The Democratic National Convention

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Selecting the Democratic Candidate for President 2008

The Democratic National Convention is history, and certainly it made history with the official nomination of Barack Obama, first African-American candidate for President of the United States of America.

Read on for highlights of the convention held August 25-28, 2008, in Denver, Colorado.

Accepting the Nomination Thursday Night 

Senator Barack Obama

Nightly Speakers and Topics of the 2008 Convention 

History was made in Denver.

  • Monday, August 25: The "One Nation" theme focused on the life of Barack Obama with Michelle Obama being the featured prime-time speaker. The highlight of the night was a tribute to Senator Ted Kennedy with an in-person appearance by the senator, who is currently fighting brain cancer.

  • Tuesday, August 26: "Renewing America's Promise." Senator Hillary Clinton's prime-time speech brought down the house. She fought a good fight in the primaries and nearly made history in her race to be the first female nominee for president. Without a doubt, she broke that "glass ceiling" and laid the groundwork for women to come.

  • Wednesday, August 27: "Securing America's Future" with prime-time speaker, vice presidential choice Senator Joe Biden.

  • Thursday, August 28: "Change You Can Believe In." On Thursday night, Barack Obama's acceptance speech, which you can see in a video below, was delivered from INVESCO field with a huge crowd in attendance.

Visit this page for each night's complete program.

The 2008 Democratic Convention Committee Logo

The 2008 Democratic Convention Committee Logo 

Red, White, and Blue in Denver, Colorado

The logo for the 2008 Democratic Convention was originally unveiled in lights on the exterior of the Pepsi Center in Denver, site of this summer's convention.

"With Denver playing host, the Convention is an opportunity to highlight the importance of the West to the future of the Democratic Party and to broaden the conversation about what it truly means to be a 'big tent' party - beyond regional and ethnic diversity to include an expanding array of people who share the Party's values.

"The majestic mountain skyline and star-filled horizon that are characteristic of Denver and the entire Rocky Mountain region are reflected in the logo to demonstrate that view."

(Quote from the website of the DNCC.)

Video Highlights of the 2008 Denver Convention 

Couldn't be there? See the convention speeches here.


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MICHELLE OBAMA: Addresses Denver Convention

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HILLARY CLINTON: "No Way, No How, No McCain"

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OBAMA CONVENTION SPEECH: Offers Policy Specifics, Goes on Offense v. McCain

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curated content from YouTube

What is a Delegate? What makes a delegate a SuperDelegate? 

Nobody said the selection process was simple.

Delegates are people committed to a specific candidate who are elected by the voters (you and me) in the state primaries or chosen in the caucuses. When you cast your vote in a primary or a caucus, you're effectively choosing a group of delegates who have committed to voting, at the convention, for your candidate.

Superdelegates consist of party leaders including current or previous office-holders within the party, governors, senators, and others. A superdelegate wears a special shirt at the convention, as well as a cape . No, not really, but in the case of the democrats this year, the superdelegates do wield a lot of power. At this point in the race neither Hillary Clinton nor Barack Obama is likely to receive enough delegates via the remaining primaries to secure the nomination, so the eventual choice of the party's candidate will lie in the hands of the superdelegates. While the delegates are committed to a particular candidate, the superdelegates are not. Many superdelegates do endorse a candidate in advance of the convention while others will not state a choice until the balloting at the convention begins.

The controversy in advance of the Democratic convention at this point lies in whether Hillary Clinton, by virtue of a "deal" with superdelegates, may be able to "steal" the nomination from Barack Obama if he actually receives the majority of the committed delegate votes. Some people remember the riots accompanying the 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago. Some now have predicted sheer chaos at the 2008 convention if such deals do occur. Perhaps the outcome will be known before the democrats arrive in Denver; perhaps not. Either way, the August convention promises to be very interesting indeed.

Shirts for SuperDelegates 

. . . or for super-special people whose name begin with the letter D.

History of the Democratic National Convention 

This is the convention's second trip to Denver, the first being in 1908.

"The first Democratic National Convention, in 1832, led to the nomination of Martin Van Buren to be incumbent President Andrew Jackson's running mate when he received the two-thirds vote that had been required. This "two-thirds rule," which often required conventions to cast ballots dozens of times, remained in effect for more than 100 years (minus exceptions in 1835 and 1840). This original three-day event in Baltimore, Maryland began the Democratic Party tradition with a win, as President Jackson easily defeated Henry Clay of Kentucky. No party platform was issued, as that tradition did not start until 1840, when the Convention -- once again, in Baltimore -- nominated Van Buren for the presidency."

From the website of the 2008 DNCC. Click here for more history and a complete list of previous convention cities.

This Wikipedia article gives additional history as well as an overview of the nomination process.

Democrats and Democratic Conventions from the Past 

Books and videos for democrat fans and historians.

Official proceedings of the Democratic national convention, held in 1864 at Chicago. by Michigan Historical Reprint Series

Official proceedings of the Democratic national convention, held in 1864 at Chicago. by Michigan Historical Reprint Series

This volume is produced from digital images create more...0 points

American Revolution 2

American Revolution 2

A heady time of change and chains, the 1960s was d more...0 points

Party of the People: A History of the Democrats by Jules Witcover

Party of the People: A History of the Democrats by Jules Witcover

Given the Democratic Party's fundamental role in s more...0 points

The American Experience - Democrats

The American Experience - Democrats

Celebrate America's 20th-century Chief Executives more...0 points

Homegrown Democrat: A Few Plain Thoughts from the Heart of America by Garrison Keillor

Homegrown Democrat: A Few Plain Thoughts from the Heart of America by Garrison Keillor

In this thoughtful, deeply personal work, one of t more...0 points

Finding Your Way to and Around Denver 

August 25-28, 2008

Traveling to Denver? 

Make your travel plans and reservations soon!

The dates of the Convention are August 25-28, 2008. Why not go early and stay late?

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Packing for the Trip to the Convention 

Need new luggage? We've got you covered!

How about a new laptop bag?

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What's the forecast for Denver? 

Hot and steamy inside the convention hall, no doubt, but here's what the weather's like outside.

Current weather conditions in Denver, CO (80204)

Local Pollen Reports

9°F (Feels like -1°F)

Last update: 12/6/09 11:53 PM MST

Humidity: 76%
Visibility: 5.0 mi
Dew Point: 4°F
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 29.92in steady
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 7mph From: Airport Conditions
powered by weather.com

Tonight


Low
Low: F
Sunrise: 7:07 AM
Sunset: 4:35 PM
 

Monday
Dec 7 


N/A
High: 27°F
Low: 19°F
Sunrise: 7:08 AM
Sunset: 4:35 PM

Tuesday
Dec 8 


Few Snow Showers
High: 24°F
Low: 11°F
Sunrise: 7:09 AM
Sunset: 4:35 PM

Wednesday
Dec 9 


Snow
High: 26°F
Low: 14°F
Sunrise: 7:10 AM
Sunset: 4:35 PM

Convention Wear: Shirts (and more) for Obama-Biden Supporters 

Support Your Candidates!

Places to Eat in Denver 

Including reviews from people who have been there.

Click on the "more" link for detailed information.

Here's what Yelpers have to say about Food in 80204

Savory Spice Shop (Denver)  
"I have to say, even though this place doesn't look big from the outside, the selection inside is amazing! The service is fantastic and I love that they have..." more
Santa Fe Cookie Company (Denver)  
"The first time I went in here it was the end of the day and I would have given it MAYBE 3 stars. There was little selection, but I kept the hour in mind...." more
Wen Chocolates (Denver)  
"My rating is reaffirmed. Sadly, Yelp does not offer a six-star rating, or Wen would get the extra star too. Not only are the offerings at Wen..." more
Pacific Mercantile Company (Denver)  
"Love, love, love this place. I love to make my own sushi, and I first found PM when I lived in Boulder and wanted masago. PM is the only place within 50..." more
Carbone's Italian Sausage Market & Deli (Denver)  
"I have yet to eat inside Carbone's, but made the best Italian sandwich I've ever had using a variety of meats and cheeses my husband picked up here. He got..." more
Spinelli's Market (Denver)  
"Don't feel silly about getting right into this tiny family-owned italian market and heading directly to the deli counter in the back. That's where the..." more
Trompeau Bakery (Denver)  
"Wonderful french pastries and croissants. Friendly staff. Delicious Croque Monsieur and easy access with plenty of street parking. What more could a..." more
The Truffle Cheese Shop (Denver)  
"Wow! Dark truffle Gouda cheese and espresso soda...need I say more? The Truffle shop has an assortment of fine cheeses (that you can sample), truffle..." more
Sweet Action Ice Cream (Denver)  
"Sweet Action Ice Cream is amazing. While i am one of those people who usually sticks to plain vanilla or chocolate ice cream i got a little bold and..." more
Le Bakery Sensual (Denver)  
"Best place to get a cupcake and eat the deliciously sensual marzipan icing off before you return to the office." more
powered by Yelp

Nightlife in Denver 

For after-convention hours.

Here's what Yelpers have to say about Night Life in 80204

Z Cuisine Bistrot & A' Côté Bar à Absinthe (Denver)  
"After 25 years in the French part of Switzerland, I so miss true French bistro cuisine. I have found it at z'Cuisine. The cassoulet is one of the best I've..." more
City Park Jazz (Denver)  
"CamStar Rating of Bonanza! Jazz in the Park is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon all summer long! Great for getting together with friends, bring the..." more
P S Lounge (Denver)  
"as good as it gets ... reminds me of the great divebars hells kitchen nyc... petes a class act... his xmas pullovers are priceless.... great date place,..." more
Gabor's (Denver)  
"Gabor's is a friendly, clean, quiet bar. The jukebox is free and the service is friendly and prompt. Maybe I am too much of an extrovert for this place..." more
The Cruise Room (Denver)  
"I had my first cocktail in Denver at The Cruise Room, right before my first happy hour at Samba Room and first dinner at Rioja. All of these places are..." more
Barolo Grill (Denver)  
"Denverit's, I'm not feeling this place, much like a chronic masturbator who recently mistook their lotion supply for a bottle of Novocain, very little..." more
Three Kings Tavern (Denver)  
"I am torn. I like to stop in to the Three Kings, because you can almost always find a cheap draft beer there. Nevertheless, it is kinda scummy, and the last..." more
El Chapultepec (Denver)  
"A tiny, charming dive which houses a terrific seasoned jazz trio. I miss riding my bike to the Pec and channeling Kerouac as I'd scribble in my journal. A..." more
Caveau Wine Bar (Denver)  
"Nice happy hour, friendly and helpful staff, tasty food. I like wine bars, and I really like this one." more
Horseshoe Lounge (Denver)  
"One of my favorite bars in Denver and my favorite neighborhood bar by far. Laid back, no-frills kind of place that still manages to pull off a funky,..." more
powered by Yelp

Blogging about the Candidates: Barack Obama 

Obama's on their minds. What are the bloggers saying today?

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Blogging about the (former) Candidate: Hillary Clinton 

Hillary still has her supporters and her bloggers.

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Convention Wear: Hillary Clinton for President! 

This woman's place is in the White House! (Maybe next time.)

Democratic Convention Memorabilia on eBay 

Pins, Books, Pictures, Tickets, Badges and more Convention Collectibles

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eBay

The Democratic National Convention Online 

Some important links.

Convention Schedule
Here's the schedule by date, including the theme for each night and the speakers.
The DNC Site
The main convention site, with lots of history, information, and topics of interest.
Obama for President
The Barack Obama campaign's official website.

Have Something to Say? It's Your Turn. 

Going to the convention? Wish you could? Hate the candidates? Love them?

Speak up. We're listening!

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Susan52 enjoys writing, blogging, and making lenses on Squidoo and is proud to be a member of the Giant Squid 100 Club! The true loves of her life are... (more)

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