This is different. The DNC WAS my vacation! Also, I like to take time to really decompress before taking a look at things (Oh, did I mention that I’m a slacker?).

As you likely noticed, the title of this post includes a Part I. My intention is to document / reminisce about each day in subsequent parts. Any posts with a title other than “Part I, II, etc. will likely exist as either updates on new events related to the DNC , or my political rants.

On August 23rd, the night of the Boulder County Democrats annual Truman Dinner, I decided to really make sure I had everything I needed for the following week (see aforementioned slackerdom). I sought out clothing, finishing touches on costumes and a camera. Oh yeah, I think I had about 50 or so emails and or phone calls to catch up on before dinner as well. I’m just glad the night topped off with a dinner. Otherwise I wouldn’t have eaten anything of substance.

Truthfully, I didn’t really get packing until later that night / early next morning. I spent too much time on my emails, and then ran around downtown Boulder looking for a costume and a bolo tie before attending the dinner at CU. The folks at the Ritz and Art Mart were friendly and helpful. I have to admit there were moments where it got busy when I needed help, and I just wanted to say “I’m a delegate to the DNC and I need help now!” I fought the urge and I’m sure it served me well. This frustration was largely due to the fact I hadn’t eaten and needed to get to dinner.

After successfully getting together my things, I realized I didn’t have a camera for the week. I had saved / fundraised / asked my family for money. I can’t say that I was running a surplus, but I figured that a camera might help to document the week. As it turns out there are a few electronics stores in Boulder.

If you weren’t in Denver last night, you missed a great speaker (I forget, how do pronounce his name? ). The crowd is really what made this a moving experience. From the critical mass of Obama-ites on the 16th Street Mall in the morning, to the long walk back to the hotel (due to traffic and light rail congestion), what a rush!

For me it has been all of the new voters and supporters of Barack Obama that has made this an exhilarating ride.

This Friday morning, I realize that while it’s an honor to be a part of history, I don’t want this to be record of being on the losing side of history. I know I have a lot of hard work, and if anyone feels like they don’t know who do vote for please email me. We can meet for coffee, or even just chat online. No hard sells, just a conversation.

With that plee, I want to say that this much fun is exciting, tiring, and ultimately memorable. Primarily thanks to this blog.

Regards to all,

JS

Three things you should know:

!.)My camera battery died, so I will try to post pictures later today.

2.) So many speakers with so much information.  I am not a Poli Sci major, and I need to take time to really take into account what they are saying.

3.)  These are long days.  I interview with the press a minimum of three time per day.  Many times more.  I am child protection worker , not a journalist.

That being said, I am not complaining.  Some of the delegates volunteered to plant trees today as part of Mayor Hickenlooper’s 1 million tree initiative.  In addition to this,   I had a great time cooling down (temperature) Curtis Park (at least by 2025).

I took so many pictures of upper regiment of  politicians and events, that I ran out of battery power on my camera.  I guess I will have to post tomorrow.

BTW.  Talk about a day of unexpected events.  I will have to fill you in with pictures.

After my battery charges ….

Regards,

Jonathan

PS I met several Congressmen.  I also complimented Sen. Leahy for his role in Batman.

Normally, when I get in trouble, I know that I brought it on myself. Not this time.

Every morning, Colorado’s Delegates have a breakfast. We don’t pay for it. And as the addage goes, “there’s no such thing as a free …”

I discovered that our breakfasts are underwritten by corporations. Long story short, I tried to hand out fliers on a local progressive event near our hotel. Issues included healthcare and the war. Speakers included RFK Jr., John Conyers, and Greg Palast. I had invited some volunteers to hand out fliers and asked them to respect the delegates. Before they could hand anything out, we were approached by a breakfast sponsor who stated that we could not give anything to the delegates. I retorted, “what if I give them the fliers as a delegate?” They responded that no information was to be doled out that was not related to our three corporate underwriters. I then told them that they were my fliers and I would take them to my table. I thanked the volunteers and sent them on their less than merry way. The sponsor rep told me again not to hand them out. I tersely told them that I wasn’t and walked away.

I didn’t have much of an appetite. I then stood in the elevator area and handed them out after breakfast. Most delegates seemed appreciative. Especially since the event was only a couple of blocks away, and things are happening all week.

The Progressive Democrats of America should really consider funding a Colorado Democratic Party Breakfast

Oddly enough our breakfast speakers Ken Salazar, John Salazar, Ed Perlmutter, and Gov. Don Siegleman (AL) all spoke about the abuse of political power in the Bush administration and how a few people have acted in unethical and exclusive ways (to the detriment of the middle class).

How much longer do we have to stall for your brother? Maybe we could hand out some fliers.

A Raucous Crowd at the Convention Center

I doubt I will be posting this late (2am)/ early for the whole convention. I am just trying to get a feel for this. After taking a nap at the hotel, Allison (my wife) and I went to a DNC event at the Convention Center. By the way, the Convention Center is not the same as the Democratic National Convention at the Pepsi Center. Many out of state delegates are understandably confused on this one. Delegates from all territories and states attended a celebration to recognize Katrina Relief Organizations. There was such a cacophony of Democratic mingling, New Orleans Jazz, and plates and glasses clinking, that you would have to wait for a break in the music to get in more than a “hello.” Frankly, this was a little frustrating. The highlight for my wife Allison came when DNC Chairperson Howard Dean addressed the audience. He spoke of how he gave DNC staffers paid time off to assist in the Gulf Coast recovery. He also mentioned how the staffers worked with Southern Baptist Convention Church goers (not your average Democrat). Dean noted that after weeks of staffers aiding in relief efforts, they finally got the courage to tell the Southern Baptist relief workers that they were Democrats. It was pointed out that these church goers probably had been told that Democrats and religion don’t mix. The Baptist relief workers stated that it was perhaps the first time they realized that the providence of god does not live within the Republican Party or Democratic Party. It resides in our efforts as human beings, and no Party has a monopoly on religion. (thunderous applause). Note the lack of any scream .

I asked Allison what she thought of seeing Howard Dean up close. She was quite moved. Musician Randy Newman was also in attendance and played a couple songs. I asked her what she thought. She rolled her eyes. I guess she doesn’t like progressive jazz as much as progressive politics. Who knew?

See, "W" isn't the only one with funny face / hand gestures.

See you in wee hours again.

-Jonathan

Jonathan Singer, Jared Polis, and Allison Barrett - One of you has earned a trip to Washington DC!

Is there any other way to discuss relevant issues of the day? Ok, I didn’t really sit down with Gov. Ritter and have brunch. But he did have Colorado’s DNC delegation over to the Governor’s Mansion. Senator Salazar, Chairwoman Pat Waak, and former Denver City Council President Elbra Wedgeworth all spoke of the importance of Denver and Colorado as a gateway to a Democratic victory. After several rousing speeches, I had the opportunity to mingle with a who’s who of Colorado politics. No, really, who’s who? I am still learning here. From City Council Members to former US Senate candidates, all I can say is I’m glad they wore name tags. I asked one of the Mansion staff workers who had served under both Democrats and Republicans if they noticed any difference in how guests treated them. The server mentioned that people are people, but Republicans tend to like their beer in a glass. I guess Repubs haven’t been to enough backyard barbecues

You too can realize your Victorian fantasies when you become a Delegate!

One of these people has not been elected to office. Is it House Speaker Andrew Romanoff, Jonathan Singer, or Commissioner Ben Pearlman?

Last night I attended the Boulder County Democratic Party annual fundraiser - the Truman Dinner. The usual cast of power players were there (the County Commissioners and local office holders / seekers) . I think the biggest applause was for Congressional candidate Betsy Markey. She was very down to earth, and frankly people are so mad at incumbent Marylin Musgrave that Besty should just change her name to “Not Musgrave.” We’d see another 7 point bump in the polls if she just changed her name

People at dinner kept asking me whether I am excited about being a delegate to the DNC. Truthfully, I am a little anxious. Not about the protesters, or security, but logistics. I want to make sure that I can make an impact (as insignificant as I am) as a delegate. There are so many events, trainings, rallies, and yes, protests that I cannot be everywhere all the time. This is history, and I don’t want to cheat myself of an opportunity or learning experience just because I lost track of things. I feel like this isn’t just for me, but for all the people that voted for me.

I am not complaining, I just want to make sure I do a good job and have fun at the same time. Speaking of fun, author David Sirota did a great job as keynote at the Truman Dinner. Also, I got to have my picture taken with several of my favorite legislators, including Rep. Dianne Primavera, Commissioners Cindy Domenico and Ben Pearlman, and outgoing House Speaker Andrew Romanoff.

Not a bad send-off to the DNC. As soon as I figure out how to post pictures, they’ll be up. Looking forward to the brunch at the Governor’s Mansion today at 11:30. With 9 hours to go, I think I’ll hit the hay!

-Jonathan

A family friend of mine - Mr. Adler is about to get his degree in Psychology. Anyone hiring? ... he's a great waiter!