Convention week in Denver - what's your take?: Panorama: Rocky Mountain PBS ( a1)

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Convention week in Denver - what's your take?

posted Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008 9:44am

See more on: Blogs, Democratic National Convention, News & Current Affairs, NewsHour With Jim Lehrer, Vote 2008

Last night, I managed to score a ticket to the opening night of the Democratic National Convention at the Pepsi Center. After waiting in the security line for more than an hour, my boyfriend and I entered the arena with eager anticipation.

There were no seats left in the orange open seating section, but we stayed and did lap after lap around the concession stand area – watching the crowd and taking it all in.

Our initial disappointment with not getting seats disappeared the moment we rubbed shoulders with former President Jimmy Carter. And Governor Bill Richardson.

We caught glimpses of the stage through the entrances and watched Ted Kennedy's speech on the flat screens lining the arena's inside perimeter.

This week, Denver is at the center of the world – and it is a thrill to witness, regardless of your political leanings.

Over the weekend, I walked all around town, from the historic trains on display by Union Station to the bustling Convention Center. The buzz on the street was all about Joe Biden and whether he was the right choice for the Obama ticket.

I also had a celebrity sighting: actress Darryl Hannah, who spoke at the Green Frontier Fest along with Mayor Hickenlooper. I have since discovered that she has her own environmental activism blog and is a part-time resident of Telluride.

I especially enjoyed meeting up with Laura Hertzfeld of PBS in Washington, D.C. She's in Denver to blog about the convention and was gearing up for an exciting week ahead.

So what have you seen so far? What are your impressions of convention week? Witnessed anything unusual? And what do you think of the Biden pick?

Tell all, here on Panorama.

You can count on Rocky Mountain PBS to bring you the best convention coverage. Watch "Colorado State of Mind Special: Colorado Matters," this week at 5:30 p.m. And stay tuned from 6 to 9 p.m. for complete live coverage from the "NewsHour" team. Our Vote 2008 section completes the package with online coverage of the 2008 presidential campaign.

-Elizabeth Mayer, RMPBS

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PBS Convention Coverage - A NewsHour Special Report
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What's your point of view?

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Trux
Tuesday, August 26, 2008 › 1:28pm
I don't ever recall Cherry Creek flowing so robustly in August.
I suspect that Denver Water opened the dam a little to ensure a healthy looking creek flow through downtown.

Marvin Young
Tuesday, August 26, 2008 › 1:39pm
I just saw Spike Lee!!!

Ruth
Tuesday, August 26, 2008 › 2:29pm
Even though I didn't have a ticket to the Convention last night, I was invited to an interesting party hosted by the Center for Education in Law and Democracy. Guests included international journalists, representatives from several consulates, civics and history teachers, businessmen, academics and nonprofit administrators. After listening to a presentation on the history of conventions, we all engaged in lively conversation about political issues in the U.S. and abroad. Some of us reminisced about conventions in the 1960s and missed opportunities to help create a better world. We didn't all agree on the Biden pick, but we were unanimous in valuing the importance of civic engagement.

Bev Babb
Tuesday, August 26, 2008 › 4:03pm
It would have been worth going thru that maze a hundred times if I could have seen Jimmy Carter. He is finest President we have ever had. What an awesome contribution he has made to mankind worldwide. His early endorsement of Obama is the best recommendation out there.

Judy H
Tuesday, August 26, 2008 › 4:17pm
Wow! Michelle was outstanding. Caroline and Teddy, also amazing. I'm 73 and no election has affected me as strongly as this one. God willing, the right choice for president will happen!

Vivian
Tuesday, August 26, 2008 › 4:29pm
Michelle has won the race in my book. What a delightful lady to have in the White House. Obama's choice of a wife means he knows how to pick a running mate too.

Dianne
Tuesday, August 26, 2008 › 4:45pm
As a volunteer behind the scenes, I've seen Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, and David Paterson, Governor of New York. Hillary walked by twice and I missed her both times. I got to see Chelsea Clinton rehearsing at the podium, but the person I enjoyed the most was Biff Henderson from the Letterman show who shook my hand and asked me my name and job - he should be a politician! These days, there are so many pundits and news people that I can't even name all the others I've spotted. It's definitely an exciting week to be in Denver! By the way, I like Joe Biden and think he's good pick.

Carolyn A. Anderson
Tuesday, August 26, 2008 › 5:25pm
Kudos to PBS! Your coverage of the first night of the Dem. convention was intelligent and comprehensive; it was the BEST!

davyboy
Tuesday, August 26, 2008 › 9:05pm
Seeing Hilary tonite supporting Barack Obama was the strangest scene I could imagine in the whole convention. It reminds me of when she stood by Bill after he came out of the closet about his sexual goings on. She is a tough cookie.

Bette J
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 › 4:58am
We love and are grateful for the complete live coverage of the DNC. Overall we think Denver can be proud of being the host and doing such a great job. We value the number of great speeches; especially Michelle Obama, Michelle's brother, Caroline and Ted Kennedy, Jesse Jackson, Jr., Mark Warner, Hillary Clinton. Indeed we are thrilled about Joe Biden being the best choice. Barrack's choices of such an incredible wife and VP are proof of his outstanding judgment, wise choices, and enviable leadership. Indeed we NEED Barrack and his administration to get our country back and on the right track to have the righteous changes so desperately needed. We need to once again be respected world leaders and a UNITED STATES of AMERICA. Thanks for all the quality programs with which you bless us.

Sue from Colorado
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 › 7:57am
Not everyone who loves PBS is a Democrate. I have my tv turned off during the convention.

Elin
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 › 8:07am
Yes, but everyone who loves PBS is proud they're carrying the coverage of this week's convention and the one next week. I've looked forward to watching both, and am so glad PBS brings it to me so I can avoid crowds!

beth
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 › 12:14pm
i was disappointed in biden pick, but guess i will grow to love him. would have been nice to have hillary picked, or huge presence in cabinet. liked how i read abraham lincoln was least experience going into presidency. like the hands across the aisles politically, just like with pres clinton and jimmy pres. do not want more of bush or outdated rich republican policies. want timely change "for the people", the real people like US!!!!! also, as a long ago republican, mainly for moral religious reasons back then, am now with 'eyes wide open' to the hateful mean spirited judging republicanisms and awful judgementalisms when they are soooo in glass houses (all seven of them in some cases) pointing fingers, when their record in life is sooo self serving.

beth
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 › 12:30pm
ohhh, i really enjoyed PBS DNC coverage the BEST!!!! and 'rock the vote' denver, come out friday also after the DNC at denver performing arts center by the alien sculptures for music 11 am to 11 pm off speer. lets all get involved and keep the spirit of change and hope going! can't wait to see MENISKUS----my favorite band ---hands down, will be part of fridays 'rock the vote'.

Mindy
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 › 12:33pm
I am LOVING having the city filled with democrats!! Just walking around downtown is a treat with all sorts of kooky characters and excitement in the air.

Pretty sure I'm going to Invesco Thursday night and cannot wait.

Ron
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 › 1:38pm
Though not a fan, I thought Hillary's speech was extraordinarily effective - one of the best political speeches in years! The best attempt at a daily review of the convention is the Charlie Rose hour, thank heavens for PBS. Their daily analysis of what has taken place on the floor of the convention is insightful, calm and as balanced as one could expect during a convention. Hope it is the same next week at the GOP convention. As to the convention's impact on Denver, that seems to be minimal. I wonder what happened to all of the angry hordes of protesters that were expected? Were the anticipated protesters over-hyped? Happily, Tent University seems to be a bust, along with all of the other self serving demonstrators. Nice having PBS, BBC, Charlie Gibson and Brian Williams in town.

kristy
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 › 6:52pm
I as well enjoy the PBS convention coverage.
It's very balanced.
I am excited about the prospect of Barrack Obama as our next presedent.
Now, how can we change the mind of all those folks who have excuses for not wanting to vote for him?

Patricia
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 › 10:15pm
Most revitalizing convention I have ever seen! The speakers were fantastic; their punch lines would sometimes bring down the house. They carefully pointed out the difference between the future with Obama and the current Bush policies. McCain cannot distance himself now; his record shows he voted most of the time "with" the Bush administration, with the almost terrifying results--people at home having tough times, and folk abroad thinking less of us as a Country.

Elizabeth
Thursday, August 28, 2008 › 9:51am
Wow. What great comments, everyone. Keep them coming! I am so glad to hear your thoughts and insights. What else are you thinking? What else have you seen? Are any of you going to Invesco tonight?

beth
Friday, August 29, 2008 › 10:49am
hi again all, enjoyed alll your comments! thankyou elizabeth for this. just wanted to say the "Rock the Vote" concerts today have been moved to skatepark near rockies stadium= 2205 19th street in denver. sad, cuz all the announcements already went out over the radio stations with previous addres i gave. ROCK the VOTE very important to get all registered to vote as they wish, verses the great apathy so many, myself included have had for many years. but then thats alot cuz i kept voting repuplican....hehe. no more!

Anna
Friday, August 29, 2008 › 6:32pm
PBS, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your intelligent, adult (no screaming!) coverage of the Dems. I appreciate input from the three men and from the historians and our people on the floor. You are all so intelligent and so gracious that you enhance our viewing of the Convention. I'm looking forward to watching the Reps next week because I want to know what the other side is planning.
Hooray for Obama/Biden. They are two wonderful, intelligent men who will do us proud leading our country.

Mary Louise
Saturday, August 30, 2008 › 3:39pm
I am in awe and gratitude at what the Democrats are doing. I have been a life long Repubican with a family ancestry of the same. I was a young Republican and stood beside my late husband who was a Republican District Chairman in the State of Hawaii being priviledged to be invited to a reception for President Nixon in the home of Clare Booth Luce on Kahala Avenue in Honolulu. Barack Obama is the FIRST candidate that I am voting FOR rather than voting for because I'm voting against the opposition. I am almost 72 y/o and I have determinedly registered as a Democratic for the first time in my life. Obama and Biden fill my heart full of love and great hope to stand alongside Michelle Obama and shout with joy that for the "first time in my adult life I am unashamedly proud of my county"!

Benr R Rodriguez MS
Monday, September 1, 2008 › 3:54pm
The DNC Convention, Denver very well planned and executed. In the present world, since 2001 we have been, as society crossing the Asteroid Belt of Flawed Actions no Diplomacy. The future looks, as we may have changes the USA deserves. Senators Barack Obama, Joe Biden Jr., certainly the teams that will "rebuilt our diplomatic and civic relations with the rest of the World", under present huge difficulties, will have rewarding results. The biggest price shall be the "pursuit, implementation of reason and peace. These basic needs, rewarding work, by protection of climate, environment, all necessary jobs will be created to uplift the present Middle Class. Just calculating using divergency sets, potential achievement will succeed, providing funds, without needs of taxing, only tranfers

Ron
Tuesday, September 2, 2008 › 12:24pm
Congratulations and thanks to the Management, Staff and Crews of RMPBS/Channel Six for all of their hard work bringing the national convention to us. Thanks also to PBS for the best all round coverage of the 2008 Democratic National Convention here in Denver. The PBS// RMPBS efforts were superior to the networks. Again, thanks for an entertaining week. Hope next week in St Paul is as fascinating and enlightening.

Marvin Young
Tuesday, August 26, 2008 › 1:39pm
I just saw Spike Lee!!!

Carolyn A. Anderson
Tuesday, August 26, 2008 › 5:25pm
Kudos to PBS! Your coverage of the first night of the Dem. convention was intelligent and comprehensive; it was the BEST!

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