DNC: Colorado Public Television Snapshots from the Convention

For those of you who didn't notice, Colorado Public Television spent some time at Regis University for the two weeks we were on campus during the Democratic National Convention last month. Here is the result!

Please note, the segment on Campaign 2008 is about ten minutes in. They did a great job!

RNC: Guest Post

Linda Petrou is an adjunct professor of communications at Wake Forest University. This posting was published by Media General's Washington bureau:

Delegate Dispatch: One Convention, Two Hats
Tue, September 02, 2008 - 2:12 AM

This week I am wearing two hats. One hat is at faculty leader for The Washington Center convention program. The other as an alternate delegate to the Republican convention here in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Last week was devoted to the Washington Center. Each day the entire group of 100+ college students and 14 faculty leaders plus staff met at Augsburg College which is almost a mile from the hotel. We had speakers during the morning and in the afternoons after meeting with our small groups (each faculty leader has 6-10 student assigned to them) we toured the area, including going to the state fair and the Xcel Center. While it was a busy week, it was rather quiet. But it all changed on Sunday as The Washington Center students and faculty moved out to another hotel near Mall of America so that the North Carolina and New Mexico delegations could move in. Since I am a member of the delegation I did not have to move.

On Sunday, the hotel was abuzz about the selection of Gov. Sarah Palin as Senator John McCain's running mate. It was generally felt that this was a home run selection and the delegates were excited. There was concern though about Hurricane Gustav and what it might bring. We did learn later in the evening that the convention program for Monday would be truncated and that the governors of the affected states would not be in Minneapolis nor would President Bush come out to speak on Monday.

In the lull of Sunday afternoon and the start of the convention, a number of us went the Minneapolis Convention Center to hear a concert featuring Lee Greenwood and then to view the movie American Carol staring Leslie Nelson, Kelsey Grammer, and John Voigt among others. Afterwards we all attended the Welcome Reception hosted by the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. It was held also in the Convention center but in the area where they are holding Civic Fest. This is a display of presidential artifacts, including dresses from first ladies, an old Airforce One, a limo that was used by FDR, flags. It was fun to walk around and see all the exhibits.

Monday was the day that we had our first delegation meeting. Usually at these meetings representatives from the campaign appear and rally the troops. That was the case at this meeting. We heard from Senator Richard Burr, former Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer, and Former Senator Dan Coates from Indiana. During their talks people's cell phones started going off. It was at this time that the breaking news came of Sarah Palin's daughter being pregnant and of her husband's DUI in 1986. The feeling was leave them alone. It is a family matter not a public matter. The only reason it came out this way was due to the stories that were being printed in the Daily Kos stating that Sarah Palin's youngest son was not her's but her daughter's. The family decided to stop the stories and release a statement.

Later in the day I as approached by a reporter and she asked me what I thought about Sarah Palin's daughter. My response was what was she running for? The reporter looked confused and said why vice president. No I said, the daughter, what is she running for? It took a couple of moments and the reporter finally realized what I was saying. To help her out a little I said that we should leave the children of Obama, Biden, McCain, and Palin alone. They are not running for anything. She then asked how did it fit with family values? My response was just fine. She decided not to have an abortion but to get married and raise the baby.

The convention proceedings were truncated today due to the hurricane in Louisiana. The convention was called to order and then recessed for about an hour so that the committees could meet. Once it was back in session the delegates quickly agreed to the rules and platform committee reports.

Then there was a collective gasp in the room as Laura Bush walked out followed by thunderous applause that went on for several minutes. She spoke about the storm and introduced a video from the governors of Alabama, Florida, Texas, and Mississippi. After these short videos, Mrs. Bush came back on the stage with Cindy McCain. Both women talked about the need for service and the need to help. They asked that the delegates take out their cell phones and text message 2help and type in give; this was an easy way to donate $5 each call which will be billed on the next statement. After that, the convention recessed until the call of the chair. We don't know as I write this whether there will be a session tomorrow or not.

It was not until we got back to the hotel and turned on television that we heard about the demonstrators. We did not see them nor hear them. They did, however, prevent the delivery of the box lunches for the delegates. The only thing that made it through the demonstrators was chips, cookies and water. No one knows what happened to the sandwiches!

All in all it was a good day. There was some grumbling from folks from Iowa who wondered why all the fuss about New Orleans; they had just been flooded out and no one had come to their aid. But everyone understood the concern and especially the symbolism of a hurricane in New Orleans.

-- Linda Petrou

*Disclaimer: Guest posts do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of The Washington Center.

RNC: Convention is not only about nominating McCain

Things are ramping up at the Republican National Convention here after a day of worry about the path Hurricane Gustav would take as it headed toward the U.S. coast. Mickey Edwards, faculty director of Campaign 2008: The Republican National Convention series, published an insightful piece in The Boston Globe that sheds some light on some of the inner workings of the party. The article centers not so much on events taking place within the convention hall this week but on an internal struggle to re-chart the direction of the GOP.

DNC: Obama's send off from Invesco Field at Mile High

Thursday's send off of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama at Invesco Field at Mile High was a spectacle unlike any other. The Obama faithful were out in full force--more than 70,000 strong. It appears that the four-day long nominating convention out in Denver reached its intended purpose; uniting a party that was divided. The critics have been divided on Obama's performance, however. Venerable Washington Post columnist David Broder published an interesting piece on Obama's speech today. Broder, a long-time Democrat, says he doesn't think Obama's speech reached the caliber of his 2004 appearance in Boston, which made him a national sensation. But, this also begs the question, are the expectations

As many members of the media guessed would be the case, presumed Republican presidential nominee John McCain came out in full force early the next day, naming Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice presidential pick. The news of the day overshadowed media coverage of Obama's speech--but the critics and pundits--as is always the case--are, of course, divided over whether or not Palin is a good pick for the McCain camp. Still, the announcement, intended or not, certainly stole Obama's thunder for the day.

Now, with Hurricane Gustav threatening New Orleans, the GOP's response could be very important. Already, events are being cancelled and President George Bush scuttled speaking plans to be in the Big Easy. Will Gustav overshadow the GOP's bash out here in the Twin Cities or will they use it to their advantage in the news cycle? With the McCain camp criticizing Obama as the "biggest celebrity in the world," will a pared down GOP convention resulting from Gustav's assault give Republicans more ammunition to lob against the Democrats?

DNC: A look back at the last 100 years

The Denver Post has a great, informative graphic about the last 100 years of the Democratic Party, in case you want a history lesson.

The last couple of days have been extremely exciting in and around the city. For those of you who missed it because you had fieldwork to complete, Bob Schieffer, the anchor of CBS' Face the Nation, visited Regis University this morning. He declined to pick a winner in the presidential race, saying he thinks that it's too close to call. But he did say that he thinks Hillary Clinton succeeded overwhelmingly in her speech attempting to bring unity to a party that was so sharply divided during the primaries. Schieffer also said that the future of journalism will remain in constant flux, adding that young reporters will have to continue to be on the leading edge of technology and always be flexible. If you missed the speech, be sure to check Regis University's Web page for streaming video soon!

RNC: It's getting hot in here!

Don’t let the weather fool you—things are starting to heat up here in Minneapolis-St. Paul, with McCain set to announce his VP choice Friday and the official start of GOP 2008 convention now just four days away. Our participants have been actively engaged in our morning sessions, which have included visits from Republican National Committee Co-Chairman Jo Ann Davidson, Former Congressman Tim Penny, and Minnesota State Representatives Pat Garofalo and Steve Simon, with more headliners scheduled to speak next week. The insightful questions posed by the participants have lead to informative and analytical group discussions which will set the tone for the next week as the convention gets underway.

On Wednesday, participants and honored guests enjoyed a reception at the historic Landmark Center in downtown St. Paul. Participants sampled an assortment of delicious spreads and desserts and were addressed by Minnesota’s House Minority Leader Laura Brod, as well as Dr. Paul Pribbenow, the President of Augsburg College. Everyone is anxious for the start of the convention, as the delegates are beginning to arrive and the Twin Cities roll out the red carpets for VIPs and leaders of the Republican Party. As the DNC winds down in Denver, all eyes turn to Minneapolis-St. Paul and our participants are ready and eager to take part in history.

RNC: Welcome to Minneapolis-St. Paul!

Campaign 2008: The Republican National Convention seminar officially kicked off yesterday! Whether you came by bus, car, plane, train (bicycle anyone?), from across the pond, country or just from across town, you came with one goal in mind—to be a part of history and we are very excited to finally meet and work with you during this seminar.

Please be sure to check this blog regularly for ultimate coverage of the Campaign 2008 seminar. If you are a budding blogger and want to contribute posts about your experience as a program participant, please email c2008@twc.edu and title your message “Campaign 2008 blog”.

During the next few days as the DNC takes center stage in Denver, CO, pundits are going to look increasingly towards the McCain camp for clues about his VP choice. It is going to be an exciting time to be here in Minneapolis-St. Paul, especially as Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty’s name gets tossed around the rumor circuits. For all of you political junkies, you will have plenty of opportunities to satisfy your hunger and get caught up in the convention waves that are sweeping the nation. Stay posted!

DNC: You Look Mahvelous!

Hello, Campaign 2008ers! You look Mahvelous!

Sitting up here in our C2008 War Room at Regis' Student Center we just saw a bunch of you being asked by MSNBC's Chris Matthews live on Hardball about why you are in Denver. You all looked fabulous in your Washington Center lanyards! Congrats to those of you who were interviewed on air! The previous week of academic programming has obviously paid off.

This is just a reminder to all of you to be sure and wear those lanyards, especially if you are on TV. Those are going to be some pretty hot property here in coming days and it makes you look very "in the know!"

We saw many of you at the media party last night, too. Remember, if you have photos you'd like to share with the blog or with staff, send them to c2008photo@gmail.com.

DNC: Stay tuned on iTunes!

The Washington Center is on the radio! Regis University's campus radio station, KRCX 93.9 FM, taped an hour-long segment for the program "Some Of This Is True" with Dr. Tom Hooyman this morning all about Campaign 2008! Hooyman interviewed Dr. Suzan Harkness, Tony Cerise and Kathleen Regan about the unique opportunities available through Campaign 2008. Listen live on Thursday or, download the podcast. In coming day, the hour-long program will be available for download on iTunes. Just search for Regis University!

DNC: Tips for looking fresh!

Bobbi Brown is not only a makeup maestro but she's also a delegate from New Jersey who is attending her first convention, like many of you. Check out some of her tips for looking fresh throughout the day--from the morning academic sessions and on through your fieldwork, the convention and--last but not least--the parties!

DNC Guest Blog: Why It's Important for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People to VOTE

Leah Katz-Hernandez graciously allowed Campaign 2008 to repost a blog that she wrote on her own site, "dnc 2008: the deaf perspective." This is a wonderfully articulate and thought-provoking post that describes the importance of voting and how certain segments of the population, or voting blocs, can have effect the outcome of an election.

Why It's Important for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People to VOTE

This morning I was listening to a very good speech when I heard the words "New Mexico voted Democratic in Presidential Elections for a while until 2004, it turned red with 500 votes."

Just 500 votes?!?

Immediately, what popped in my mind was: "How many of the deaf people are residents in New Mexico?" - then - "What if there was 600 of them and every one of them voted?"

The outcome could have been different!

Even though we are numerous in America, our voting record is low. The reasons for this are as varied as the reasons to why Americans have a low voting turn-out in general. But what you cannot ignore is the fact that we are indeed an existing demographic. We are categorized under Disability, but we often do not view ourselves that way and have lived our life against the currents of oppression to succeed as human beings and as Americans. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing people are especially unique in America not only because they cannot hear, but because they are a linguistic minority. The American Sign Language has opened the door to a world of joy, community and culture, and humanity. And according to data from Gallaudet University, about 1 million people are "functionally deaf" and 10 million are classified as hard of hearing in 2005 (1).

So, think about it. 11 million people. Isn't that quite a strong demographic for a voting bloc? Of course!!

We can use our numbers to our advantage to impact political elections and gain greater clout in lobbying for advances in society that are important to us. Getting American Sign Language recognized as an official language by the US bureaucracy. Improving the deaf education system. The addition of the word "Audism" in the dictionary. Creating stricter standards on qualified interpreting and expanding the field for hearing people. Bettering the Vocational Rehabilitation offices in each one of the states. More deaf people entering the professional workforce, receiving doctorate, law, medical, and educational degrees. Better advocacy and labor union protection for the working-class. Captioned movies being shown in movie theaters. Greater recognition of the deaf people as human beings and NOT as defunct burden on the society. More informed professional medical services for audiology-related issues.

We already are independent, assertive, intelligent, hardworking, and proud Americans. But the world is not a perfect place. We the deaf people experience discrimination due to simple ignorance. Some people think the deaf needs to be fixed. Some are unwilling to give us accessibility and accommodations. Still, the deaf and hard of hearing remain optimistic. I am optimistic. Like Barack Obama said of race relations in America, I shall now dare to dream of a "more perfect union" - only, this time between the deaf and hearing people.

That dream begins with the hearing people looking at the Deaf and Hard of Hearing demographic as a valid voting bloc. When we are able to impact the politics, that's when we'll start getting people to focus on us, on our needs, on what we want as a group.

And that is precisely the reason why if you are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, over 18 years old, and an American citizen... you should vote for yourself and for the other 11 million.

Because when we come together and rise up, that is when the union between the hearing and the deaf will be perfected.

**DISCLAIMER: This post does not necessarily reflect the views of The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars.

DNC: Did you know?

Want to let friends and family back home in on some of this week's excellent speakers? Regis University is streaming video of speakers on its Washington Center at Regis University page.

Campaign 2008 is on YouTube! In coming days, you will be able to find clips of speakers and other events here. Check back often for updates.

Also, Regis' campus radio station is in on the Campaign 2008 action. The station will be interviewing participants and leaders as well as broadcasting live from some events. Listen live! Podcasts of some speakers should be available in coming days, station staff said.

DNC: Local artists help DNC-goers "button up"

Us Washington Center staffers are constantly searching for new and unusual buttons and pins--and you probably should be, too! Collecting and trading has a tradition at national political conventions. The Denver Post yesterday ran a short story about local artists that have pitched in with their own designs. Members of the Campaign 2008 staff found the buttons at Tattered Corner book store downtown last night and purchased a few for $4 each. Click here for a look at the buttons or to find locations to buy them. The buttons are intended to display and get the word out about Denver's local artists and 10 percent of sales go to the city host committee. What a great, unique way to support local art and revel in the convention experience at the same time!

DNC: Massachusetts Students Make Headlines

Read all about it! And, don't forget to check out their blogs!

DNC: It's on!

The Campaign 2008 staff welcomes all faculty and students participating in the Democratic National Convention seminar to Regis University. We're excited to meet and look forward to getting to know you all!

In coming weeks, we will use this blog to highlight student and faculty stories but for right now, we wanted to take this chance to highlight two Colorado College faculty who have appeared in the media recently. On Saturday, the Rocky Mountain News published a piece written by DNC seminar Faculty Director Tom Cronin discussing what he considers Barack Obama's four major tests in Denver. Cronin wrote that unifying the party and keeping its message simple will be important tasks. He also wrote that Obama will have to be careful to select the best possible vice presidential nominee.

Also on Saturday, Robert Loevy, a political science professor from Colorado College, was interviewed by Voice of America. The article offers some of Loevy's suggestions and advice to candidates and host cities on how to run a successful convention.

America's Mayor to Hit the Twin Cities

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani will get some prime time exposure at the Republican National Convention. Giuliani is scheduled to address the crowd at the Xcel Energy Center on Tuesday, Sept. 2. This will be his second opportunity to speak at a Republican National Convention. In 2004, he gave a keynote speech on the first day of the GOP convention in Madison Square Garden in New York. Giuliani was a candidate for his party's nomination in 2008 and entered the race as a front-runner. He was the first candidate to drop, exiting the crowded field Jan. 30 after a disappointing 3rd place finish in the Florida primary. He immediately endorsed John McCain and remains a loyal supporter of the presumptive nominee.

Want to be in-the-know?

Delegates don't just attend the national political conventions to nominate who they think should be elected the next president. They also come to celebrate! And, there will be plenty of events at each convention designed just to cater to that desire.

Want to know where to go to scope out political leaders, to rub elbows with journalists and mingle with lobbyists and interest group representatives? Metro Hikers has compiled a list of official and unofficial receptions, concerts and other events occurring in Denver during the week of the Democratic National Convention. Stay tuned to learn about other events at the DNC as well as the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

The Washington Center touches down in Denver

We're here! The Washington Center's Campaign 2008 staff has arrived at Regis University. Already, we've had some gorgeous weather and have been treated to a tour of the campus. It's a beautiful setting with inspiring views of the Rocky Mountains in the distance.

We will be spending the next several days putting final touches on the program, setting up our offices and getting ready to meet all of you! Check back frequently for program updates and new convention developments.

Warner to keynote at DNC

This just in... former Virginia governor Mark Warner will deliver the keynote speech the second night of the Democratic National Convention, according to The Washington Post. This might not sound like a huge deal to many people but considering that the second night of the convention is widely thought to be the slot for rising stars in the Democratic Party, this new development raises the stakes for the presidential race in Virginia, which is already shaping up to be a battleground. Democratic presumptive presidential nominee Barack Obama spoke on the second night of the 2004 DNC in Boston. His speech launched his political career on the national level.

McCain goes for the gold in Olympic ad spending

If you've been watching some of NBC's coverage of the 2008 Olympic games, you have probably noticed that both major presidential campaigns are quite visible. According to this story, the Obama camp has spent about $5 million on television ad buys on the NBC Universal network during the games. McCain has shattered records, spending a gold metal winning $6 million.

Don't forget your flair!

Here at The Washington Center we've already been encouraging you to stand out at the conventions by wearing campaign campaign buttons and other political memorabilia. This story in today's New York Times exemplifies even more reasons to do so!

Participants should have tons of opportunities to collect buttons, sticks, T-shirts, banners and all sorts of other campaign memorabilia throughout both conventions--and you can trade these items with folks throughout the week. In fact, for many people, that's one of their favorite unofficial activities throughout the convention.

Regis University, which is hosting students and faculty during the seminar surrounding the Democratic National Conventions, has caught campaign memorabilia fever, too. The University’s Dayton Memorial Library is exhibiting rare, historical campaign items from several U.S. presidents and political candidates as part of its Notarianni Political Collection. The collection includes 1908 Denver Democratic National Convention objects. The exhibit is on display through September 25.

We're on our way!

The Campaign 2008 has packed up its Washington offices and is moving to Denver to begin prepping for the Democratic National Convention academic seminar. Check out a few pictures of our move!

Of course, what we're enduring is nothing compared to what the Democratic and Republican host committees are going through to get ready for the events in Denver and Minneapolis, respectively. Check back often for updates on how the DNC and RNC are progressing!

And, be sure to document your own travels to Denver and/or Minneapolis! In coming weeks, we will tell you how you can share those photos with Campaign 2008 staff for inclusion on our blog!

Balloons could go bust at DNC

The Democrats have promised a green convention and now, environmental concerns threaten to deflate an old-time tradition at nearly every convention---the last night balloon drop.

Thousands of balloons typically drop on a convention's last night after the candidate formally accepts his party's nomination. But, with the Democrats moving their convention to the outdoor Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium for their final night, concerns that the balloons could harm the environment could mean a decision not to let any loose this year, according to news reports.

Republicans say they have concerns, too, but with their convention being held indoor at Xcel Energy Center, balloons are still scheduled to drop as planned.

Is the Veep that important?

Washington is a steamy, swampy mess in August. Now, in the run up to the national political conventions, the city is growing even hotter as rumors swirl and debate stews over who Barak Obama and John McCain will give the veep nod to.

But, this story in The Politico attempts to put the importance of the second-in-command in perspective.

What do you think? Does the role of the vice president matter? If so, why? If not, why not? How has the role changed in modern democracy? Have vice presidents become more important in recent years? Does the function of the office depend largely on the personality, experience and background of the person who fills it? Let us know what you think!

Twin Cities get a 'Patriotic Primping'

Starting Labor Day, the national spotlight will be on Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Twin Cities, along with the town of Bloomington, are getting ready for the thousands of delegates, journalists, volunteers and politicos to descend upon them at the end of month. On July 28, city officials launched the "Spruce Up MSP" campaign to encourage local residents to help put the cities' best face on by planting flowers, adding a fresh coat of paint to their house as well as by displaying American flags. In return, the families and businesses that do the best job at making their towns shine will receive a reward, including a red carpet convention package. In addition to this patriotic primping, 10,000 area residents have volunteered with the Host Committee. Other residents are going as far as organizing car washes for taxis to make sure everything in the city makes a good impression.

X-treme make-over, Xcel Energy Center Edition

Today marked a small turning point for the planning of the Republican National Convention. The keys to the Xcel Energy Center were officially presented to MSP 2008 Host Committee CEO Jeff Larson and Committee on Arrangements Deputy Operations Director Gordon Pennoyer. Over the next six weeks, the Xcel Energy Center will get an X-treme makeover as seats are removed, cables installed, workplaces for media set up etc. Crews will be hard at work to transform the ice arena into a convention hall ready to witness presumptive Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain’s acceptance speech on Sept. 4. You can follow the transformation and the progress made by tuning in to the GOP Convention’s YouTube channel.

Sparking the Republican Convention

The Minneapolis-St. Paul area is home to some 60 museums and 75 theaters. In the United States, only Chicago and Washington, D.C. boast more museums than the Twin Cities and Minneapolis-St.Paul can claim to have more theater seats per capita than any other city aside from New York.

It seems fitting, therefore, for such an artistic city to kick off the celebrations surrounding the Republican National Convention with a 24-Hour Arts Celebration. Before the politicians take center stage on Labor Day, the artistic community of the Twin Cities will deliver 24 hours of non-stop free artistic performances and entertainment through downtown Minneapolis. Spark24 will start at 8 pm on Saturday, August 30th and ending at 8 pm on Sunday, August 31st and will be free for all visitors and local residents.

Accepting the Nomination at Mile High

Last week, the Obama campaign announced that the Democratic candidate would accept his party’s nomination at Invesco Field at Mile High instead of the Pepsi Center. The August 28 speech — which will occur on the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech — will not be first one delivered in a huge football stadium. Eighteen years ago on July 15, 1960, John F. Kennedy gave his acceptance speech before tens of thousands of people at the Los Angeles Coliseum, next to the Democratic National Convention site in the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena.

Howard Dean and Barack Obama said moving the speech to Invesco Field at Mile High, home of the NFL’s Denver Broncos, will deviate from the mold of traditional political conventions and open up the political process to all Americans, particularly the millions of small donors that are newcomers in politics. Of course, not everyone is excited about the move. Shifting the final night of the convention away from the Pepsi Center means additional expenses for television networks covering the convention and presents some logistical and security challenges for the Host Committee. Republicans, of course, blasted the change in venue, stating that they are confident that the next president will be nominated at the Excel Energy Center in St. Paul. Only history will tell…

Seeing John McCain Through a Blogette's Eyes

For those of you looking for a young, behind-the-scenes look at the McCain campaign, the senator’s daughter has been blogging about life on the Straight Talk Express since the early primaries. Meghan McCain, the 23 year old daughter of John and Cindy McCain, is not interested in delving into political issues. Reading McCainBlogette will not teach you anything about her dad’s stance on various political issues. Instead, the blog aims to humanize the presidential candidate and introduce him to a younger, hipster audience, as only a 20-something daughter could. And if you’ve always wanted to know what kind of shoes Henry Kissinger wears, what it’s like to get your picture taken with the Jonas brother, lunch with Heidi Montag or what kind of snacks they serve in the green room at the Ellen Degeneres show… well look no further…

DNCC Media Walk-Through

Yesterday, media members from across the country got their first peak at the official site of the 2008 Democratic National Committee Convention (DNCC) and other Convention arrangements during the official media walk-through. Hundreds of print, broadcast and online journalists planning to cover the events, as well as other interested parties, were greeted by DNCC CEO Leah Daughtry and subsequently taken on a tour of the Pepsi Center. Leah Daughtry was also on hand to answer any questions about Barrack Obama’s decision to deliver his acceptance speech on the final day of the Convention – August 28th – at Invesco Field at Mile High, the home of the NFL’s Denver Broncos. While the Pepsi Center has a capacity of some 19,000 people, the Invesco Field can hold more than 76,000 people, allowing more Americans to witness the historic acceptance speech and making the convention more inclusive.
Details of how the tickets for this event will be distributed have not been announced yet, and the Campaign 2008 staff will keep you updated on any developments. An Obama campaign issued fundraising e-mail stated that supporters making a donation of at least $5 to his campaign would be eligible for a draw to win tickets. A special block of "community" tickets may also be set aside for Colorado residents, but again, more details will be coming in the next couple of weeks.
Students participating in the Democratic National Convention seminar and the Leadership in Communications/Leadership in Government seminars at the National Political Conventions will get to check out Invesco Field at Mile High on Wednesday, August 20th during a reception thrown by our host institution in Denver, Regis University.

The Tradition Continues!

Every presidential election year since 1984, The Washington Center for
Internships and Academic Seminars has offered two exceptional seminars in connection with the Republican and Democratic National Conventions. This year, The Washington Center’s Campaign 2008: the National Political Conventions are heading to Denver and Minneapolis-St Paul.

Hosted by Regis University, The Democratic National Convention Seminar will take place from August 17 to August 29, 2008 in Denver, CO. The Republican National Convention Seminar will take place in St Paul-Minneapolis, MN from August 24 to September 5, 2008 and will be hosted by Augsburg College.

In the months leading to the Conventions, the Campaign 2008 team will periodically update this blog with relevant information, news from the conventions and advice on how to get the most out of your convention experience.