2008 DNCC Day One

8/26/08 -- About 8/25/08

Dear Friends,

Exhaustion. Total exhaustion. Most of us feel that way. Perhaps, it is the mile high city, but we gave up today and took taxis even for a few blocks (relatively cheap).

The locals are sincerely welcoming and helpful. The protesters are being met by scary force. Think Beijing Opening Ceremonies with scary drummers, squared. Mesh riot gloves, huge combat vests, Judy took photos of them with what appeared to be MACHINE Guns, and gazillions of them, everywhere. It is heartbreaking to see. Yes, I want to stay safe, very safe, but this is not what we want in the free and open Democracy we have and aspire to have.

A wonderful conversation burst forth at the ESPNZone After Party among the Ohio, Alabama and Kentucky Delegates. Serious differences exist.

Jeff Harney did not receive the promised credentials, and he was left to wait outside in this heat for 2 plus hours with the expectation of receiving them. He is going to return home if this is not finally corrected tomorrow. We have tried to convince him to stay regardless.

Lunch provided by Brown-Forman at The Fort was simply fabulous. The scenery in the mountains truly is stunning. The food, conversation and company were great.

Seeing our friends at the EqualiTea was so welcome. An added plus was seeing our true friend Dana Singiser. Kathy and Mike Wright kindly shared their table with Pat and me and others. Of course, Kim Gandy welcomed us all. Ellen Malcolm, Maxine Waters, Dolores Huerta, Eleanor Smeal, Connie Schulz (who is Sherrod Brown's wife), and innumerable others spoke to an over packed venue with passionate feminist activists. There were some pretty empassioned anti-choice protesters, too.

The Kentucky Delegation as you look at the stage is to the extreme left (natch) up on the risers beginning at about the eighth row. Our Mr. Speaker, Jody Richards, kindly sat with Pat Vincent and me and was a joyful addition to our evening. You have seen our signed petition to place Hillary's name in nomination posted in real time earlier tonight. Yes, it was moving being asked to sign that petition. So, I took the photo, and was a bit overcome. But, I've been an emotional wreck all day at the mention of Stephanie Tubbs Jones and her massive addition to our party and the holes she has left in our party and our heart which we must fill. Our time with the Ohio Delegates at the after-party was somewhat of a wake for our friend, but was good.

Michelle Obama truly looked lovely and her message was great and well delivered. Oprah must have really come through, at least as to the look. I am not a fan; but, she was good, very good.

No matter what sins of omission and commission may be argued, I truly loved seeing Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy. He was "on his game" notwithstanding all the physical challenges he has faced this year. Caroline still in my mind's eye is that precious girl from the Days of Camelot.

Tomorrow is the Day I have been focusing on for months. We start with our Delegation Breakfast to get credentials for the day. Then, the women's caucus, followed by our cherished friends at WomenCount and their event, followed by the event hosted by Ellen Malcolm for Emily's List (sold out for a while). Bruce, Emily, Pat, Carol and I will be moving through these and finding time for Bruce to have some quiet time to gather help for his quest to free us of the Mitch. Then, of course, we have as the focus of the convention this night Our Girl. She will speak, and I will listen, well.

It is difficult to fit everything in. And, the internet at the Hilton Garden Inn will not allow me to send email messages. So, we are left with you all trying to circulate as best you can to our friends what I get to this blog. Those who receive posts as I make them are Debbie, Jennifer, Jonathan, George, Dee and others I cannot remember just now and this posting vehicle won't let me look and come back.

Love to you, all, Olivia Anne