The Democratic National Convention
Ranked #17,964 in Culture & Society, #365,612 overall | Donates to Soldiers Angels
Selecting the Democratic Candidate for President 2008
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.

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.
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.
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 shaping 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
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?
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
45°F (Feels like 39°F)
Last update: 5/31/12 4:32 AM MDT
Humidity: 71%Visibility: 10.0 mi
Dew Point: 36°F
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 30.16in falling
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 10mph From: Airport Conditions

Today
Fair
High: 73°F
Low: 55°F
Sunrise: 5:35 AM
Sunset: 8:22 PM

Friday
Jun 1
Partly Cloudy
High: 81°F
Low: 56°F
Sunrise: 5:34 AM
Sunset: 8:22 PM

Saturday
Jun 2
Partly Cloudy
High: 83°F
Low: 58°F
Sunrise: 5:34 AM
Sunset: 8:23 PM

Sunday
Jun 3
Isolated T-Storms
High: 87°F
Low: 61°F
Sunrise: 5:33 AM
Sunset: 8:24 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
- Divino Wine & Spirits (Denver)

- "Divino is awesome. Their wine selection is great! I have purchased "gifts" for several people on their recommendation - I give them a few parameters and..." more
- Toast! Wine and Spirits (Denver)

- "Super Cute little joint! This is just what the Highland's needed. I lived in the area couple years ago and would have DIED if this was there at the time...." more
- Savory Spice Shop (Denver)

- "Best customer service in all of Denver!" more
- Seafood Landing (Denver)

- "As far as I'm concerned this is the one and only place to get seafood in the Rockies. Bruce, the owner has been a fishmonger for many decades and he knows..." more
- Savory Spice Shop (Denver)

- "This Place is a Godsend. Nothing like the pure joy of walking through this palce flipping through the recipes in my head and see what mish mash fo fusion..." more
- Santa Fe Cookie Company (Denver)

- "i just discovered the lemon bars....dear God! they just surpassed every chocolate chip craving i will ever have. buttery crumbly crust and tart..." more
- Denver Bicycle Cafe (Denver)

- "I took my bike in here for a tuneup and I was incredibly impressed with the service and price. I had a chain removed, my brakes fixed, and some other minor..." more
- Skoops Ice Cream & More (Denver)

- "Skoops has AMAZING dinner entrees. Last weekend I had their Stuffed Chicken Breast with plump Dried Fruit, Pancetta, & Macadamia Nuts-- WOW. The stuffing..." more
- The Truffle Cheese Shop (Denver)

- "My favorite place to go when someone is visiting. the service is very friendly and knowledgeable about there products. MD in fine cheese's. They are not..." more
- Quiero Arepas (Denver)

- "What I had? reina pepiada arepas (I think..) Food review: I have heard so much buzz about this place so I was excited to find out that they were going to..." more
Nightlife in Denver
For after-convention hours.
Here's what Yelpers have to say about Night Life in 80204
- Denver Patio Ride (Denver)

- "The ONLY reason it gets a 4 is because our tour started an hour late...So, 8pm on a Sunday....The guy (owner??) bought a few people in the group some..." more
- Black Crown Lounge (Denver)

- "The Black Crown is my new favorite place in Denver to have a cocktail. The staff is delightful. Ask Nick the resident mixologist to shake you up a White..." more
- City Park Jazz (Denver)

- "I've already become excited for the upcoming season of City Park Jazz! This is really such an awesome *free* event that the city of Denver puts on - so..." more
- Great Divide Brewing Company (Denver)

- "This is quickly becoming one of my favorite spots as I've gone the past two weekends. And the reason? Sweet, delicious beer. Ok maybe not all are sweet..." more
- Williams & Graham (Denver)

- "All I can say is AMAZING!! When you walk in....it looks like a tiny bookstore but then you are whisked away to the 1920's prohibition times. The inside is..." more
- Avenue Theater (Denver)

- "Had no idea there's a little theater nestled in here. Went to see Dave Shirley's Rattlebrain, he is so talented! The show as funny, relaxing, and at times..." more
- The Cruise Room (Denver)

- "I really like this throwback cocktail establishment with the neon ceiling lights and 'Titanic' feel of the 40's. Great place for that last call before..." more
- Rustic Tavern (Denver)

- "Even though this place is a local dive, even if you're not from the neighborhood you will surprisingly feel welcome. Slide into a booth or a table if the..." more
- P S Lounge (Denver)

- "My kind of bar, and I can't believe it took me this long to find this place in Denver. No frills, cash only, good juke box, pool table, and attached to a..." more
- Horseshoe Lounge (Denver)

- "I heart you Horseshoe! I do. I really do. Even though I technically "live" in Dallas I'm in Denver more than not. I'm always on the lookout for..." more
Blogging about the Candidates: Barack Obama
Obama's on their minds. What are the bloggers saying today?
Blogging about the (former) Candidate: Hillary Clinton
Hillary still has her supporters and her bloggers.
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
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!
-
-
no name
Oct 17, 2008 @ 11:02 am | delete
- wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Obama ooooo0o =)
-
-
-
lisadh
Aug 29, 2008 @ 4:00 pm | delete
- Great lens on the most interesting convention the Dems have had for a long time. Here's hoping the positive mood lasts through November!
-
-
-
PatinKC
Aug 23, 2008 @ 6:14 pm | delete
- I featured this lens on my lensObama For President. Also lensrolling.
-
-
-
EclecticWAHM
Apr 13, 2008 @ 12:59 pm | delete
- Fabulous lens! I've lensrolled on my What to do in Denver lens!
-
-
-
asmoul89 Apr 8, 2008 @ 10:46 am | delete
- 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
-
- Load More
by Susan52
Susan52 is a baby boomer, a retired homeschool mom, and a Giant Squid on Squidoo where she recently celebrated her five-year anniversary. She enjoys w... more »
- 250 featured lenses
- Winner of 32 trophies!
- Top lens » Buying a Kindle? Read This Before You Buy
Explore related pages
- Hillary Clinton Hillary Clinton
- Obama-Biden 2008 Obama-Biden 2008
- Re-Elect Barack Obama in 2012 Re-Elect Barack Obama in 2012
- Hillary Clinton Biography Hillary Clinton Biography
- USA Presidential Election 2012 Polls USA Presidential Election 2012 Polls
- 10 Of The Most Outrageous Political Shirts (Obama, Romney, Etc.) 10 Of The Most Outrageous Political Shirts (Obama, Romney, Etc.)












