmate, and I am ready to follow him to victory in November.

As you know, our country faces many challenges at home involving energy, taxation, the environment, education, and health. To meet these challenges, we need new leaders in Washington whose policies are shaped by working American families instead of the super-rich and their armies of lobbyists. But the biggest reason to make John Kerry president is even more important. It is to safeguard the security of our nation.

Today, our dominant international challenge is to restore the greatness of America — based on telling the truth, a commitment to peace, and respect for civil liberties at home and basic human rights around the world. Truth is the foundation of our global leadership, but our credibility has been shattered and we are left increasingly isolated and vulnerable in a hostile world. Without truth — without trust — America cannot flourish. Trust is at the very heart of our democracy, the sacred covenant between the president and the people.

When that trust is violated, the bonds that hold our republic together begin to weaken. After 9/11, America stood proud, wounded but determined and united. A cowardly attack on innocent civilians brought us an unprecedented level of cooperation and understanding around the world. But in just 34 months, we have watched with deep concern as all this goodwill has been squandered by a virtually unbroken series of mistakes and miscalculations. Unilateral acts and demands have isolated the United States from the very nations we need to join us in combating terrorism.

Let us not forget that the Soviets lost the Cold War because the American people combined the exercise of power with adherence to basic principles, based on sustained bipartisan support. We understood the positive link between the defense of our own freedom and the promotion of human rights. Recent policies have cost our nation its reputation as the world’s most admired champion of freedom and justice. What a difference these few months of extremism have made!

The United States has alienated its allies, dismayed its friends, and inadvertently gratified its enemies by proclaiming a confused and disturbing strategy of “preemptive” war. With our allies disunited, the world resenting us, and the Middle East ablaze, we need John Kerry to restore life to the global war against terrorism.

In the meantime, the Middle East peace process has come to a screeching halt for the first time since Israel became a nation. All former presidents, Democratic and Republican, have attempted to secure a comprehensive peace for Israel with hope and justice for the Palestinians. The achievements of Camp David a quarter century ago and the more recent progress made by President Bill Clinton are now in peril.

Instead, violence has gripped the Holy Land, with the region increasingly swept by anti-American passions. Elsewhere, North Korea’s nuclear menace — a threat far more real and immediate than any posed by Saddam Hussein — has been allowed to advance unheeded, with potentially ominous consequences for peace and stability in Northeast Asia. These are some of the prices of our government’s radical departure from the basic American principles and values espoused by John Kerry!

In repudiating extremism we need to recommit ourselves to a few common- sense principles that should transcend partisan differences. First, we cannot enhance our own security if we place in jeopardy what is most precious to us, namely, the centrality of human rights in our daily lives and in global affairs. Second, we cannot maintain our historic self-confidence as a people if we generate public panic. Third, we cannot do our duty as citizens and patriots if we pursue an agenda that polarizes and divides our country. Next, we cannot be true to ourselves if we mistreat others. And finally, in the world at large we cannot lead if our leaders mislead.

You can’t be a war president one day and claim to be a peace president the next, depending on the latest political polls. When our national security requires military action, John Kerry has already proven in Vietnam that he will not hesitate to act. And as a proven defender of our national security, John Kerry will strengthen the global alliance against terrorism while avoiding unnecessary wars.

Ultimately, the issue is whether America will provide global leadership that springs from the unity and integrity of the American people or whether extremist doctrines and the manipulation of truth will define America’s role in the world.

At stake is nothing less than our nation’s soul. In a few months, I will, God willing, enter my 81st year of my life, and in many ways the last few months have been some of the most disturbing of all. But I am not discouraged. I do not despair for our country. I believe tonight, as I always have, that the essential decency, compassion and common sense of the American people will prevail.

And so I say to you and to others around the world, whether they wish us well or ill: do not underestimate us Americans. We lack neither strength nor wisdom. There is a road that leads to a bright and hopeful future. What America needs is leadership. Our job, my fellow Americans, is to ensure that the leaders of this great country will be John Kerry and John Edwards. Thank you and God bless America!

What To Expect: Excerpts Of Clinton's Speech

This via email from the DNCC:

BOSTON, July 26 /PRNewswire/ — The following are excerpts from President Bill Clinton’s Speech at the Democratic National Convention:

“Tonight I speak as a citizen, eager to join you here in Boston as a foot soldier in the fight for our future, as we nominate a true New England patriot for President. The state that gave us John Adams and John Kennedy has now given us John Kerry, a good man, a great Senator, a visionary leader.”

***

“We Democrats will bring the American people a positive campaign, arguing not who’s good and who’s bad, but what is the best way to build the safe, prosperous world our children deserve.”

***

“Democrats and Republicans have very different ideas on what choices we should make, rooted in fundamentally different views of how we should meet our common challenges at home and how we should play our roll in the world. Democrats want to build an America of shared responsibilities and shared opportunities … .Republicans believe in an America run by the right people, their people.”

A Very Complete List Of Official & Unofficial DNC Blogs

Drew Clark, senior writer for National Journal’s Tech Daily, and publisher of the blog TELL ME TECH has here a very complete list of official (credentialed) and unofficial bloggers at the DNC, including a useful breakdown of delegate bloggers by state.

Gore Convention Speech Being Rewritten

According to NBC News correspondent Andrea Mitchell, the DNC speech vetting process has had its first “casualty:” Al Gore.

… [T]he word is out: the liberal wing of the party is being told to avoid any harsh rhetoric. That could already be affecting tonight’s headliners: last night, Al Gore’s speech was basically torn up, according to two sources, and is now being rewritten, presumably to fit more closely with the party line.

USC Newsplex moblogging from convention

As a follow-up to its February SC Primary coverage, the Newsplex at the University of South Carolina has a team of undergraduate students providing mobile phone blogging from the Democratic National Convention.

Plenty of photos already from various protests, as well as coverage around the city. See the results here.

Cingular Wireless sponsors USC student journalists to cover Democratic convention

Monday Podium Schedule

This via email from the DNC.

PODIUM SCHEDULE - MONDAY, JULY 26TH, 4:00 pm to 7:00 p.m.

4:00 pm Call to Order

• Terry McAuliffe, Chairman, Democratic National Committee

• Invocation, Reverend Stephen Ayres, Old North Church, Boston

• Presentation of Colors

• Pledge of Allegiance, The Honorable Jake Wheatley, Pennsylvania House of Representatives

• National Anthem

• Credentials Committee
• The Honorable Shirley Jackson, Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia
• The Honorable Debbie Stabenow, United States Senate, Michigan
• Representative Robert Menendez, U.S. House of Representatives, New Jersey

• Rules Committee
• Representative Robert Matsui, U.S. House of Representatives, California
• Representative Gregory Meeks, U.S. House of Representatives, New York
• The Honorable Jennifer Granholm, Governor of Michigan
• The Honorable Steny Hoyer, Democratic Whip; U.S. House of Representatives, Maryland, Parliamentarian, Democratic National Convention
• Andrew Tobias, Treasurer, Democratic National Committee
• Maureen White, National Finance Chair, Democratic National Committee
• Alice Germond, Secretary, Democratic National Committee

• Roll Call
• Linda Chavez-Thompson, Vice Chair, Democratic National Committee
• Lottie Shackelford, Vice Chair, Democratic National Committee
• Gloria Molina, Vice Chair, Democratic National Committee
• Mark Brewer, Vice Chair, Democratic National Committee

• Presentation of the Platform
• The Honorable Rosa DeLauro, U.S. House of Representatives, Connecticut

• A Strong and Respected America
• The Honorable Tom Vilsack, Governor of Iowa
• The Honorable William Perry, Former Secretary of Defense
• The Honorable Hilda Solis, U.S. House of Representatives, California

• A Strong, Growing Economy and Healthy Families
• The Honorable Anotonio Villaraigosa, Los Angeles City Council
• The Honorable William Garcia, Former Secretary of Economic Development, New Mexico
• The Honorable Patty Judge, Secretary of Agriculture, Iowa

• A Strong American Community
• Bill Lann Lee, Former U.S. Assistant Attorney General
• Roberta Achtenberg, Senior Vice President for Public Policy, San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
• The Honorable John Marks, Mayor of Tallahassee, Florida
• Rod O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer, Democratic National Convention Committee
• Alice Huffman, Chairwoman, Democratic National Convention Committee
• Edward McElroy, President, American Federation of Teachers
• Gloria Feldt, President, Planned Parenthood Action Fund
• The Honorable Phil Angelides, Treasurer of California
• Marca Bristo, President and CEO, Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago

PODIUM SCHEDULE - MONDAY, JULY 26TH, 7:00 pm to 9:00 p.m.

7:00 pm The Honorable Kendrick Meek, U.S. House of Representatives, Florida

• MTV Essay Contest Winner Michael Negron, Memphis, Tennessee

• The Honorable Thomas Menino, Mayor of Boston

• The Honorable James Turner, U.S. House of Representatives, Texas

• The Honorable Steny Hoyer, Democratic Whip; U.S. House of Representatives, Maryland

• Terry McAuliffe, Chairman, Democratic National Committee

• Gavel to Order
• The Honorable Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico, Permanent Chair, Democratic National Convention

• National Anthem - Bebe Winans

• The Honorable Al Gore, Former Vice President of the United States

• Satellite Feed from Canton, Ohio

• Salute to Women Senators, Glenn Close

• The Honorable Barbara Mikulski, United States Senate, Maryland

• Children’s Choir

• Satellite Feed from Little Rock, Arkansas

PODIUM SCHEDULE - MONDAY, JULY 26TH, 9:00 pm to 11:00 p.m.

9:00 pm The Honorable Jimmy Carter, Former President of the United States

• Satellite Feed from Los Angeles, California

• The Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones, U.S. House of Representatives, Ohio

• The Honorable Tammy Baldwin, U.S. House of Representatives, Wisconsin

• Satellite Feed from Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• The Honorable Robert Menendez, U.S. House of Representatives, New Jersey

• Remembrance of 9/11

• The Reverend David Alston, Columbia, South Carolina, Vietnam Swiftboat Crewmate of John Kerry

• The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton, United States Senate, New York

• The Honorable Bill Clinton, Former President of the United States

• Finale

• Patti LaBelle

• Benediction
• The Reverend Roberta Hestenes, Minister-at-Large, World Vision International, Eastern, Pennsylvania

• Adjournment

The Best Big Media Blog Out There

The best-written “Big Media” funded blog that I’ve read coming from Boston is Dan Rubin’s Election 2004. We in Philadelphia are lucky to count Rubin among our local Inquirer writers. His blog prose is wonderful, and he’s capturing exactly the type of “micro-stories” and local flavor I presume we all hope to convey.

WSJ Online: Meet The Bloggers

WSJ.com has posted their “Meet The Bloggers” feature, which profiles the bloggers accredited for the DNC in Boston.

Schedule of Daily Public Events Open To Press

This from the DNC (and I’ll attend as many as I can), and I’ve posted the bulk of the schedule in the extended entry:

DAILY (MONDAY, July 26th - THURSDAY, July 29th)

7:30-9:30 am: STATE DELEGATION MEETINGS, ALL DAYS

Locations -

• Alabama: Hyatt Downtown, One Avenue de Lafayette
• Alaska: Seaport Boston, One Seaport Lane
• American Samoa: Radisson Hotel Boston, 200 Stuart Street
• Arizona: Boston Marriott Hotel Long Wharf, 296 State Street
• Arkansas: Royal Sonesta Hotel, 5 Cambridge Parkway
• California: Westin Copley Place, 10 Huntington Avenue
• Colorado: Wyndham Downtown, 89 Broad Street
• Connecticut: Lenox Hotel, 61 Exeter Street
• Delaware: Boston Park Plaza, 64 Arlington Street
• Democrats Abroad: Radisson Hotel Boston, 200 Stuart Street
• District of Columbia: Boston Marriot Hotel Copley, 110 Huntington Avenue
• Florida: Boston Marriott Hotel Copley, 110 Huntington Avenue
• Georgia: Wyndham Downtown, 89 Broad Street
• Guam: Radisson Hotel Boston, 200 Stuart Street
• Hawaii: Boston Marriott Hotel Copley, 110 Huntington Avenue
• Idaho: Radisson Hotel Boston, 200 Stuart Street
• Illinois: Hilton Back Bay Boston, 40 Dalton Street
• Indiana: Hotel at MIT, 20 Sidney Street
• Iowa: Boston Marriott Hotel Long Wharf, 296 State Street
• Kansas: Boston Marriott Hotel Cambridge, 2 Cambridge Center
• Kentucky: Boston Marriott Hotel Copley, 110 Huntington Avenue
• Louisiana: Tremont Boston, 275 Tremont Street
• Maine: The Colonnade Hotel, 120 Huntington Avenue
• Maryland: Seaport Hotel, One Seaport Lane
• Massachusetts: Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, 138 St. James Avenue
• Michigan: Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton Street
• Minnesota: Radisson Cambridge Hotel, 777 Memorial Drive
• Mississippi: Hyatt Downtown, One Avenue de Lafayette
• Missouri: Boston Marriott Hotel Long Wharf, 296 State Street
• Montana: 4 Speare Hall, Northeaster University
• Nebraska: Tremont Boston, 275 Tremont Street
• Nevada: Lenox Hotel, 61 Exeter Street at Boylston
• New Hampshire: Seaport Boston, One Seaport Lane
• New Jersey: Omni Parker House, 60 School Street
• New Mexico: Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton Street
• New York: Boston Park Plaza, 64 Arlington Street
• North Carolina: Hyatt Downtown, One Avenue de Lafayette
• North Dakota: Boston Marriott Hotel Cambridge, 2 Cambridge Center
• Ohio: Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton Street
• Oklahoma: Royal Sonesta Hotel, 5 Cambridge Parkway
• Oregon: Royal Sonesta Hotel, 5 Cambridge Parkway
• Pennsylvania: Omni Parker House, 60 School Street
• Puerto Rico: Inn at Harvard, 1201 Massachusetts Avenue
• Rhode Island: Boston Marriott Hotel Copley, 110 Huntington Avenue
• South Carolina: Boston Marriott Hotel Copley, 110 Huntington Avenue
• South Dakota: Wyndham Downtown, 89 Broad Street
• Tennessee: Boston Marriott Hotel Cambridge, 2 Cambridge Center
• Texas: Hilton Boston Logan Airport, 85 Terminal Road
• Utah: Boston Marriott Hotel Cambridge, 2 Cambridge Center
• Vermont: Hilton Back Bay Boston, 40 Dalton Street
• Virgin Islands: Radisson Hotel Boston, 200 Stuart Street
• Virginia: Hotel Commonwealth, 500 Commonwealth Avenue
• Washington: Radisson Hotel Boston, 200 Stuart Street
• West Virginia: Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton Street
• Wisconsin: Colonnade Hotel, 120 Huntington Avenue
• Wyoming: Hyatt Regency Boston, One Avenue de Lafayette

MONDAY, July 26th

9:30 am: DAILY CONVENTION PRESS BRIEFING

• Location: Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton Street in the Back Bay, Back Bay A Ballroom

(See the extended entry for the rest …)

10 - 11:50 am: CAUCUS MEETINGS

• African American Caucus: Grand Ballroom, Sheraton Boston Hotel
• Latino Caucus: Constitution A&B Ballrooms, Sheraton Boston Hotel
• Asian Pacific Islander Caucus: Republic Ballroom, Sheraton Boston Hotel
• Native American Caucus: Back Bay D Ballroom, Sheraton Boston Hotel
• Ethnic American Caucus: Back Bay B Ballroom, Sheraton Boston Hotel

12 - 1:50 pm: CAUCUS MEETINGS

• Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Caucus: Constitution B Ballroom, Sheraton Boston Hotel
• Disabled Caucus: Republic Ballroom, Sheraton Boston Hotel
• Veterans Caucus: Room TDB, Sheraton Boston Hotel

12 pm: “SALUTE TO VETERANS” — THE FIRST EVER VETERANS CAUCUS

• James Carville will emcee the First Ever Veterans Caucus. Speakers and guests will include: General Wesley Clark (ret.), Senator Max Cleland, Senator Bob Kerrey, General Tony McPeak, and John Kerry’s crewmates from Vietnam.
• Location: Sheraton Boston Hotel Grand Ballroom West, Prudential Center, 39 Dalton Street

11:30 pm: DEMOCRATIC GOVERNORS’ “ROCK THE HARBOR” PARTY

• The program will include brief remarks from Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack, a photo-op with all Democratic Governors, and fireworks over the Harbor
• Media are asked to cover the event from marked media riser
• Location: Rowe’s Wharf at the Boston Harbor; press entrance: Main entrance of the hotel

2:30 pm: “KEEPING THE BONDS OF VETERANS”

• Kerry Veteran Supporters Visit Veterans’ Benefit
• Clearinghouse, crewmates and other vets to attend.
• Location: Veterans’ Benefit Clearinghouse, 38 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA

5 pm: “VETERANS OF COLOR RECEPTION”

• Crewmates and other veterans gather at the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists
• Location: 300 Walnut Avenue, Boston

TUESDAY, July 27th

9:30 am: DAILY CONVENTION PRESS BRIEFING

• Location: Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton Street in the Back Bay, Back Bay A Ballroom

10 - 11:50 am: WOMEN’S CAUCUS MEETING

• Location: Grand-Liberty-Independence Ballrooms, Sheraton Boston Hotel

10:30 am: “A SALUTE TO THOSE WHO SERVED AND SACRIFICED”

• Nancy Pelosi, House Democratic Leader, Tom Daschle, Senate Democratic Leader and Air Force Veteran, Tom Menino, Mayor, City of Boston, Wesley Clark, Retired General and former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Max Cleland, Former Senator and Vietnam Veteran, Daniel Inouye, Senator and WWII Veteran, Charlie Rangel, Congressman and Korean War Veteran, Peter Gomes, Pusey Professor of Divinity of Harvard and best-selling author, Jack Valenti, WWII Veteran, Retired President of the Motion Picture Association of America, Phillip Cooper, Vietnam Veteran and Boston Homeless Veterans Activist, Virginia Hurley, Korean War widow and New England Director of America’s Gold Star Wives, Veterans (including local veterans and Convention delegates who are veterans), Other Members of Congress
• Location: Bunker Hill Monument, Monument Square on Breed’s Hill, Charlestown

12 - 1:50 pm: CAUCUS MEETINGS

• Youth Caucus: Hynes Center, Veterans Auditorium
• Seniors Caucus: Constitution B Ballroom, Sheraton Boston Hotel

11:45 am: MEDIA AVAILABILITY FOLLOWING DEMOCRATIC GOVERNORS NATIONAL POLICY FORUM

• Focus on nation’s economy and job creation Note: Policy meeting is closed to media.
• Location: UMass McCormack Institute of Politics, Harbor
• Walk, on the Harbor side of campus, facing the rotary and the Campus Center Rain site: Inside the Campus Center Building, 2nd Floor, Faculty and Staff Dining Room

WEDNESDAY, July 28th

9:30 am: DAILY CONVENTION PRESS BRIEFING

• Location: Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton Street in the Back Bay, Back Bay A Ballroom

10 - 11:50 am: CAUCUS MEETINGS

• African American Caucus: Grand Ballroom, Sheraton Boston Hotel
• Latino Caucus: Constitution A&B Ballrooms, Sheraton Boston Hotel
• Asian Pacific Islander Caucus: Republic Ballroom, Sheraton Boston Hotel
• Native American Caucus: Back Bay D Ballroom, Sheraton Boston Hotel
• Ethnic American Caucus: Back Bay B Ballroom, Sheraton Boston Hotel

12 - 1:50 pm: CAUCUS MEETINGS

• Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Caucus: Constitution B Ballroom, Sheraton Boston Hotel
• Disabled Caucus: Republic Ballroom, Sheraton Boston Hotel
• Veterans Caucus: Room TDB, Sheraton Boston Hotel

1 - 3 pm: People of Faith Caucus Luncheon

• Location: Republic Ballroom, Sheraton Boston Hotel

2 - 4 pm: Rural Caucus

• Location: Constitution A Ballroom, Sheraton Boston Hotel

THURSDAY, July 28th

9:30 am: DAILY CONVENTION PRESS BRIEFING

• Location: Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton Street in the Back Bay, Back Bay A Ballroom

10 - 11:50 am: WOMEN’S CAUCUS MEETING

• Location: Grand-Liberty-Independence Ballrooms, Sheraton Boston Hotel

12 - 1:50 pm: CAUCUS MEETINGS

• Youth Caucus: Hynes Center, Veterans Auditorium
• Seniors Caucus: Constitution B Ballroom, Sheraton Boston

Good News, Bad News

Tonight, at this very moment and on the eve of the DNC, bloggers are gathering in Boston for what Winer calls “An informal gathering of bloggers covering the DNC at The Field in Central Square Cambridge.” Tomorrow at 10 AM, Terry McAulliffe is hosting the “Blogger Breakfast” at the Fenway Ballroom, Hilton Boston Back Bay.

In both cases, I will be blogging the entire thing from … my hotel room in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The good news / bad news of our credentials is that we got them (good news), but were notified so late that I was unable to reschedule a necessary business trip (good news for business, bad news for blogging). But I will arrive in Boston Tuesday evening with plenty of time for first hand coverage, and I promise to deliver.

Still, to the rest of the crew, know this: Wish I were there.

Al-Jazeera sign removed from broastcast booth at DNC

PALM BEACH POST: Berlin-like security bars wall of apathy

The feeling of apprehension has seeped inside the convention hall where the theme “A stronger America” has been expressed in a strange new way: a fear of association.

Like other TV networks, Al-Jazeera, the Arab cable network, sought to have a banner advertising its presence in the upper levels of the convention hall.

Nader Abed, operations head for the network, said Saturday that the sign went up last week.

“They approved the sign,” he said. “And then I came back, and it was taken down.”

The Al-Jazeera network sign had been hung in the sight lines of the podium, next to one of the Democratic National Committee banners.

“We didn’t ask for that location,” Abed said. “They put it there.”

The DNC responded that the Al-Jazeera sign wasn’t the only one removed from the hall. But it was the only media organization’s.

The DNC, The RNC, And The False Choice

The 1964 RNC in San Francisco was an interesting convention for the Republicans. Barry Goldwater and William Miller were the ticket, Goldwater gave a convention speech that is regarded as one of the 100 best American political speeches of that century, and pandemonium repeatedly broke out on the convention floor.

One of the people reporting this pandemonium was legendary journalist John Chancellor, who, in a moment made instantly famous by the images of television, said as he was physically removed from the floor, “Here we go down the middle aisle … I’ve been promised bail, ladies and gentlemen, by my office. This is John Chancellor, somewhere in custody.”

It was an important moment in journalism: a staid institution, the RNC, was attempting to control a new medium and was quickly learning it could not … that ultimately, they had to embrace a medium they could no longer control. It was a stark contrast to the DNC just four years later, when TV openly captured every hostile and shocking moment in Chicago, and conventions (and the world for that matter) changed for forever.

I think of that moment, John Chancellor being lifted from his feet, radio on his back, wires dangling, as I consider the invitation of bloggers by the DNC (a path the RNC, we presume, we follow). We’re quite the story this year, we few credentialed bloggers. I’ve had two reporters tell me that they believe we’re the story in Boston, the “hot house flowers” in an otherwise “news-less convention,” as one said, forecasting “about a billion cameras” at the blogger breakfast tomorrow morning (sorry I’ll miss it … I’ll explain later).

My response, though, was that we’re NOT the real story here. The real story is not that the Political Machine decided to officially extend access to citizen journalists by extending a select few press credentials … the real story is that they already, although unknowingly, had.

At last count, there are 11 DNC delegates or DNC officials, with full access to the convention, who also happen to blog:

• Karl-Thomas Musselman, a 19-year-old delegate from Texas
• Cate Read, Texas delegate
• Greg Rodriguez, of the Washington state delegation
• Kabir Sehgal, part of Georgia delegation and an aide to Sen. Max Cleland
• Jenny Greenleaf (Delegate - OR)
• John Howes (Delegate - WA)
• Christina Ocasio (Delegate - TX)
• John Burns (Platform committee - NC)
• Mike aka TOPDOG04 (Delegate - NY)
• Erik Cornelius at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
• Brian Reich, who is overseeing the Democratic News Service

One would expect that these bloggers, especially the mainstream delegates, will blog the convention. And it’s here that we find the main point: the decision to extend press credentials to select bloggers was a false choice … the convention in Boston was going to be blogged, from the floor and by citizens with no editorial board, whether I or any other blogger received credentials or not. I presume the same will be true in New York this August.

I’m not saying the credentialing decision wasn’t significant … it did give a small group of non-professional, non-party-official citizens a window into a forum not otherwise available, and it does indicate that blogs have achieved a form of legitimacy among the media. But the REAL sign of the medium’s legitimacy isn’t that we were given the opportunity … it’s that the opportunity is purely symbolic in its importance.

In 1964, the Republicans learned that, try as they might, the time in which they could choose their level of TV news inclusion had long passed. The same is true for the DNC and RNC for blogs forty years later. It doesn’t matter if I or Dave Winer or anybody else is there … blogger delegates already will be, and will be with greater access than any of us.

To me, this false choice is the real indication that blogging has “arrived.” We’re becoming pervasive. In time, no forum of significance will be a forum without a blogger, and the result will be even greater transparency, openness, and democratization of information. And the convention committees aren’t the only ones facing the consequences: all staid institutions face the same false choice … we saw it in Iraq, and we’ll increasingly see it in China, Iran, Microsoft, and the Pentagon.

The printing press made us readers, the personal computer made us writers, and now, with weblogs, the Internet is making us reporters. The conventions will be blogged … of course they will … whether the DNC and RNC wish it or not, and they can never again remove the reporters from the floor.

(Cross-posted here.)

Coulter In Boston, Moore In NY, USATODAY Paying The Way?

John Tabin has passid a tip … not yet verified … that USATODAY is sending Ann Coulter to cover Op/Ed in Boston and Michael Moore to cover Op/Ed in New York. If true … well, as they say in the comics, “It’s so crazy, it just might work!”

I can confirm, via a very reliable source, that conservative bomb-thrower Ann Coulter will be writing from the Democratic Convention for USA Today’s op-ed page. For the Republican convention, they’re sending none other than— yup, some of you have already guessed it— Michael Moore.

Prostitutes Join Police Converging on DNC Boston

REUTERS: Prostitutes Join Police Converging on DNC Boston

Security officers won’t be the only professionals coming to Boston in unprecedented numbers for the Democratic National Convention.

Practitioners of the world’s oldest profession are seeking reinforcements to help service some of the 35,000 visitors — plus untold numbers of police reinforcements — expected in the coming week when Democrats name Sen. John Kerry (news - web sites) their presidential candidate.

“Every convention brings in more people, and women fly in from all over the country to work it,” said Robyn Few, a prostitute on probation who runs the Sex Workers Outreach Project, an advocacy group.

“There will be girls from California and from the South in Boston this week,” she said. “I hope a lot of women make a lot of money and make a lot of men really happy.”

Good luck, Alan!

(Now would be a good time to promote your PayPal link, Alan, if you catch my drift. winkwinknudgenudge)

Media Upset With DNC Restroom Facilities

AP: Media Upset With DNC Restroom Facilities

Media members, already perturbed by long security lines, may find themselves waiting in line for something nearly as important. As the majority of the print reporters arrived Saturday at the FleetCenter for the Democratic National Convention, tongues clucked when they saw the restroom facilities that they will be using for the next week.

Twenty portable restrooms, like those used on construction sites, are lined up in front of the media pavilion to service nearly 1,200 members of the print media who will be working around the clock. That’s about 60 serious coffee-drinkers per toilet.

“That’s absurd,” said Jim Drinkard, a political reporter for USA Today, when he heard of the ratio of toilets per media member. “This is not the type of planning you’d expect out of someone trying to be a good host.”

Good luck, Alan!

Group May Attack Media at Democrats Convention-FBI

REUTERS: Group May Attack Media at Democrats Convention-FBI

The FBI said on Friday it was investigating “unconfirmed information” of a possible attack on media vehicles during the Democratic National Convention, which begins on Monday in Boston.

“The FBI has received unconfirmed information that a domestic group is planning to disrupt the Democratic National Convention by attacking media vehicles with explosives or incendiary devices,” the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston field office said in a statement.

The FBI said members of the Boston Joint Terrorism Task Force were investigating, and that it would provide more details if there is “any credible information.”

A spokeswoman for the Boston FBI told Reuters that the bureau had notified media organizations of the probe because they were potential targets.

Boston police declined immediate comment.

Boston Credentialling SNAFU

How to introduce this one :

Never attribute to Malice what is adequately explained by Incompetence
Napoleon Bonaparte

Perhaps? Or possibly :

I belong to no organized party : I am a Democrat.
Will Rogers

Not-exactly-Left-of-Centre Bloggers John Tabin and Bill/INDC Journal are now reporting that their previously confirmed press credentials have been cancelled.

Spoiling what promised to be a rattling good conspiracy theory, not-exactly-right-wing-blogger Justin Nawrocki also reports he was credentialled before he wasn’t credentialled.

I know commentary is reserved for the Op-Ed page, but there’s one good Aussie saying that inevitably comes to mind when viewing this situation from here in far-off Australia:

“They couldn’t organise a piss-up in a Brewery.”

More details at The American Spectator. And the ‘SNAFU’ description is not mine, it’s the DNCC’s own words. But that often happens when you have the courage to do something for the first time.