Yes We Can

The video quality sucks, I know, but it's the audio that gives me chills. The good kind.

As I was leaving Invesco Field last Thursday, the "OBAMA!" chant went up throughout the concourse. By the time I got my camera out, it had shifted into "YES WE CAN!" Note how the chant becomes completely in unison ... completely together ... one movement, one thought, united, not divided.

It was cool.

Obama's acceptance: how it looked from the cheap seats

I took this video, as I did many of the photos previously posted from Invesco, from my seat way up in Section 530. I think you still can feel the excitement, though.

The clip starts with the cheering as Sen. Obama enters the stage, and it only lets up around 2:30 or so for his speech. But then, at about 2:47, you hear: "With profound gratitude and great humility, I accept your nomination --" ... and more bedlam ensues. Finally, at 3:26, Obama thanks Hillary Clinton, and again the crowd goes wild.

Enjoy.

Playing catch-up on DNC photos: more from Invesco

Better late than never ...

The sun sets behind Invesco Field as, on the big screen, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) introduces Barack Obama.

This is the best I could do, a mile away with a shitty camera, to get a picture of the nominee.

I guess not everyone in Denver was happy to see us ... or maybe this is just a typical Republican greeting. Or both.

Getting out of Invesco was a colossal clusterfuck. Whereas most entrances to the stadium area were open beforehand, the police funneled all 85,000 of us out through just three exits. So besides getting lost (if, like us, your original entrance was blocked for egress), we ended up in massive human traffic jams. Some enterprising folks, though, created a new exit by tearing down one of the temporary fences so that we could climb over the concrete barricades.

Here's a closer look at the new impromptu exit, as one of the two -- TWO! -- cops on scene tries to figure out what the hell to do. Finally, whoever was on the phone with him told him to let us go ahead, rather than try to close the fence back up. (Stay tuned for video of this scene.) Video of this scene is at the bottom of this post.

The intrepid Sucky Blogger himself goes all artistic and shit with cigar and throwback sweatshirt whilst waiting for his FPC colleagues to return. It ended up being a long wait ... like 2½ hours. Oh well ...

UPDATE (1:29 pm 9/2/08): As promised, here's the video of the police trying to close that "new" exit from Invesco. The police officer, after shouting, "Go that way!" tells one woman whose companion is still behind the barricade, "I don't care, I'm sorry ... that's why there's a barricade here."

Playing catch-up on DNC photos: Thursday at Invesco

Still trying to get all the pictures and videos posted. Evidently I was brain-dead earlier on Thursday, because the only photos I took were from Invesco. But here are some more goodies for ya ...

Attendees arrived in endless serpentine lines that went on for hours, like this one on the west side of the stadium around 4:30 pm local time.

Same thing on the east side a short time later.

The Denver skyline rose majestically to the east of Invesco, without even a hint of the rain for which James Dobson's minions prayed so fervently. I guess it only rains on Republicans' parties ...

Everyone bearing a "community credential" had this unique holographic "ticket," the two views of which are shown here.

Stevie Wonder performs on the big screen, with the iconic bucking bronco, formerly resident at the old Mile High Stadium, representing the home of the Denver Broncos. Note the snipers on top of the scoreboard.

Advertising signs were covered with black tarps or curtains, and the lighted signs around Invesco, like these, displayed appropriate messages depending on the speaker or the topic. We're between acts/speakers here, so we get the standard Obama/Biden tagline.

This was the perspective on the podium from where I sat. Here, Al Gore speaks and shows us his back and the top of his head -- unintentionally, one presumes.

Although the ads were covered up, the Broncos Ring of Fame was still visible ... so while he never played in this stadium (having retired before it opened in 2001), everyone knew whose house it was.

Each attendee received a small American flag, and there was one huge flag given out in each section as well, for waving when Sen. Obama spoke. It made for quite a spectacle, even from where I sat.

I think one more set of pictures ought to do it ... and I have a couple of videos that you might find interesting, too. Stay tuned ...

Playing catch-up on DNC photos: Wednesday, part two

Well, I told you it would take all weekend to catch up. And it's a three-day weekend, too.

More security theatre just inside the outer perimeter around the Pepsi Center. "Go Denver Police, and leave the driving to us."

"Seen any good riots lately?"

Taking you behind the scenes ... I found it interesting to see how they handed out the signs several minutes before they were needed. Here, for example, the tall "Biden" signs shortly before his introduction; we also got the "McCain: More of the Same" signs and the "Obama: Change We Need" signs shortly before those key points in Biden's speech.

My slightly out-of-focus view from behind the Florida and New Mexico delegations.

Here's a wider (and clearer) look from my vantage point during the Biden speech.

CBS News anchor Katie Couric: "Oh, John, I never get tired of that Chelsea Clinton joke!"

The CNN crew. "So that's when I thought, 'Hey, if Hillary can wear orange, so can I!' " The mention of Hillary sends Paul Begala into trance-like paroxysms of joy.

Possibly my favorite photo of the entire week: outside the Pepsi Center, five Aurora (Colo.) police officers cap a long night (as I often do) by enjoying a cigar. Said one, "Don't worry, it's not Big Tobacco."

UPDATE (9:45 am 8/31/08): I'm really proud of "trance-like paroxysms of joy." I hope Begala likes that, too.

Playing catch-up on DNC photos: Wednesday, part one

Better late than never, as I always say ... have a look at some images from Wednesday at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Blue Dog Democratic congressman Allen Boyd speaks to the Florida delegation breakfast.

Joe Garcia, congressional candidate from Florida's 25th District, addresses the delegates' breakfast.

18th District congressional candidate Annette Taddeo waits for her turn to speak to the delegates' breakfast.

Following breakfast, the Florida delegates cast their votes for the presidential nomination.

Not that you needed to see more pictures of this sucky blogger, but I just had to post this one of me with my all-time political hero, former Florida governor and U.S. senator Bob Graham.

Later, at a special lunch for Florida officeholders at the federal and state levels, Sen. Graham introduced us to Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).

At the Florida luncheon: (l-r) Florida Progressive Coalition blogger and Progress Florida webmaster Ray Seaman, Sen. Bob Graham, Florida House Minority Leader and state Senate candidate Dan Gelber, state Rep. Loranne Ausley, and Ausley's husband Bill Hollimon.

Never let it be said that Kos (Markos Moulitsas Zuniga, pictured here) can't even give away his latest book. He gave stacks of them out to us at the Big Tent. (And he's wearing that button I liked so well, but never obtained.)

Cool senator, sucky blogger. Here I am with Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.).

The "security theatre" strategy was omnipresent in Denver -- police in full riot gear were everywhere, presumably to scare us out of protesting or utilizing our First Amendment rights. You can't tell from this picture, unfortunately, but the vehicle on which they are standing was decorated like a birthday cake and it said "Eat Me" on the side.

Warning: this video contains me

Catching up on all things Denver/DNC between naps (thanks to CP, who graciously and bravely took my kids out for a few hours this afternoon). Keep checking back all weekend for more pictures, videos, and observations ... at least in my lucid moments.

Anyway, the lovely and talented Myrna the Minx of Reno and its Discontents captured me in all my glory at the Big Tent. And by "glory," I mean "sweaty, hairline-receding, altitude-enhanced stupor."

Watch the video for me, but stay for Athenae's part:

Hmmm. Needs more Athenae.

Be sure to check out RaiD (gotta love their acronym?) regularly as I welcome them to Blast Off!'s blogroll (motto: "Nowhere Near as Sucky as the Blog Itself").

That's the nicest thing anyone's ever said about me

From the lovely and talented Athenae at First Draft:

"To the Politico-taunting, security-line-jumping, snarking, cheering, bead-wearing be-political-buttoned Sinfonian, who lent me a press pass and said, 'Let's see how far we get with this.' If I had to go a mile high again, you're the one I'd pick to climb next to."

Does this mean we're in the Mile High Club? 'Cause if so, I wish I remembered it.

(And yeah, I taunted that smug fuck from Politico. And I'd do it again, too. Because they're all a bunch of ... smug fucks.)

A blogger's worst nightmare

Epic FAIL.

I mean, we're talking about massive, multisystem failure. And I don't mean the huge clusterfuck getting out of Invesco last night.

Have you had that dream where you study and study for a test, you spend hours and days and weeks and months preparing for it, and when the test comes, you blank out completely? That's kind of what I'm feeling like right now.

I'd been having problems with my PDA all week -- indeed, since long before I came to Denver. But my laptop was doing fine. That is, until last night, just when I needed it most.

Man, I was ready. I had two full laptop batteries, I had my aircard, I had my camera, and I was pumped. Psyched, even. I found a spot behind a concession stand, near a smoking area (although no one was smoking) with a spectacular view of the Denver skyline, and I set up shop. I got about two sentences written when BOOM -- the laptop just stopped. I tried recovery, rebooting, everything ... no luck. And my PDA was no help at all.

So, I missed liveblogging the biggest event of the Democratic National Convention. I got a zero on the big test. And I'm sorry.

I have plenty of pictures and thoughts and observations that may take me a few days to put out there, but I apologize for disappearing last night ... I'm embarrassed and frustrated and, well, pissed.

But life goes on ... and my flight back home is boarding. Thanks for your interest and support. Sorry I couldn't come through for the Big Moment. Bye for now from Denver.

Interview with Jon Tester

I had the honor of conducting a video interview yesterday with Sen. Jon Tester of Montana. That's me asking the final question.

At the risk of stating the obvious: Jon Tester is teh cool.

Thank you for your donations!

We at the Florida Progressive Coalition are incredibly grateful for your support of our trip to Denver, and we hope you've enjoyed our coverage at the FPC Blog (as well as the supplemental coverage you'll find here at Blast Off!, the blog that puts the "suck" in "sucky").

I thought you'd appreciate a look at one of the many ways we've been able to put your gifts to good use. Here's FPC's own Justin Hope taking advantage of a "bloggable moment:"

Before you scoff, you probably should know that it only cost a penny. Feel better now?

Seriously -- THANK YOU from all of us at the FPC.

(cross-posted at FPC Blog)

More photographic goodness: wrapping up Tuesday

"What?," you're saying. "But today's Thursday!" Yeah, I know. I'm like a day and a half behind on pictures and it's only going to get worse. But I'm trying ...

This batch takes care of Tuesday ... stay tuned for Wednesday's pics.

Here's an early look at the stage setup for tonight's festivities at Invesco. As of Tuesday night, when I took this picture, there were none of those elitist uppity pretentious columns. I just figured Obama would rise up on a platform in the middle and join Bon Jovi for "You Give Love a Bad Name."

The purveyors of lies right-wing talking points mainstream broadcast coverage will be ensconced on the north side of the field.

At the "Four State Four Star" event in the East Club Lounge at Invesco Field Tuesday night, featuring (l-r) Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, New York Gov. David Paterson, former president Bill Clinton, Sen. Hillary Clinton, and New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine. No word on whose brilliant idea it was to light the stage from behind.

Sen. Clinton with FPC blogger Legend Killer.

President Clinton poses with a supporter.

I love the logo for tonight's event. It looks great on the big screen at Invesco, doesn't it?

The FPC bloggers rub elbows with the chair of the Florida Democratic Party. Left to right: Ray Seaman of Ocala, FPC chair Kenneth Quinnell of Tallahassee, Justin Hope of Tallahassee, Legend Killer of Jefferson County, FDP Chair and former congresswoman Karen Thurman, Sinfonian of Boynton Beach, and former state legislator Ed Jennings of Gainesville.

Sucky blogger interview

Since my anonymity is basically shot anyway, enjoy this video from the Big Tent, taken on Monday.

One question: "Andrea Chalupa?"

(cross-posted at FPC Blog)

Suck it, Dobson

Here's your weather forecast for Denver:

Today: Sunny, with a high near 81. East southeast wind between 6 and 9 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 54. East wind 6 to 10 mph becoming south.

Suck it long, and suck it hard.

Reminder: Blast Off! available on Twitter

Quick reminder before this laptop battery runs out (and I probably should have posted this on Monday instead of Thursday, but ...): you can follow updates and comments to this sucky blog (especially during the convention) by subscribing to the Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/Blast_Off.

More to come, including the (oops!) other pictures I forgot to share from Tuesday night's Invesco Field event with the Clintons.

Thoughts on an historic night

(I stupidly left my laptop power cord in the Big Tent when I packed up to go to the Pepsi Center, so while I imagine it will be there tomorrow, I still have limited power options tonight, so I'll make this brief ...)

What a thrill it was to be on the floor for Joe Biden's acceptance of the vice presidential nomination, and then to hear his speech. I went in thinking that we could either get Good Biden or Bad Biden, and I was overjoyed to hear the Good version take on the Republican machine with strength, accuracy, and energy. It was kind of funny -- or at least interesting -- to see how choreographed the whole event was, with the distribution of signs being done in a precise order and arranged to match what Biden was saying -- so we he got to the "McCain: More of the Same" part, we had those red signs all set to go.

As we departed, I remarked to Kenny Quinnell that I think the biggest surprise for me at this convention was how emotional I've been. Whether it was the incredibly gracious motion for acclamation of Obama's nomination by Hillary Clinton this afternoon, or the touching remarks by Beau Biden as he introduced his father, or Barack Obama's surprise appearance onstage with Biden (at least it was a surprise to me), or so many other profoundly moving moments -- Tammy Duckworth's speech, for example -- I've found myself actually tearing up a bit, feeling an intense mix of pride and happiness with an awareness of the overwhelming historical significance of this event for today and for the future of America. Maybe I'm just a sentimental fool, and perhaps I fall too easily for the heartstring tugs that are quite clearly intentional ... but whatever the explanation, it's working.

At any rate, it's been an incredible ride ... and the best is yet to come.

Good news and bad news

The good news is that I am on the convention floor.

The bad news is that the seat we bloggers were supposed to have ... well, I don't. But I'm not alone. Thousands of us are standing in the concourse. I got as close as I could to the Florida delegation ... which isn't all that close. I'm behind the New Mexico delegation, which is behind and to the (house) left of Florida.

No, you won't see me on TV. But that would only ruin your experience anyway.

So enjoy the speech of Joe Biden -- the next vice president of the United States.

More photographic goodness: Tuesday roundup

Okay, I need to get you the rest of the pictures from yesterday before today ends. Maybe I'll catch up by, say, next week.

Florida delegate Rhett Bullard of Lake City is rockin' the safety patrol vest.

This is the view from the print press tables. Objectively speaking, it sucks.

The Florida delegation puts on their dancing shoes.

The line going into security Tuesday afternoon. In Denver, patience is a virtue. (Also alcohol tolerance.)

Remember when I called CNN's on-site headquarters a "brick shithouse?" I spoke too soon.

"What do you mean, you can't find the body? It was there when I left the office!"

I've given you some pics from inside the Big Sweat Tent, so how 'bout one from outside?

Okay, that's all the pictures through yesterday, and it's about time for me to head over to the Pepsi Center. I'll be blogging from there if I don't break the internets again. Stay tuned for more photo goodness, too, including me with a certain flat-topped, fuckin' awesome senator from Montana ...

Gov. Patrick, blogger

How cool is this?

Gov. Deval Patrick of Massachusetts stopped by the Big Tent to learn the finer points of blogging. I took this picture about 45 minutes ago ... and he's still at it.

Now that's what I call "progressive."

Tuesday pictures, part one

Herewith, a compendium of scenes, silliness, and sanctimony from yesterday in and around Denver:

When someone tells you to "meet at the big bear," they really mean it.

I counted fourteen (14) Huggy Bear supporters protesting outside the Convention Center. How quaint.

What if you threw a fear-mongering, riot-gear-clad, free-speech-suppressing party and nobody came?

I think it is categorically impossible to photograph Al Sharpton without his mouth open. (I keed, Al -- love ya! Mean it!)

A couple of the major cable news networks have occupied restaurants adjacent to the Pepsi Center, inside the secured perimeter. Here's CNN's brick shithouse.

The main entrance to the Pepsi Center.

Avoid the Blitzer Burger at all costs. Trust me on this one.

ABC and Al-Jazeera -- a match made in media heaven.

If you think Mo Rocca's jacket is bad, you should have seen his shoes.

Here's the view from the Florida delegation's seats.