First on today's agenda was the Ohio democratic Party's daily breakfast briefing and credential distribution.
As you know, I am also blogging for Cleveland Jewish News. So I wanted to attend the AIPAC briefing to learn about some of the Jewish issues. I called someone I know from AIPAC to ask to have my name added to "the list" (the only way to get into these events is to be "on the list") I was told "we can't just let anyone in" "Sorry, I can't help you" Whoa! I was shocked. Can you even imagine saying something that to someone you know? And it wasn't a joke. So, as you can guess, I didn't go. Oh well.
The DNC provided shuttle buses for all convention tktk holders from all hotel to the Pepsi Center. After a 30 minute wait, we learned the schedule "wasn't working". So we walked. Not that far-really, but it was HOT-so that by the time we got there, we were pretty sweaty.
Clearing the 1st security check point (tickets and credentials), we saw huge American and Colorado flags were waving against Denver's blue sky and as we entered the sparkling Pepsi Center decorated in red, white and blue bunting and banners, the energy of the crowds was contagious. Then we cleared a second security -a real one-like at the airport-except we didn't have to take off our shoes!)
Seeing Caroline Kennedy was very nostalgic for me because in 1963, I was a young girl and remember Caroline as such a sweet little girl. So seeing her in this impressive role, was a tangible reminder of how "time marches on". And them when Ted Kennedy appeared on the stage, the place roared-really the floor vibrated.
Seeing and hearing Ted Kennedy was inspiring. Knowing the struggle he faces, the audience sat in enthralled attention and as you probably saw, exploded which cheers after each sentence! It was stunning.
And then came Michelle Obama. Her speech was elegant. And those kids-adorable and utterly spontaneous when they saw their dad on that huge TV Screen. It has become very typical for 21st Century families to communicate via a web-chat (I know my family frequently does the web-chat thing) and it was rather refreshing to see the Obama family doing what all families do: Staying connected with the people we love.
FINDING A SEAT
Just because you have a "credential" to enter the convention venue, unless you are a VVIP or a delegate, you do not have an assigned seat. So it is "every woman for herself!" With the bus delay (see above) I got to the venue late and my level of ticket was low. Through some well-placed "asking", I garnered a "club level" ticket that I thought was going to grease my way into a good seat. Long story short: I had access to a Suite. Wow. This was going to be great night! I was so excited. I entered "my suite" and noticed that no one else was there. And then I knew why: This suite was DIRECTLY behind the stage. View? A huge black screen! I looked into the adjoined suite, saw Susie Turnbull who immediately invited me into her suite...that turned out to have about a 30% better view. Thus, if you were wondering why this blog described feelings more than seeing and hearing, it's because mostly I didn't see anything or hear too much--except for the suite's TV!!
Lesson of the story: Arrive earlier!
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