Albia Democrat

Debate

2008-09-26T18:30:00.000-07:00

I am watching the debate. There are many bloggers out there that live blog. I am not going to try to do that, but I may post things that I find interesting. For example, a few moments ago John McCain said that he is the candidate for getting us free from foreign oil and then in the next question said that he opposed ethanol. Hmmm... If he thinks we can break free from foreign oil without the use of alternative and transition fuels he just doesn't get it.

Now they moved on to Iraq. John McCain said that what the lesson learned from Iraq is that you can't have a failed strategy that will then nearly cause you to lose a conflict. DUH. How can anyone say that this candidate has any substance?

Obama: An American soldier never dies in vain because they are carrying out the orders from the Commander-in-Chief.

Well the debate is over, and I didn't post much. My overall reaction is that little happened. John McCain seemed kind of mean and didn't make sense a few times. Obama showed that he was well informed on foreign policy and clearly stated what his presidency would do.

Trying to be unbiased as one can be on a blog called Albia Democrat, McCain was forceful on his points and was better prepared than I expected. McCain had to have been told to never say I agree with Senator Obama. Even when they agreed McCain tried to attack Obama. That kind of politics turns me off but it does work.

We just need to see how the spin works. That is all that really matters, especially on a Friday night when I am sure few people watched.

Voted

2008-09-26T18:14:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted since I have been back from the DNC. But I wanted to let everyone know that voting has started in Iowa. In fact I voted today. Can you guess for who?

Night 4

2008-08-28T23:27:00.001-07:00

If you did not watch the convention tonight, you missed out. Below are pictures throughout the night. It was absolutely inspiring for this Democrat/democrat to see a 70,000 people show up to be a part of history. WE THE PEOPLE. The Democrats took back the flag. Too long we have been attacked for not being patriotic. Everyone there loves this country with a passion.

The set was impressive. I heard some criticism about the set as a shrine to a Greek God, but anyone that says that has no understanding of our nation's history and should take an educational tour of Washington D.C. Don't buy that crap.

Yonder Mountain String Band played to start off the evening. I used to listen to these guys when I lived in Iowa City. They are good bluegrass.

Iowa's Golden Girl, Shawn Johnson, lead the Pledge

Today was the 45th Anniversary of the Dr. Kings speech during the March on Washington. Martin Luther King III reminded us of the struggles this county faced not long ago. Today that dream came true with the first Black major party nominee.

Jessica Alba walked by followed by Fergie. Only got a blurry photo of Alba. Sheryl Crow, "A change would do you good."

Gov Richardson got bumped from the schedule last night but I think he fit in better tonight anyway.

Al Gore... Imagine how different the world would be today if...

The next Vice-President

Try calling Democrats unpatriotic... that flag does not represent Red States or Blue States but the United States.

Barack!!!

The last picture is not very clear but if it would have came out it would have been awesome.

Night 3

2008-08-28T00:22:00.000-07:00

I am posting this stuff at 1:45 in the morning and I am still tired. I have MSNBC on. I usually choose MSNBC because I think they usually do the best coverage. What I am watching now is ridiculous. They keep talking about the need for "RED MEAT." They keep asking when is it going to happen. Was anyone paying attention tonight. Bill Clinton did a number on McCain. They went to break during Kerry. Kerry tore McCain apart. You don't need me to tell you what you watched and you don't need them to tell you what you watched. I am posting these blogs to show the delegate perspective, and from that perspective the night was amazing.
When I got there Luke Russert was doing some interviews for NBC. Like father like son.

Melissa Etheridge rocked the house with a medley of "God Bless America" with "Times are a Changin," and "Born In the USA"
The convention hall was getting crowded and you could feel the excitment. In this picture you can see the Iowa delegation. Gov. Vilsack, Mayor Cownie, and Senator Harkin were in attendance.

Even Senator Leahy wanted to take pictures.

Andrea Mitchell walked by and said hello to Senator Leahy.

The convention welcomed President Clinton with a Star Spangled salute. Mary and Chet were with the Iowa Delegation.

This was the Bill Clinton that we all love. I don't think he was ever comfortable with the role of campaign spouse. This side of Bill Clinton I have not seen since Hillary decided to run.

Bob Schieffer was reading that paper while Clinton spoke.

Tonight Senator Kerry showed us why he won the Iowa Caucus. If he would showed that passion in 2004, this would be a renominating convention.

The program went a long and Gov. Richardson was scheduled to speak. Instead he did an interview with Schieffer.

I was so excited about Joe Biden's speech tonight and he delivered. His son introduced him and even though I knew the family story, it was moving. The line from the video clip showed Joe Biden's wisdom, "When you see abuse of power, you've got to speak. Whether its a parent slapping around a child, or a president taking a country into an unnecessary war... That is abuse of power and you have to speak."

Surprise Guest!!!!! I sent my wife, who is in Des Moines watching, a text "Wow I had no idea he was going to be here." She texted back "Um, I did... they said it like an hour ago on CNN." So I guess there are some things viewers at home know that we don't on the floor.

The stage on the way out.

I put this picture up because these were the best olives I have ever had. After the convention we went to a party and the food was really good... especially the olives.

Wednesday Breakfast

2008-08-27T09:09:00.000-07:00

We had a very busy morning this morning. Gov. Vilsack addressed the delegation. He said he was not here as a former Governor but as a father of two boys that "I love to the core." "I am here because I am not going to look my boys in the eyes and say I'm sorry for being the 1st generation in American history to leave the country worse."

Iowa A.G. Tom Miller said "When Obama takes the oath of office, think about the message that will have around the world."

Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald, "Last night unity was the theme, but it's not enough just say it. You have to get out and help. It is important for the down ballot races. I know... I am one.

Gov Culver was in attendance listening on.

We had two amazing guests this morning. First was Illinois Senator Dick Durbin. He talked about how ridiculous it is for the news pundits to criticize Obama for having his speech at Invesco field. "It's like criticizing him for the color of his tie. They had to turn away 40,000 people. Wouldn't John McCain love to have one night in his political life with a crowd like that?"

Then Speaker Pelosi addressed the delegation. "10 million children in America do not have health insurance. It would cost the same amount to insure all 10 million for a year for the same price as 40 days in Iraq. George Bush vetoed that bill and John McCain stood beside him."

It was then voting time. Below is a picture of Gov. Culver, Lt. Gov. Patty Judge and me casting our votes for BARACK OBAMA!

Night 2

2008-08-26T22:58:00.000-07:00

I left the Ban Bird Porn protest to head to the Pepsi Center. Eleanor Holmes Norton from D.C. opened the convention with a speech about D.C. representation. I have heard arguments for D.C. statehood for some time and I really have not had much of an opinion. Eleanor Holmes Norton has been a great advocate for the cause. I have seen her on the Daily Show and other shows and she makes a good case. 600,ooo people live in D.C. and do not have representation in Congress.

I was asked to put up pictures of myself up so I had a picture taken with the Lt. Governor.

Today was Gov. Culver's day and he gave a heck of a speech. I sat behind Gov. Dean and he was impressed. Following the speech Gov. Culver was warmly received by the Iowa Delegation. Gov. Culver and Mary Campos are pictured together.

Not sure who said it but one speaker made a good joke. It was said about George H. W. Bush that he was born on 3rd base and thought he hit a triple. George W. Bush was born on 3rd base and stole 2nd.

Howard Dean and Dick Myers had a conversation. I believe Myers was a Dean supporter in 04.

I left for a while and got back in time for the Keynote from Mark Warner. As I walked in to the hall I walked past Samantha Bee and Jason Jones. I handed them a flier from Bird Porn rally. They thanked me but didn't seem to care. The crowd was getting so big that I couldn't stay to talk. Warner's speech was great. I first heard of Mark Warner about seven years ago. I saw him give a speech on education reform and was impressed and knew he was someone that we be know nationally. Shortly after I chose to go become a teacher.

Some thought that his topic of bipartisanship tonight was not appropriate for a Democratic National Convention. I do believe that four years ago the Keynote was about bipartisanship... who gave that speech??? oh yeah... BARACK OBAMA! I am a proud Democrat, but I am also a proud democrat. We have elections to build coalitions to pick representatives that represent our interests, but once elected the representative is a representative of We the People... All the People. Democracy depends upon our representatives to understand this and that has been lacking in the last 8 years. Warner's point that Obama is candidate that will bring people together and that McCain has proven he will continue the practice of dividing the American people was absolutely on target. Great Keynote. Following the speech Mark Warner did an interview with Bob Schieffer just to my right.

Also pictured is actor Richard Dreyfus listening to Warner's Keynote.

The hall got so crowded that the fire marshall stopped letting people in. I was so cramped that I stopped taking pictures. The Gov. from Montana was really funny. If you missed his speech try to find it.

The theme at the end was Unity. If you saw Senator Clinton's speech you know what I mean. In the spirit of unity I will say Hillary gave a good speech. I can't wait until tomorrow for Senator Biden.

Bird Porn Protest

2008-08-26T12:35:00.000-07:00

Went to lunch and came across various protesters. It is a good thing too because I was informed about an issue that has serious consequences for our nation... Bird Porn. "According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service, 48 million people watch birds. A private research group, the Good Conduct Society, has discovered Bird Watchers are more sexually active than others. The elderly find that Bird Watching is not strenuous. And this erotic experience can be enjoyed privately through binoculars. 'Most disturbing,' said the Society's director, Anaida Krok, 'are the groups of Bird Watchers seeking vicarious sexual gratification in the woods. Shamelessly, they blatantly observe God's defenseless creatures mating. Leave the Birds Alone." More can be found at www.stopbirdporn.org

Tuesday Breakfast

2008-08-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

Today's breakfast was sponsored by Governor Culver. I got a shot of Congressman Boswell listening to Governor Culver.
Paul Tewes spoke to the Iowa delegation. Tewes should be a name that people know because of his great strategy to win the Iowa Caucuses. He said that Iowa is under rated because of what it teaches political campaigners. Iowa is where campaigners learn how to organize. "When the caucus was over and the campaign left Iowa, the lessons of organizing went with the young campaigners across the nation."
Governor Culver talk about the great Democratic team we have in Iowa with Speaker Murphy, Senator Gronstal, and the statewide officials, but that we need a partner in the federal executive branch. With a President Obama on the team "the sky's the limit." He also gave a great motivational speech. "Who needs sleep? Sleep only makes you groggy. There are only 70 days left, we can sleep for the next 8 years... very well."
Lt. Governor Patty Judge (my mother) spoke to the delegation about our need to cross the finish line. We have come up short in the last two elections and we need to make sure that we cross the finish line this time.
Finally Frank Cownie talked about the Nation's Mayor's 10 point plan. Cownie has been an active Obama support for some time.

Night 1

2008-08-25T23:51:00.000-07:00

I am tired. It has been a long day. I am not going to try to write much but I will post pictures. Keep up with the comments so I know people are actually look at this stuff. I know my writing is poor but I do not have the energy to think too much. Many of you probably watched tonight so I don't need to say much. I will post pictures from the Iowa Delegation perspective.

We signed nomination papers for both Obama and Biden. None of my pictures of Obama's papers turned out. Below is a picture of Mary Campos holding Biden's papers, and me holding Biden's papers. The third picture is Iowa delegate Cathrine Crist signing Biden's papers.

The Vermont delegation sits directly in front of us. Two seats in front of me sat Senator Patrick Leahy. Different reporters periodically asked him questions. Governor Richardson stopped by to talk to the Iowa delegates.

The picture of Senator Kennedy is one I took of the screen next to us because I could not get a good picture of him on stage. I did get a fairly good pic of Michelle. I also took a picture of Ann Curry and Bob Schieffer while they listened to Michelle's speech.

Leaving was tough. The place was so crowded you couldn't help but push people. There was a silvered haired man the I bumped into a few times before I turned to get a good look at him. It was Walter Mondale! The picture of him is from the convention floor. I also passed Al Franken on the way out.

Following the convention we went to a party hosted by Union Pacific and toured some old rail cars. Then we went to a party called Sustainability in the Rockies. The entertainment was a country music singer. I don't know if you have ever heard of him but it was... Willie Nelson!

Keep up on the comments. I will post more in the morning.

PUMAS

2008-08-25T14:48:00.000-07:00

You may be hearing about PUMAS. (Party Unity My A**) There are some bitter Clinton supporters out here, but I have not talked to any that do not want Obama to be President. I think that the media just wants the easy story but the people you see on the TV are obviously planted by the McCain campaign. I can't believe that the National Media is falling for it.

NEA Luncheon

2008-08-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

I went to the joint American Federation of Teachers and National Education Association Luncheon featuring the Democratic Women Governors. I rode the bus over to the Mile High Station (near Invesco Field) I talked a bit with a couple of teachers from Florida. They were a little bitter about being penalized for breaking the nomination schedule rules. Florida got there whole delegation seated but were still unhappy. I told them I was from Iowa, and I got a cold response. "Oh a caucus state," was here response. I was one of the first to arrive at the event so I sat at a table by myself for a while. Then a retired Government teacher from Michigan sat beside me. We talked Michigan politics a little. The issue of Iowa vs Michigan 1st in the Nation issue never came up but I think I know where he stands. Soon another retired teacher from California sat beside me. Finally... a delegate not from a rule breaking state. Reg Weaver (NEA President) started the event. Reg has been a great leader of the NEA and we will miss him when he retires. Next up was the Governor of Deleware Ruth Ann Minner. The sound was not so good so I couldn't make out much of what she was saying but she was excited about Joe Biden as we all were.

Then Janet Napolitano took the stage. She gave a good line about how Arizona is the only state that does not have a Governor's Manson. She owns a condo as most people only own one home in Arizona and said, "I am the only governor that lives in a condo but I do know where that condo is."

Finally Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas took the stage. Sebelius was on the short list for V.P. She hit the education issues hard.

"When you talk about economic development you have to start with education." She then told us the important role educators have in this election.

"There is no more powerful force in a campaign than teachers." She discussed how powerful it is for students and their families see teachers walking down the street campaigning.

Breakfast

2008-08-25T09:00:00.001-07:00

My cell phone did not automatically change its time so the alarm went of at 5:45 this morning. So I hit the snooze a couple of times, but got up in time for the Iowa Delegation Breakfast, hosted this morning by Senator Harkin.

We heard from a few folks from Iowa and then Senator Harkin took the floor. Harkin always delivers a great speech. He then introduced Senator Amy Klobucher from MN. After the speeches I got both senators to sign my pocket Constitution.

We then took an Iowa Delegation photo. The photo is copyrighted so I can't post it.

I wish I was as on-the-ball as UI professor David Redlawsk (one of my undergrad poli-sci professors). He is conducting class on-line this week. He set up his computer so his camera was capturing the speeches in the background. Right about now one of my Government classes is meeting. I should have done the same thing.

2008-08-24T23:07:00.000-07:00

Started out the evening at an All-Delegate Celebration Recognizing Katrina Relief Organizations hosted by the Democratic National Convention Committee and Howard Dean. Chairman Dean spoke briefly about Katrina Relief then a New Orleans band took the stage.

The band finished their set with When the Saints Go Marching In.

(I Love New Orleans Brass... and the room did too. See the picture of the conga line)

Then I headed over to a party hosted by Senator Tom Harkin at The Celtic Tavern. It was my first chance to meet with other Iowa Delegates.

From there I had an opportunity to go to an event focusing on renewable fuels. Robert Kennedy Jr. and Tim Kaine spoke on the need for America to develop a long term energy policy. Kennedy moved from the theme to talk about the failure of the Bush Administration to develop a positive foreign policy.

"It took 232 years to build a reservoir of good will and seven short years of arrogance to squander it." Tim Kaine pointed out that since two oil executives took the head of the executive branch gas went from $1.40 to $4.

Dave Matthews took the stage and blew the crowd away. He mention how great it was spending time with people talking about such important issues.

It has been a long day and I will begin in the morning at 7:30am for a Iowa Delegation Breakfast and get my credentials for the day. So ends my first day in Denver.

2008-08-24T17:40:00.000-07:00

I am going to an all delegate party followed by a party hosted by Senator Harkin. Will be back at hotel late.

2008-08-24T16:59:00.000-07:00

Just Arrived in Denver. I am setting up this blog for people back home to follow my adventures at the DNC.

I arrived at the hotel around 4 pm. I was too late to attend the NEA lunch but went to their office to pick up my packet. I had to walk about 4 blocks. As I was on my way I ended up in a Anti-War protest. There were so many people trying to take pictures that I could not get very close but all police set a line right beside me.

Denver has a ped mall, like Iowa City just bigger. That is were I was. I was able to get some pictures of the police.