The Democratic National Convention

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic by 6 people | Log in to rate

Ranked #2,404 in News, #203,065 overall | Donates to Soldiers Angels

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.


MICHELLE OBAMA: Addresses Denver Convention

Runtime: 21:36
115326 views
10 Comments:


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

Runtime: 26:28
260108 views
10 Comments:


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

Runtime: 45:02
410750 views
10 Comments:

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?

powered by Orbitz

Packing for the Trip to the Convention 

Need new luggage? We've got you covered!

How about a new laptop bag?

Samsonite 11021 Business One Mobile Office (Black)

Amazon Price: $139.66 (as of 07/12/2009) Buy Now

Traveler's Club® Hot Color 3-Pc. Luggage Set

Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009) Buy Now

Targus CVR600 15.4 Groove Notebook Backpack

Amazon Price: $27.46 (as of 07/12/2009) Buy Now

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

63°F (Feels like 63°F)

Last update: 7/12/09 3:53 AM MDT

Humidity: 65%
Visibility: 10.0 mi
Dew Point: 51°F
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 30.29in steady
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 12mph From: Airport Conditions
powered by weather.com

Today


Partly Cloudy
High: 86°F
Low: 63°F
Sunrise: 5:43 AM
Sunset: 8:28 PM

Monday
Jul 13 


Isolated T-Storms
High: 87°F
Low: 63°F
Sunrise: 5:44 AM
Sunset: 8:28 PM

Tuesday
Jul 14 


Isolated T-Storms
High: 87°F
Low: 62°F
Sunrise: 5:44 AM
Sunset: 8:27 PM

Wednesday
Jul 15 


Partly Cloudy
High: 82°F
Low: 61°F
Sunrise: 5:45 AM
Sunset: 8:27 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)  
"So cool. Just so cool. I've been wanting to check this place out for ages and SO glad I finally did. Not only a great selection of spices of every kind at..." more
Pacific Mercantile Company (Denver)  
"This is a fantastic little secret in downtown Denver!! I would highly recommend that the bigger chain stores take some lessons on customer service from..." more
Wen Chocolates (Denver)  
"The manager that works there everyday is super nice and very knowledgeable about the super delicious chocolates! Oh man, this place is DIVINE!!! Who would..." more
Santa Fe Cookie Company (Denver)  
"Is it possible? So much joy for only one dollar? Next time you're on 16th Street Mall, head down to the basement food court of Republic Plaza right next..." more
Carbone's Italian Sausage Market & Deli (Denver)  
"You think the sandwiches are great? Try getting some of the sausage to grill at home - the BEST!" more
Liks Ice Cream (Denver)  
"This is what I would consider a destination location. Liks has the best ice cream, hands down. The selection hits to all types of tastes and the ice cream..." more
Le Bakery Sensual (Denver)  
"A biker buddy of mine went down this past weekend. On the way to the hospital today, I stopped to get him some of the medicine that always seems to make me..." more
Brown Palace Hotel Tea Room (Denver)  
"This is a place I want all my visitors to experience. Too bad I'm rarely so on the ball that I'll make a reservation in time! The tea is spectacular, the..." more
Sweet Action Ice Cream (Denver)  
"I love Broadway in New York, and I love Broadway in Denver. I always drive down the street on the way home from work and often find myself swerving in my..." more
Spinelli's Market (Denver)  
"The only place I've found in Denver that will make me a hot pastrami with creamed cheese sandwich. If you need something tasty, quickly, buy a homemade..." more
powered by Yelp

Nightlife in Denver 

For after-convention hours.

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

Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret (Denver)  
"such a great night here... nice venue, good food. the show wasn't that amazing, as another guy said the dancers could create more interesting and sexy..." more
Z Cuisine Bistrot & A' Côté Bar à Absinthe (Denver)  
"Had a romantic, memorable night here last week enjoying lovely service, drinks, and food by candlelight (the lights went out on the block midway through,..." more
P S Lounge (Denver)  
"Awesome. Went to PS Lounge last weekend for my birthday and it was every bit as good as yelp lead me to believe. Free shots? Yep. Roses? Yep. And located on..." more
El Chapultepec (Denver)  
"Great music ! hole in the wall bar, jam packed normally, feel bad giving it 3 lets call it 3.5 stars becasue the jazz is just great !" more
Gabor's (Denver)  
"We're pretty happy to live around the corner from Gabor's. Trav usually orders the cheddar cheese burger because they hand patty the burger and toast the..." more
City Park Jazz (Denver)  
"I don't know what else to say, this is the perfect entertainment for a beautiful Sunday night with great people. I will be much more prepared next time for..." more
The Cruise Room (Denver)  
"This is one of my favorite spots in Denver. Right when you walk in, you're treated to a very welcoming, unique atmosphere. The fantastic art deco themed..." more
Three Kings Tavern (Denver)  
"This place rocks! I love it when my band plays a show here, they treat us really well. The sound is usually pretty good, they give the bands a huge tub of..." more
Vine Street Pub (Denver)  
"Talk about getting things right! I have to first mention, my husband and I went to this restaurant on what the hostess said was the busiest night they had..." more
Dazzle (Denver)  
"I thought the sweetie and I were going to hit the happy hour so fondly raved about here on Yelp but when we arrived it was in time for a 'show'. We hadn't..." more
powered by Yelp

Blogging about the Candidates: Barack Obama 

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

Loading Fetching RSS feed... please stand by

Blogging about the (former) Candidate: Hillary Clinton 

Hillary still has her supporters and her bloggers.

Loading Fetching RSS feed... please stand by

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

Loading Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
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!

Lensmaster

no name wrote

wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Obama ooooo0o =)

Reply Posted October 17, 2008

lisadh wrote...

Great lens on the most interesting convention the Dems have had for a long time. Here's hoping the positive mood lasts through November!

ReplyPosted August 29, 2008

PatinKC wrote...

I featured this lens on my lensObama For President. Also lensrolling.

ReplyPosted August 23, 2008

EclecticWAHM wrote...

Fabulous lens! I've lensrolled on my What to do in Denver lens!

ReplyPosted April 13, 2008

asmoul89 wrote...

Your lenses are amazing! I'm really nervous about these upcoming contests. I fear that if Obama is the nominee we'll have a Republican in the White House. I LOVE HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON!

www.squidoo.com/hotforhillary

ReplyPosted April 08, 2008

 
1 of 2 pages

by Susan52

Susan52 enjoys being a writer - and a member of the Giant Squid 100 Club on Squidoo! Her passions include her husband and children (including the four... (more)

Favorited By

Create a Lens!