Read a Pacific Northwest, liberal perspective on world, national, and local politics. From majestic Redmond, Washington - the Northwest Progressive Institute Advocate.

Monday, August 25, 2008

LIVE from Denver: Greetings from Colorado - another Big Tent Blogger

I landed in Denver over the weekend and drove out to Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs, at the base of Pike's Peak.

I decided to get a taste of Colorado politics and culture. I first visited the Focus on the Family Visitor Center and then the homes of two Obama activist supporters who will watch Barack speak on Thursday night.

Today, I checked out my digs (free lodging, but in suburban Denver) and the logistics of putting the rental car in the over-packed Park & Ride and riding light rail into downtown. Just as in Boston in 2004, the stations were closed around the Convention Center, so we had to get out far away and walk.

I too was mindful of the ultra-high security, which felt like something out of a futuristic movie. There were helicopters overhead, a few curiosity seekers or wandering delegates on foot, in pedicabs or on bicycles and then scores of police, some in riot gear. There was no signage, so delegates who originated on the wrong end of the Pepsi Center had to traverse a long distance to get around the security fence, which seems like an endless barricade.

There are so many levels of credentials and passes - for those getting into the PepsiCenter, for those destined to get into Invesco Field on Thursday night to hear Obama, for those going to the Starz party (Hollywood types), and the Big Tent (full week, day, volunteer, media passes).

I must say the latter pass - which Andrew, Garlin, and I each have - are a great deal with food and drinks and wireless and speakers.

I spent some time at the Alliance Center, which is a rather amazing building. The lights sense natural light and adjust accordingly and the toilets flush at several levels as well. The Big Tent was crowded and I'd forgotten my power adapter so I checked out the media lounge upstairs as well as the Digg Stage.

When I was there, a panel was underway with David Sirota, John Podesta, Thom Hartmann, and Arianna Huffington.

I had just come from The Atrium, which is the chill-out spa created by Arianna, with massages, vegan food and an atmosphere which is pretty much the antithesis of the circus down here in the blogger area or the street outside. Arianna showed up and I was able to get a photo of her blogging.

I also very much enjoyed the vendors out on the street. I saw Rednecks for Obama and probably a dozen t-shirt and button stands, as well as roving Democratic Donkey and Republican Elephant figures. They were a favorite with a group of Japanese dressed in traditional kimonos.

Here in the Big Tent there is a big screen television and tonight there is a full program. In the meantime, there's a Happy Hour and lots of eats. There are corporate sponsors at all levels, from the high rollers to small businesses.

I'll be interested in what's going on in the PepsiCenter and with the convention, but I prefer to be out covering some of the street action and party people as well - it's a perfect place for an anthropologically-minded person.

So far I have met delegates from quite a few states and run into my favorite reporter from The Nation and a few other folks, besides my colleagues at NPI.

I'll sign off for now and check back in later.

Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home