DNC Part 1: Learning the Ropes

By Kera Bartlett

The Democratic National Convention kicked off with a bang, but not the type that the army of law enforcement was afraid of. Last Saturday night, the City of Denver welcomed its increasing swarm of guests with a fireworks display, the culmination of the Media Welcoming Celebration I was fortunate enough to attend. 

While the concept of inviting thousands of members of the media to a Six Flags theme park may seem a little odd, the event turned out very well, as business cards were exchanged between roller coaster rides, concerts, free food and free games. It was here that I learned two important DNC lessons: you can get almost everything for free, and with a smile, identification and some gumption, you can get into almost anything. 

Case in point: The next morning I was sitting in a ballroom in the elegant Brown Palace Hotel having brunch with some Harvard alumni and prominent members of the media before listening to a panel featuring Tom Brokaw, Bob Schieffer and George Stephanopoulos. After listening to these distinguished journalists share their observations on campaign coverage thus far, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell came out of the audience to declare that the coverage of Senator Obama had been embarrassing and proceeded to chastise the panel in front of the whole audience. In spite of their differing views, the men left the stage with smiles on their faces, shook hands and took pictures as they made their way out. 

Sunday also showed me that an outgoing personality can be a major asset at an event of this magnitude. Standing on the street corner, I approached prominent journalist and former gubernatorial candidate Arianna Huffington, who promptly invited me to her Oasis at the DNC. Within five minutes, I helped a prominent Washington D.C. lawyer find his way to the convention center before learning that he is a personal friend of Senator George Mitchell. The connection? I have applied for a scholarship to the Mitchell Foundation, so you never know.

That evening, after I returned to my temporary home in the Washington Park area, my housemate declared that she had extra tickets to a free Sheryl Crow/Dave Matthews concert at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater. Going to sleep that night, I was afraid I’d already peaked in my DNC experience, but Monday proved me wrong. 

Opening day excitement

Having scoured the Internet for political panels and events in the weeks before, I had learned that politico.com and the Denver Post were hosting breakfast speaker panels every morning of the convention. Convinced that it was worth the early morning start, an Occidental classmate and I attended the panel. Completely underestimating the event, we found that it featured some of the most prominent scholars and figures in black politics and was being broadcast on C-SPAN. 

We then progressed to another event, this time on philanthropy, featuring panelists such as Ted Turner and a former President of Ireland. While listening to them, I received a call telling me that I had received a pass for the Convention this evening, the purple ticket I’d been praying for all weekend. 

My first observation of the filled Pepsi Center was that it wasn’t as large as I expected. Appearing smaller than the Oracle Arena, the delegates filled the floor and first level while the media and guests (including many actors and celebrities) occupied the boxes and upper levels. Having been somehow categorized as an “honored guest,” I was able to squeeze into one of the side box areas just as Senator Obama’s half-sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng, was attesting to her brother’s character and ability to inspire. 
Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., who had been featured on the panel I had attended that morning, was next at the podium, and showed signs of his father’s oratory skills. Inspiring phrases were frequent (“Freedom in America has never wrung from a higher mountain top than it does today”). 

Ted Kennedy accolades

Transitioning to another purpose of the evening, a celebration of Sen. Ted Kennedy, his niece, Caroline Kennedy, spoke next. Her voice was soft and her cadence relaxed. She spoke of her admiration of both Obama and “Uncle Teddy” as Kennedy campaign signs waved throughout the crowd. After a short video introduction, Kennedy appeared to overwhelming cheers and excitement. His labored steps and a stool hidden behind the podium reminded us of his recent health problems. In a strong voice, he declared he would be there next January when Obama was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States. 

The other Obama

The real purpose of the evening was to show the party and America the real Michelle Obama, wife of Sen. Obama. After a powerful and heartfelt introduction by her brother, Craig Robinson, and a video compilation sharing her life story, the lady of the hour arrived on stage. 

Dressed in a classic teal dress and beaming at the chanting crowd, Michelle didn’t waste any time getting personal. With a voice filled with emotion, she discussed her family, her father’s illness and the values that she, Barack and all Americans share. Stressing her “American Story” and patriotism, she sought to quell the influence of her now infamous “pride in America” moment. 
She also reached out to Senator Clinton, and congratulated her for putting 18 million cracks in the “glass ceiling” of the White House. Both comments sent the crowd wild and the audience seemed to recognize her motivations, giving her encouragement. She concluded her speech by discussing her husband and why he’s running for President, again on a very personal level, and encouraged America to listen to their hopes instead of their fears, to stop doubting and start dreaming.

As I left the Pepsi Center, filled with the excitement of the crowd and the speeches, I wondered what the reaction would be in the morning. As I walked down the 16tht Street Mall towards the train, I passed people from all over the country, from all over the world, all talking about the same event with excitement. During the rest of the convention, I anticipate that the excitement that was sparked 18 months ago will build into a dazzling nomination speech. 
Now if I could only get a ticket!

Kera Bartlett is a senior Diplomacy and World Affairs major. She can be reached at kbartlett@oxy.edu