My Page: David Frey
'BIG FINISH'
Obama Makes Surprise Convention AppearanceDemocratic presidential nominee Barack Obama made a surprise appearance at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night, one night before he is to appear at Invesco Field at Mile High to a massive crowd. [more]
CONVENTION COVERAGE
Western Pols in Spotlight at DNC
Top Western Democrats took the podium at the Democratic National Convention in Denver on Wednesday, highlighting the region’s resurgence in the party. Few, though, made reference to the region they call home.
From Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., to Rep. Tom Udall, D-N.M., to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., Wednesday night featured some of the biggest Democratic names in the West.
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THE WEST MAKES HISTORY
West Paves Way for Obama NominationBarack Obama was declared the Democratic nominee for president on Wednesday in Denver after the New Mexico delegation stepped aside to allow Obama’s former rival, Hillary Clinton, to ask delegates to name him the first black presidential candidate from a major party.
Clinton, who called for unity after a divisive party battle, appeared with the New York delegation and asked that the roll call be halted and that Obama be nominated.
“Let’s declare together in one voice, right here, right now, that Barack Obama is our candidate and he will be our president,” said Clinton, who received a standing ovation as she appeared with the delegation.
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PAYING THE PRICE
McCain Popularity Rises With Gas PricesAs gas prices rose, so did John McCain’s popularity. That’s no coincidence, agreed a panel of environmental thinkers gathered a few blocks away from the Democratic National Convention in Denver.
And, they said, that’s the Democrats fault.
“Average people paying $4 at the pump were saying, ‘OK, what’s the plan?’ and there wasn’t a plan,” said Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., a former two-term governor.
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COURTING LATINOS
Latinos May Be Critical for DemocratsThe Latino vote has never been as important or as heavily sought as in this election. That’s particularly true in the West, where critical battleground states also have large Hispanic populations.
“The Latino vote is going to elect the next president,” says Federico Peña, the former Denver mayor and member of President Clinton’s cabinet who serves as co-chairman of Obama’s campaign.
Like Peña, many Latino leaders say the next president won’t take the White House without them. Yet even some of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama’s supporters say he hasn’t done enough to win over Latino voters.
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CHOICE SEATS
Biden Gives Idaho the Boot, Right in the DNC Seat
A lot can be said in a seat. In the case of the Democratic National Convention, how close you can sit to the candidates depends on, well, how close you already are to the delegates.
Thus, the Colorado delegation gets a front-seat view of the convention, smack up against the dais. And Idaho, once set with prime seats of its own, got the shaft. Blame Biden.
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'THE LONG VIEW'
Barn-Raisings and Shootouts at the Democratic Convention
The Democratic National Convention is in the West, and to at least some degree, the West is in the convention.
As Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper greeted the delegates, he made much of the West and the lessons it offers Democrats – and not necessarily the ones you’d expect.
“Remember,” Hickenlooper said. “There were a lot more barn-raisings than there were shootouts in the Old West.”
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YOUNG, DEMOCRATIC & IDAHOAN
Next Stop, the LegislatureToday the convention, tomorrow the legislature.
Julian Langness and Steven Mercado don’t look like politicians. They are both T-shirt-wearing 20-somethings. Langness has slicked-back hair. Mercado is decked out with a smattering of pro-Obama badges, a skinny goatee and yellow sunglasses. They are Democratic geeks, hustling to shake hands with the Rev. Al Sharpton and strategist Donna Brazile.
To top it all off, they are Democrats in Idaho, the red heart of GOP country. But the two are part of Idaho’s delegation to the Democratic National Convention in Denver. And, don’t forget about them, they say. They’ll be on the campaign trail in another two years.
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BLUE AND GREEN
Trashing the Convention
Before the delegates arrived at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, the “greening” crew was on the scene. [more]
DEMOCRATIC CIRCUS
Michelle Obama and Swedish Women
The gavel was banged, but the Democratic National Convention in Denver wasn’t quite ready to start.
As Michelle Obama took to the stage Monday morning, daughter Sasha, 7, picked up the gavel and pounded it on the podium and grinned.
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