Selecting the Democratic Candidate for President 2008
Read on for highlights of the convention held August 25-28, 2008, in Denver, Colorado.
Contents at a Glance
- Accepting the Nomination Thursday Night
- Nightly Speakers and Topics of the 2008 Convention
- The 2008 Democratic Convention Committee Logo
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.

The 2008 Democratic Convention Committee Logo
The 2008 Democratic Convention Committee Logo
Red, White, and Blue in Denver, Colorado
"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.

OBAMA CONVENTION SPEECH: Offers Policy Specifics, Goes on Offense v. McCain
Runtime: 2702
428365 views
7023 Comments:
What is a Delegate? What makes a delegate a SuperDelegate?
Nobody said the selection process was simple.
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.
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
This volume is produced from digital images create more...0 points
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
Given the Democratic Party's fundamental role in s more...0 points
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
In this thoughtful, deeply personal work, one of t more...0 points
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?
Packing for the Trip to the Convention
Need new luggage? We've got you covered!
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

Tonight
Low
Low: 9°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!
Convention Wear: Shirts for Democrats
Proud of your party!
Places to Eat in Denver
Including reviews from people who have been there.
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
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
Blogging about the Candidates: Barack Obama
Obama's on their minds. What are the bloggers saying today?
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byBlogging about the (former) Candidate: Hillary Clinton
Hillary still has her supporters and her bloggers.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byConvention 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
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byThe 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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Reply
- no name no name Oct 17, 2008 @ 11:02 am
- wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Obama ooooo0o =)
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- lisadh lisadh Aug 29, 2008 @ 4:00 pm
- Great lens on the most interesting convention the Dems have had for a long time. Here's hoping the positive mood lasts through November!
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Reply
- PatinKC PatinKC Aug 23, 2008 @ 6:14 pm
- I featured this lens on my lensObama For President. Also lensrolling.
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- EclecticWAHM EclecticWAHM Apr 13, 2008 @ 12:59 pm
- Fabulous lens! I've lensrolled on my What to do in Denver lens!
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- asmoul89 asmoul89 Apr 8, 2008 @ 10:46 am
- 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
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