Denver Day 1!

The Convention started Sunday evening in a way that Democrats are quite familiar with: fun.

"Friends of New Orleans" hosted an outrageous, all-out event with tons of live music and a plethora of southern, Cajun foods. The event was held not only as a pre-convention reception, but also to raise awareness of the constant loss of the southern wetlands--almost 100 feet per hour. The ballroom was packed and the party was pumping--it resembled to a T the scene in Swing Vote, when the democrats host a party for Bud Johnson, the man who's vote could give them the victory.


Following the reception there were all sorts of vendors and a couple protesters outside of the convention center, but two in particular caught many peoples' attention: Pro-Lifers. Living in a free country with the freedom of speech and opinion is a wonderful, wonderful thing, and I respect the "Right To Life" opinion whole-heartedly, but the manner in which these gentlemen presented themselves was insane. They stood with a sign showing a picture of Obama, then the words "A vote for Obama is a vote for a dead child." and on the other side of the poster was a gruesome picture of an aborted fetus.


Many people confronted the protesters but were received with sarcasm and cynicism. Even the police appeared to be bothered with how these two were acting. Eventually they got tired of our crowed and moved along to spread their "message" to the other side of the center. It was the first protest I saw here, but I expect there to be several more. I guess it makes it all a little more interesting!

Finally, the evening ended with a reception hosted by Tom and Ruth Harkin at an Irish pub called the "Celtic Tavern." Many Iowan officials and delegates were there, including Governor Chet Culver and Lt. Governor Patty Judge, and Congressman Bruce Braley. It was a fun way to end the evening!