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The Democratic National Convention

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Selecting the Democratic Candidate for President 2008

 

Two candidates. A virtual dead heat. So, who is going to be the democrats' candidate for president?

Going into the primaries back in January, Hillary Clinton was the clear frontrunner. Now the tables have turned and Barack Obama has overtaken Hillary in the delegate count - and in the opinion polls.

While there are a number of important primaries to go and the race could possibly be decided beforehand, there's a more than fair chance at this point that neither Clinton nor Obama will have received the required 2025 committed delegates before the Democratic National Convention, where the party's nomination becomes official, meets August 25-28, 2008.

Will there be fireworks at the convention? Could be, but hopefully the only fireworks will be outdoors, in the peaceful summer sky of Denver, Colorado.

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

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.)

See What's Going on Today in Politics, According to MSNBC 

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.

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?

Travel to Denver from...






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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?

Samsonite Business One Mobile Office, Black

Amazon Price: $97.96 (as of 07/20/2008)

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

Amazon Price: (as of 07/20/2008)

Targus CVR600 15.4 Groove Notebook Backpack

Amazon Price: $28.80 (as of 07/20/2008)

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

81°F (Feels like 81°F)

Last update: 7/20/08 7:45 AM MDT

Humidity: 24%
Visibility: 10.0 mi
Dew Point: 41°F
UV Index: 1 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 30.14in steady
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 4mph From: Airport Conditions
powered by weather.com

Today


Partly Cloudy
High: 95°F
Low: 67°F
Sunrise: 5:49 AM
Sunset: 8:23 PM

Monday
Jul 21 


Partly Cloudy
High: 89°F
Low: 65°F
Sunrise: 5:50 AM
Sunset: 8:23 PM

Tuesday
Jul 22 


Partly Cloudy
High: 87°F
Low: 67°F
Sunrise: 5:51 AM
Sunset: 8:22 PM

Wednesday
Jul 23 


Partly Cloudy
High: 85°F
Low: 66°F
Sunrise: 5:52 AM
Sunset: 8:21 PM

Blogging about the Candidates: Hillary Clinton 

What do the bloggers have to say about candidate Clinton today?

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Convention Wear: Hillary Clinton for President! 

This woman's place is in the White House!

Blogging about the Candidates: Barack Obama 

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

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Convention Wear: Barack Obama for President! 

There's hope with Obama in 2008!

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Democratic Convention Memorabilia on eBay 

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

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Add Your Democratic Candidate Lens! 

Squidoo lensmasters: Have a lens for Obama or Hillary? Add it here!

Please, Squidoo lenses related to democrats, the election process, or the candidates and their families only! (If you're not sure, submit it and I'll decide.)

Who is Hillary Clinton

She's Hugh and Dorothy's daughter. She's Hugh Jr. more...0 points

The First Gentleman

What's wrong with this picture? Nothing at all, bu more...0 points