I think it’s safe to say that Governor Palin hit it out of the park Wednesday night. It was the first time that Americans had a good look at her and most were impressed.
Some are even calling her a media star, which is something the Republicans haven’t had in a long time.
Last night was Senator McCain’s big night.
It didn’t go as well as Palin’s.
While he thrives in his Townhall Meetings, addressing large crowds is not his forte. (You may have noticed the catwalk that was built for his Thursday night speech. That may have been added to help give more of a ‘Townhall’ feel.)
(Note: This post has been patiently waiting on my desktop until I got back to New York City!)
What a day it has been.
For the 75,000 people who had to get into the Invesco stadium, just getting in was a long process.
One man told me the wait in line was a good three hours; and I believe him.
I picked up the bus from Pepsi Center for the short trip over, and instead of dropping us off in the normal area we were told to cross two parking lots and walk over to the main entrance.
Once I got inside, I looked over the edges and saw the crowds had swelled tremendously and they were coming at us from all angles.
The pumped up attitude wasn’t just found amidst the stadium seats, the walk-ways circling the stadium were filled with folks from all over excited to see Senator Obama speak.
And what a performance.
The roar of the crowd as Obama walked down the catwalk and the trembling beneath my feet as people stomped to make extra noise made me think for a second we were about to see the Rolling Stones.
It is Thursday morning in Denver, and I am getting ready to tackle what is sure to be a long day at Invesco at Mile High.
Senator Obama wanting to make his speech as the Democratic Presidential Nominee at a stadium that can hold 75,000 instead of where the delegates were previously has everyone a little more than concerned about the process.
The only way we are allowed to get into Invesco is by bus (even though it’s less than a mile away from the Pepsi Center).
Busing for the media began at 8a.m. and will continue throughout the day. Buses carrying delegates and other folks are available starting at 2p.m.
We have been given fair warning to that earlier rather than later would be a good idea.
Once we get in there, we will be in our designated areas for hours. At least until 10p.m.
It was a mad rush last night for all the TV networks and channels to break down their sets and pack up to set everything back up in time for today. It looked like CBS News had theirs broken down first.
After the arrests of a couple people earlier this week for plotting to shoot Sen. Obama with a long-range rifle, no doubt the Secret Service will be busy getting tens of thousands of people in.
Thousands of flags are waving as President Clinton steps up to the podium.
Everyone is on their feet cheering and chanting “Bill Bill Bill!”
The first words that he says are “I am here to support Barack Obama”.
The crowd cheers as Clinton says he too will do everything he can to support Obama… “actually that makes 18 million of us”.
“Barack Obama IS the man for THIS job”
Clinton’s speech starts off by talking about “the next challenge, rebuilding the American dream”.
As a Senator Biden’s “warm-up guy”, Clinton outlines why Biden was a great choice to be Obama’s running mate. His military service and years of service in Congress are a perfect combination for the national security angle.
We may have seen Clinton campaigning for Sen. Clinton this primary season, but it has been a while since we have seen a speech quite like the one we’re seeing tonight
There has never been any doubt to Clinton’s skill to reach out to people in the crowds and affect them, and that is what we is happening tonight.
Political pundits questioned whether President Clinton would be able to get both Clinton and Obama supporters on the same page. And he will with a speech like this.
Without taking shots at any Republicans in particular, he is cutting them down as a whole.
Counting down the minutes until I get a chance to get onto the floor for a 30 minute section.
Peter Haskell and I are seated in one of the press areas a.k.a. the rafters. As I peer over the edge, I notice at least half are on the Blackberrys, Sidekicks and other devices.
Well, I just got back from my stint on the floor. Just as I was leaving, Melissa Ethredge began her set. Things got pretty crowded pretty quickly.
I was down there to get some shots of interesting faces, and scenes but was started getting pushed out of the way as soon as Ethredge got on stage.
Today is shaping up to be another busy day!Just spoke with MySpace’s Citizen Journalist, Mitt Britten, about what he’s doing here in Denver. I’ll post the full interview up later in the day.
Up next, I’m heading over to Rep. Weiner and Rep. Israel talk about the their bill proposal in Congress to help alleviate some stresses on the American middle class.
At 11:30, I’ll be chatting with Yelp! on what to do in Denver and what makes it an interesting city.
A little after noon, I’ll be calling in to the station to chat with Debbie Rodriguez about some of my adventures out here…and again at 1:50.
Hopefully, I’ll be able to grab a bite before my interview with MySpace’s IMPACT guru Lee Brenner about their presence in politics.
Senator Clinton may not be the Keynote speaker tonight but there is no doubt that she is the one that people have come to see.
The video tribute of Clinton is playing and the floor is standing room only, shoulder to shoulder and ready to cheer.
We are getting word that the fire marshall has shut the doors and I believe it. On the floor wheere the aisles usually are, the people have packed in to get a closer look.
I can see “Hillary” signs being passed up the rows of people and there are thousands waving.
Her daughter, Chelsea Clinton briefly introduced her as “her hero”
There are many cheers from Clinton’s first statements, “Proud to be an American, proud to be a New York Senator” but the biggest cheer came after “proud to be an Obama supporter”
Mixed in with Clinton posters are many tall blue “unity” signs.
As she is speaking, I wonder if she will be able to accomplish what the Democratic Party is looking for her to get done… convince her delegates and supporters to throw their weight behind Senator Obama for the national election.
I’m standing outside the Pepsi Center, trying to get inside. It’s not looking good!
The line to get through security is easily 600 people long, and it’s getting close to game time. There were no where near as many people lined up last night. This is even worse than Sunday when I tried to get my media pass.
Something may be going on. Apparently, there doesn’t appear to be anything wrong inside, but outside there’s a definate holdup.
As I write this, everyone in the Pepsi arena is watching a video tribute to Sen. Ted Kennedy. Caroline Kennedy introduced the video to great fanfare.
Surprise appearance!Sen. Kennedy was quickly introduced and walked on stage to a thunderous roar.People jumped to their feet waving Kennedy posters a few times during his speech. Now, it is just reaching 8pm and a number of speakers have had their time at the microphone. We heard from ‘regular Americans’ along with politicians.Later on, we will be hearing from Mrs. Obama. She is expected to talk about their family values and what makes Senator Obama a regular guy.
that Americans had a good look at her and most were impressed.
Well, I just got back from my stint on the floor. Just as I was leaving, Melissa Ethredge began her set. Things got pretty crowded pretty quickly.
