Democratic PARTY Rundown

The air in Denver is electric!  This is my first convention and what a way to start.  I had envisioned political conventions to be drab and mundane.  My time in Denver has proven to be quite the contrary.  Not only has it been full of excitement, it has also been inspiring, fun and exhausting.  Truly, it has been a marathon concert of star politicians, celebrities and the top political minds in the country.

First, there are the endless breakfasts, luncheons and receptions sponsored by the various groups, organizations and constituencies that make up the entire Democratic Party.  They range from intimate gatherings at the Ritz Carlton like the one sponsored by Harvard Law School to the Gill Foundation's massively fabulous event which took over Denver's Museum of Contemporary Art.  Here, convention goers have the opportunity to mingle, network and debate.  It is a task in of itself to manage the daily schedule of events.

The main event, the Convention, is equal parts the US Open, the Grammys and C-Span.  With over 4,000 delegates, 15,000 members of the media, politicians and celebrities it is a mega experience filled with the energy and promise that Barack Obama's campaign brings.  There is a collective spirit of hope that pulses through the stadium as the delegates rally, dance and applaud the leaders of the party on the floor and other attendees roam through the Pepsi Center's hallways, bleachers and concessions.  Everyone is happy!  Everyone is inspired!  Everyone is having a great time!  But, underneath the celebration there is also a shared recognition that this is serious business and that there is a lot at stake.  To that end, when the major speakers take the podium the raucous crowd immediately becomes still.  You could hear a pin drop as Michelle Obama spoke on Monday.  And, the unified anticipatory breath of the crowd during Hilary Clinton's speech last night is indescribable. 

As soon as it is over, the real partying begins.  The first order of business: deciding which of the countless after parties you're going to attend.  The parties range from mini-concerts with Wyclef Jean, John Legend and Melissa Etheridge to more mature fetes like the one the Congressional Black Caucus sponsored.  The parties aren't your regular parties either.  Of course, there's music, food and dancing.  But, there's also major politicking going on.  Congressman so and so talking to the Mayor of this city and the CEO of that company.  The partying is happening, but business is getting done...with the help of our good friends Chardonnay and, depending on the event, Alize. 

Even with all that's going on nothing compares to the anticipation of Barack Obama's arrival.  He's been criticized for being a rock star/celebrity.  The beat of this convention does not dispute that fact.  He is a rock star and what's wrong with that.  If he can bring the spirit of this convention to the nation then, I'm for it.  Rock on!  Don't get me wrong, I don't mean to trivialize the gravity of the events going on here.  Yes, people are having fun, but the root of the joy is the hope that our nation is on the verge of positive change.

A change that will bring us into an era of good times for us all!