Unseen Bean and Disaboom at the Big Tent

One of the side projects I worked on at the Convention was a citizen journalism project by Reuters, called "Inside the Tent." For the DNC Convention and The GOP fest next week, Reuters lent flip cameras to delegates, and other attendees to get video coverage of behind the scenes views of people who are passionate about their politics and attending their party's convention.

I did about 30 small interviews and one of them was with Gerry of Unseen Bean.

What a great guy and what a great project. I was happy that Gerry and Disaboom were in the Blogger tent, and had such a prominent position in the room. Their coffee was GREAT and really did make it easier to keep on writing and working. THANKS!

and if you like good coffee, check out Unseen Bean's online store.

Take a look at the video and be sure to send some blog love with comments! I think if my videos get more views they will post more of the ones that I shot.

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A Green Note from the Convention

One of the fun decsions we made in Denver was to get bikes for the week. A few local places were renting. AND there was a great program called Freewheelin that operated all week long. Freewheelin is a typical bike share program (but it has improved on the process and the quality) that had set up daily bike stations all over down town. Pick up in the morning, drop off at night. It was well organized and successful. We actually rented instead of using this service because we wanted a bike for the whole week. I gave that feedback to the organizers and they said they are considering that kind of thing for longer events in the future.

Next to the Big Tent where the bloggers were, there was a Freewheelin station but there was also PEDROS the colorful van above. They were doing bike repairs for anyone in need for free! We had a flat fixed there in about 3 mins. It was great stuff.

I was impressed with the efforts to make the convention green; programs that ran from ride shares, bike shares, biodegradable take out food containers and the green carbon offsets promoted for delegates. This sets a standard that we must follow in the future for our democratic and progressive events. I hope that Netroots takes advantage of Pittsburgh convention centers very green record and programs. This is called walking the walk, not just talking the talk.

And as members of the grassroots and progressive blogosphere we need to support and promote green jobs and green business where ever and when ever we can.

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Still Overwhelmed

photo tlg, DNC, August 28th 2008 (click photo for large size)

It was a sight to see.
I am proud to be able to say I was there.

We went early, waited in lines with thousands of happy democrats. Got our seats and waited and talked and relaxed in the sunshine. The speeches were ALL amazing. Go to Apple itunes; they are providing free downloads of many of the keynotes in the itunes music store keyword DNC08. Watch the speeches if you didn't see them. really.

It was a perfect night.
It was an inspired speech.
It was more than I ever imagined.

Me and 90,000 of my closest friends and democratic allies had one hell of a night. The feeling the day after was one of elation, exhaustion and a feeling of a job well done.

Another comment, though my complaints about the vip access issues in the Pepsi center are still valid -- the opposite seemed to be true at Invesco. They treated everyone from floor seats to nose-bleed seats with a great deal of fairness and gave great access and space to as many people as humanly possible. I spent time up in the way high seats. Had to get their early but my assigned section was on the 50 yard line and though the stage was far away I think I really benefited from the birds eye view. I wanted the big picture and I felt like I got it. 100%.

It is sad that "Sarah Quayle" Is taking some of our news cycle. I for one hope dems and progressives in the blogosphere treat the GOP VP pick as the political stunt it is, and focus on a few good days of post convention celebration, recap and wrap up. We need to keep our fantastic, diverse, dynamic and compelling convention in the eye of the public so that can see the extremely stark contrast between our big tent extravaganza and the Klu Klux Konvention that we will be graced with next week.

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Ah, Now I Remember What I Liked About Bill Clinton

photo, tlg, 8/27/08 click on photo for large size

Another crazy, busy, topsy, turvy day in Denver. But tonight It was a great joy and honor to hear Bill Clinton the way I remembered him. Human, funny, charismatic- Not the angry-bitter-bill of recent months. It was a joy to hear him speak.

I thought the speech was just about perfect.

He drew on his past to highlight why Obama is perfect in 2008. "We are on the right side of history."

When I heard about the line-up for this week I had some pretty big concerns but so far I think it has been pretty damn good. I think it has been a real human view of these larger than life politicos and I feel that they have done a good job trying to change the narrative.

Biggest thing for me though is my absolute anger and frustration at how different the convention is from the "News" about the convention. The corporate media just lie, and then lie some more.
I have so much more to say, will try to catch up on the pile of content I have to post.

It's been a whirl wind. Great to have LM here now.
Tomorrow is going to be historic.

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Fired Up; TV Viewers in Higher Numbers

photo of the DNC, by TLG, 08.26.08 click on photo for larger version.

Lots of eyeballs, great chance for Obama team to make the case.

For the top 3 Cable News networks, CNN, Fox News and MSNBC, the ratings for the first night of the 2008 Democratic Convention were substantially higher than the first night in 2004, with prime-time viewership up as much as 88% and adults 25-54 viewership up as much as 127%.- by Bill Gorman, TV By the Numbers

Great to see that so many people are interested. And the increase is in a great age demographic for us. I just wish we could really present this to regular non blogosphere folks through some other lens than the corporate media, but hopefully people are trying to listen, learn and make up their own minds.

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Now That Was a Birthday Party!

Ok, that was one hello of a birthday. (click on that pic above for the big version.)

I am honored to be a new DNC member. Thrilled to have had a chance to hear these speeches. I feel so happy to have seen the wonderful speech by Teddy "Every one's senator" Kennedy.

It was a good day. The Democrats are really putting the party back into the Party.

This convention was the most diverse ever! It is an amazing crowd. And we are coming together. Tomorrow is a big test for us. A lot riding on it.

Mrs. R will probably have a nice long piece about Michelle, She had a great spot down front. I will write more about my reactions, the people I am meeting and the Rock the Vote event I attended after- which was loads of fun...

The wireless suckage is slowing down the blogging but we will try to catch up more tomorrow. Gotta crash now as my first meeting tomorrow is at 7:45 am and It is well past 1 am now.

Thanks all. Also More photos from my new birthday camera coming soon.

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Big Tent

ok... slow start, but we are here in the bigtent, tons of people and its very hot. No hippies in sight. Did I mention it's very hot.

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GNB Is In Denver!

Look for posts from the DNC starting tomorrow.

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Packin Up, Getting Ready to Go

Well, we are getting ready to move part of this show to Denver. Mrs. R and Evan are on the road. Various Overseas Dems are catching flights today. And we are DENVER bound!

My question to you, GNB family, is

Has anyone been to Denver before? And what should we do/see/eat while we are there. Hoping that there will be loads of suggestions by the time I touch down.

Getting ready to Rumble!

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Convention Prep

Getting my head around the fact that I am on my way to Denver in a few short days, to go to the convention and to begin my first term in the DNC...watching this to remind me of where we were, where we are, and where we need to go.

Are you registered to vote?
Are your friends and family registered?
Are you helping make change a reality this year?
75 days to go.

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When You are Rich I Guess You Can Buy a Huge Microphone

photo From the The Duchess of Cornwall's visit to the British Memorial Garden at Hanover Square, New York. Sir Evelyn and Lady de Rothschild.

Prominent Dem Abroad Lady Lynn de Rothschild who served on the Dem Platform committee this cycle perpetrates a hit piece on the Democratic Party Nominee a week before the convention.

Barack Obama can use the words ‘the American dream’, but they don’t resonate,” she said. “He magnified the problem by going to Berlin and calling himself a citizen of the world.” She also resents a lack of effort to pay off Clinton’s $20m campaign debt. “He has provided her with a pittance compared to what the Clintons have given Obama,” Rothschild said. “Her debt could have been cleared within 10 days. It’s ungracious.”

Rothschild has not yet made up her mind. “I haven’t ruled out voting for McCain,” she said. “I like him a lot.” She is waiting to see who Obama picks as his running mate and has her heart set on Clinton. Sarah Baxter Times of London

Lady de Rothschild in addition to being a long time Clinton supporter and donor (The Rothschilds spent the night of their wedding dinner in the Lincoln bedroom at the White House when Bill Clinton was president) was helping on the DNC Platform committee this year. Yes, a democrat threatening in the international press to support John McCain-- helped craft our platform.

The story goes on to reference all the key talking points in Rovian-art style.

1. He's not really American
2. He's elitist (seriously a Rothschild called him elitist)
3. He's a usurper (Machiavellian meme)
4. He's unelectable

Nice.

Do I sound resentful? Damn straight. I was a Howard Dean supporter and then a Dean delegate to the convention in 2004 and was told, after we lost, that party unity was more important. I turned around and threw my heart into everything I could do to help get John Kerry elected.

In 2008 I ran for DNC and was told after winning that I should understand that now I had a responsibility to put Party first. I was told that some of my firebrand rhetoric would not be appropriate and that my job as a DNC member would be to help promote my state party. Unity being the key word in that story as well.

And yet, here is a prominent Dem Abroad, who is representing Americans Overseas on the platform, coming out with a list of GOP talking points against our candidate.

So unity is for the grassroots-- but not the leadership? Unity can be used to tell the grassroots in 2004 to behave but not party members like Lady de Rothschild now? She can say what she wants and then, in a recent email from an elected officer in Dems Abroad, she is praised for all her work on the platform.

What's the difference between her and me? cold.hard.cash. And that buys her a pass to say anything she wants about the nominee in the press and still be a leadership voice in the DNC.

*Update Lady de Rothschild follow up on foxnews.



oh, and on cnn she slams again but this time going under her pre-Rothschild maiden name so she can tout the "elite" meme more credibly.

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DNCC Quick Schedule Update

DENVER – The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) and the Obama for America Campaign announced today speakers and programmatic elements for the third night of the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Wednesday's program – Securing America's Future – will feature the voices of Americans who share Barack Obama's vision of making America stronger and safer.

The headline prime-time speaker on Wednesday will be Barack Obama's Vice Presidential Nominee.

Barack Obama offers a new, tough foreign policy approach that is neither Republican nor Democratic. Obama will implement a strong, smart American foreign policy that makes us more secure at home and advances our interests in the world by ending the war in Iraq responsibly and focusing on the threats of the 21st century - al Qaeda, nuclear weapons, and energy security.

Former President Bill Clinton will speak on Barack Obama's commitment to a stronger and safer America, as well as the history of Democrats making positive change in the lives of all Americans.

Governor Bill Richardson and Senators Evan Bayh, Joe Biden and Jay Rockefeller will echo Obama's call for a new direction in national security and outline his policies and plans to secure America's future.

One of the greatest security challenges facing the country today is reducing our dependence on oil, especially from foreign sources. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will discuss Barack Obama's plans to make America more secure by investing in smart energy policies.

Senator Ken Salazar, the Convention's home state Senator, and House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn will also speak as part of the Securing America's Future program.

A bedrock component of Obama's national security plan is increasing our support to active duty military, veterans and military families. Representative Patrick Murphy (D-PA) and Iraq War veteran Tammy Duckworth will lead a tribute honoring those who give so much to secure our nation's future.

I have to comment here and say I am getting a bad "reporting for duty" vibe from this line up... sigh

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Quick Drive By DNCC Update

Warner to do keynote speech at the Democratic Convention.
now back to your regularly scheduled programming.

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Monday Night DNCC Schedule

Democrats Unveil Additional Key Speakers for Monday August 25th Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Senator Claire McCaskill & Craig Robinson to present a Tribute to Senator Kennedy.

DENVER – The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) and the Obama for America Campaign announced today that Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Permanent Chair of the 2008 Convention, will have a prominent speaking role on Monday August 25th, the opening night of the Convention. Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri and Craig Robinson, Michelle Obama's older brother, will be among the featured speakers on Monday August 25th. As previously announced, Michelle Obama will headline Monday night.

Looking forward to hearing Michelle for sure, though I am still pretty pissed at Nancy. On top of all the Fisa stuff... she is coming here to Japan for a trip and try as we might the Dems here were unable so far to get in touch with her office to prepare some sort of event. These folks do all kinds of events and fundraisers when they travel to Europe but don't give us the time of day normally in Asia.

We did have a great visit with some people from the Obama campaign, congresswoman Hirono and Howard Dean. But we've had very little luck with other visiting congressional delegations.

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Headliner Program Announced for the DNCC in Denver

The 2008 Convention will highlight Americans coming together to change the course of this nation," said Kansas Governor and Convention Co-Chair Kathleen Sebelius. "We are at a critical moment in our nation's history. The politics and policies that have divided us will not allow us to achieve the change we need. Barack Obama is a leader to move America in a new direction and bring us together to turn moments of great challenge into moments of great opportunity. This year's Democratic Convention is the story of people from across the country who believe it is time for change.

2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION HEADLINE SPEAKERS

Monday August 25th's headline prime-time speaker will be Michelle Obama.

Senator Hillary Clinton will be the headline prime-time speaker on Tuesday August 26th.

The headline prime-time speaker on Wednesday August 27th will be Barack Obama's Vice Presidential nominee.

On Thursday, August 28th, the DNCC will move to INVESCO Field at Mile High so that more people can take part in the fourth night of the Convention as Barack Obama accepts the Democratic nomination.

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Democratic Party Platform Approved

Keystone/Getty Images photo from the 1908 Denver Democratic Party Convention

Yes, I am hopelessly earnest, an optimist and still a romantic.

I believe that laying down our dreams, ideas, and principals on paper is an important step even if we consistently fall short from our ideals.

We need something to shoot for. We need to discuss and put forth our plans and decide as a party what we will work toward. We will not all be happy or agree all of the time, but we can decide on some common ground and goals. I have not read the approved platform yet, saw the highlights in the article linked to below and I am eager to read the whole thing.

And so, I was happy to read the news today that that platform has been finished. And I was also happy to see strong movement toward party unity though I wish it did not have to come so decisively through identity politics.

PITTSBURGH — Democrats adopted a party platform Saturday that attempted to appease Hillary Rodham Clinton supporters through strong language against sexism and a nod to her health care plan.

But the 51-page document, which sets out the party's basic stance on issues, reflects the priorities of Barack Obama, the presumptive nominee. From his call to draw down American forces in Iraq over 16 months to an energy plan that emphasizes less oil and more renewable energy sources, the platform calls for a major change in direction for the government.

Other highlights of the platform included a call to repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, support for tying the minimum wage to inflation and new language addressing the use of federal lands.--

*******

Though it calls for change, the platform harkens to a New Deal-era style of government, mentioning Franklin Roosevelt three times and calling for greater civic participation.

"Today, we pledge a return to core moral principles like stewardship, service to others, personal responsibility, shared sacrifice and a fair shot for all," the platform reads. "Today, we Democrats offer leaders — from the White House to the statehouse — worthy of this country's trust."

The biggest departure from 2004 was on the issue of the war in Iraq. The 2004 platform said "people of goodwill disagree about whether America should have gone to war in Iraq."

The 2008 platform, though, calls Iraq an "unnecessary war" and a "strategic blunder."By Tim Hoover, The Denver Post

There is a lot to like in the highlights I've read so far. It is, however, weak on particulars about how we are going to actually deliver healthcare, but does make a commitment to work toward a better system. Lots more to do in the real world. But writing ideas down and visualizing our goals does indeed often help make them a reality.

P.S. I also thought it was pretty cool that Obama kind of made an effort to crowd source the platform. read here.

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Vote for the Best Video for the Denver Convention

The DNCC has been running a contest. Americans from across the country were encouraged to post videos to youtube answering the question "Why I am a Democrat in 2008."

The 5 finalists have been choosen by the DNC and the winner will be chosen by voters on youtube. Take a look and pick your favorite.

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Pride in the Party; Stonewall Dems Success Story

In recent years Stonewall Democrats have created a big picture strategy of being very involved in changing the party from within including a concerted effort to send members to this year's convention as delegates. Looks like it worked!

A record number of GLBT delegates are expected to arrive at the Democratic National Convention later this month, says the National Stonewall Democrats – the nation's largest Democratic organization representing gays and lesbians.

The record numbers are a result of grassroots efforts by the organization which started in 2007. Stonewall Democrats' 2007 outreach program Pride in the Party is being hailed as a success in bringing additional GLBT voices to the convention.- On Top Magazine

This is the real long term story of the election year, more people, more involved, from a wider variety of communities across the country. The message has finally seemed to swell up from the 50 State Strategy. (thanks, Howard) We can't leave it up to the Beltway Bobs and Bettys. If we are going to restore our nation and our party we need to get involved and empower everyone to be a part of the process.

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Win a Trip to the Convention

Win a day in the campaign press pool and a trip to the 2008 political conventions by creating a video answering the question,
"Why are you a Democrat in 2008?"

For more details or to submit your video, go to
www.youtube.com/demconvention Take a look around the channel at other videos posted about Denver, the convention and about our party.

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Congratulations -- We Did It !

LIVE From the GNB Blueberry Pancake Desk...

The Group News Blog first fundraiser is complete.

Congratulations.

Great job everyone! We did it!

The fundraiser was scheduled from July 1 -- July 15. All was going just fine. Not explosive or off the charts. But we certainly were hitting our numbers and completely on budget. There wasn't any need to make a big deal of the fundraiser. That's what I consider a GOOD thing.

Then... kaBloom. We were tagged this past Saturday with two non-budgeted expenses.

a) $350.00 -- OTR (off the record.) It's a GOOD thing.

b) $400.00 -- embargoed till today. I couldn't tell you. Now I can.
I will. Later today.

I launched a full-blown all-out fundraising drive: $1,000.oo in 72 Hours.

Everyone came through. You did. My colleagues did. Bloggers everywhere.

We not only raised the $1 grand, we did a little better. We are solid for Denver and have your response to thank.

Which is why the fundraiser is over today, a day earlier. Because you got it done.

Seriously, check you out... Even though we had to respond in an urgent manner to a big deal problem, you handled it and more without breaking stride. I am SO blown away by what you have accomplished the last two weeks.

Fundraising is about momentum, about causing stuff to happen. It is about POWER: the differential ability to cause results in the world. The access to power is PROMISES: giving and keeping your word.

I was certain we could accomplish our original goals. But then the extra $1K need came in and only three days to raise it.

I looked hard before I put it up as a challenge. To put up a "goal" which a blog doesn't hit, especially early on in its history, sets up a pattern which tells people:

• it's okay to not keep your promises (the goal),
• nothing really happens when you fail,
• we're not good enough or strong enough to make it,
• we not really a team, and
• I don't count.

No fucking way that was going to happen here.

No kidding people. I thought LONG and HARD before I put up $1,000.00 in 72 HOURS, that is, *laughs*, I thought for about 30 seconds... Just long enough for me to calculate out it was really 70 hours and 10 minutes. Because I needed to tell you the real truth about the time. *smiles sweetly*

Why was I so sure?

I know y'all. I know the staff.

I thought I did, anyway. Three days to One Grand. I was so damn wrong.

It took two days, not three.

Each day there was one specific donation which turned the tide, flipped the momentum around. We were struggling but then one donation out of the tide came along and BOOM, momentum turned and everything shifted.

I have more to say in thanks.

This post is just a quick one to let you know fundraising is officially over. Which isn't to say you can't donate anytime. But we are done asking for funds for GNB till January 2009. Not to say if you have a promise you made that you'd donate TODAY (the final day) that you shouldn't keep your word. You ABSOLUTELY should. As I said, keeping your word is at the HEART of how Group News Blog has been so effective, of who GNB is.

If you promised us you were going to send us a check, or drop us a PayPal or credit card, then please, keep your promise.

I'll post later today or this evening, on the story of the $400 that was embargoed till today. I just don't have time this moment.

I'm so proud of you and all you've accomplished this fortnight. Please take the time in this thread to thank yourselves and congratulate yourselves on a job really well done.

Thank you cards and notes will go out AFTER I return from Netroots next week.

LIVE from the GNB Waffle Desk. With bacon, this is Jesse Wendel reporting.

Nom nom nom nom...

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