Florida Down Front

The Florida delegates and alternates had great seats right down front for the final night of the Democratic convention. 70,000+ people watch this historic event.

Sen. Joyner and other Florida delegates joined in the festivities.

After the party

A damaged campaign sign is left behind by a delegate at Invesco Field.

Times photo by Martha Rial

A dream night

Florida delegate Ann Zucker , of Weston, watches the confetti fall over Invesco Field at the close of Democratic National Convention.

McCain recoils the fangs (for a day)

Sen. John McCain, who has been dishing it out as much as he has been taking it, released this TV ad today as his adversary prepares to give his acceptance speech. Wonder if McCain's surrogates will stand down as well ...

Alex Leary, Times staff writer

Tribute to the Man

Actress Alfre Woodward's eyes fill with tears while reciting Martin Luther King Jr.  "I Have a Dream" speech with actor Blair Underwood at  A Tribute to the Movement & the Man:  A Unity Prayer Breakfast Commemorating The 45th Anniversary Of The March on Washington at Colorado Convention Center.  National Urban league President Marc H. Morial  and Juanita Jones Abernathy, widow of civil rights activist Ralph Abernathy.

Martin Luther King III confers with his sister Elder Bernice King before they speak at the breakfast.

Floridian is boss of props at convention

DENVER — Shelly Loos climbed to the top of Invesco Field — a mile above sea level — and took it all in, her mind throbbing with fear and excitement.

"I looked down and thought, 'Wow, all of the people in here, all for the same reason,' " she said. "It was really inspiring."

That vision comes to life tonight when 75,000 people pack the football stadium to witness a historic moment in American politics — Barack Obama's acceptance speech as the first African-American nominee for president. Millions more will watch on TV.

The spectacle will bear the heavy imprint of Loos, a 41-year-old campaign junkie who makes her home in South Florida. (story here)

Clinton - Gore Reunion Event

After Wednesday night's speech, President Clinton spent the evening with former campaign and White House staff from the Clinton/Gore administration.  Instead of spending time making formal remarks, Pres. Clinton mingled with the crowd for two hours.

It was a great event. (Remember the last time that Democrats ran the White House - record job growth, budget surpluses, reduced poverty, etc.)

Ramsay McLauchlan

Hillary Shakes Peggy's Hand

Thousands of delegates and guests went to a reception to meet Sen. Hillary Clinton. As Sen. Clinton passed by where we were standing in the rope line, she noticed Peggy and came back to talk with her. What is your name she asked - Peggy was the answer.  How old are you Peggy - three was the reply.

For the rest of the day, all Peggy could tell anyone was about how she met Hillary.

Ramsay McLauchlan, delegate blogger

A historic night

Barack Obama surprises the audience by joining Joe and Jill Biden onstage after Biden's speech at the Democratic National Convention.

Times photo by Martha Rial

Biden is nominated for VP

Senator Joe Biden is embraced by his son Beau Biden before speaking at the Democratic National Convention.

Clinton endorses Obama

Former President Bill Clinton puts his hand over his heart when he talks about how honored he was to serve his country.

Boiler Room

Volunteers at the Pepsi Center decide on how many and where the campaign signs will be distributed at Invesco Field on Thursday night.

Times photo by Martha Rial

Roll Call

Ann R. Zucker, of Weston, watches Florida cast their vote for the nomination of Barack Obama during Roll Call at the Democratic National Convention.

Times photo by Martha Rial

Wexler, Castor take the big stage in Denver

U.S. Reps. Robert Wexler of Boca Raton and Kathy Castor of Tampa had their moment before the National Democratic Convention this afternoon, providing some muscle for Barack Obama in his tight contest with Sen. John McCain.

Some excerpts:

Wexler: "Today, American influence abroad wanes. Our advice is not sought. Our warnings are not heeded. Our standing in the world is at an all-time low. For seven long years, America has paid a dear price for the national security mistakes of President Bush and John McCain," Wexler said. "We entered into an unnecessary war and remain bogged down in Iraq, as Afghanistan backslides, and the architects of Sept. 11 remain free. On Bush and McCain's watch, we have witnessed the growing influence of a belligerent Iran that has destabilized the Middle East and threatens our ally, Israel.

Castor: "Barack Obama knows that No Child Left Behind has left millions behind. He will reform it and focus on early childhood education to get our kids on the right track from the start. He joined all Democrats in Congress to pass the largest investment in college aid in 64 years. John McCain opposed that plan. And Barack Obama championed the largest increase in education benefits for our troops since the GI bill. John McCain said it was too generous. Women struggling to provide their children with a good education know that we can't afford more of the same."

Alex Leary, Times staff writer

The Sign Lady

Director of Floor Operations Shelly Loos, of Hollywood, FL, with bags full of signs for tonight convention at the Pepsi Center where she oversees the distribution of signs, flags and other props for the Obama campaign. Loos has done five National Democratic Conventions.

Times photo by Martha Rial.

Delegates vote

Delegate Jim Jackson, of St. Petersburg, gives a thumbs up after casting his vote for Barack Obama during Florida delegate voting at the Red Lion Hotel in Denver.

Times photo by Martha Rial

Delegates volunteer

"Let's hug a tree." yells Florida delegate Ellen Frank, (left) of Weeki Wachee, while gathering around the amur maackia tree she just planted with Susan  Bottcher, of Gainesville,  and Jerel McCants , (right) of West Tampa, in Bicentennial Park in Aurora, Colo. The trio were volunteering their time along with hundreds of other delegates from around the country in the Denver area as part of the 2008 Democratic National Convention Delegate Service Day. Frank also said, "Denver has been so accommodating, so it is nice to be able to contribute to their community.

Times photo by Martha Rial

Delegate welcome party

We went to the Delegate welcome party on Sunday evening.  It was a New Orleans themed event honoring Katrina victims and rebuilding efforts.  I got a little emotional listening to the amazing music and watching both Obama and Clinton supporters uniting and celebrating together.

Megan Foster, delegate blogger

Quest for Denver Gold

This is my first chance to sit down at a computer since Saturday night, so I will be recapping the past few days in a few posts.  Sunday was a free day so Jerel, Dayna and I explored the green festival and ran into Cenk Uygur of the Young Turks at Rialto Cafe on 16th Street.  It was noon and we hadn't eaten yet, so Jerel was more concerned about getting a table.

Meek to introduce Prez Clinton

The Buzz is Kendrick Meek will introce President Clinton tonight. So the Miami Democrat will join Kathy Castor, Robert Wexler, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Republican Air Force veteran Mike Wilson of Brevard County among the Floridians speaking tonight.

The voting is underway

Lots of relief from Hillary Clinton supporters that they will in fact get a roll call vote on the nomination. Many delegates are voting now at the Red Lion Inn, and some are waiting to hear what Clinton has to say when she meets with delegates later today.

'This is what I came here - to vote for her,'' Miami delegate Barbara Schwartz said, after casting a vote for Clinton. "It doesn't change the results on the floor, but it does show the nation that we put 18-million cracks in the glass ceiling. And we'll break through soon."

Of Florida's 211 delegates, the breakdown of the 185 pledged delegates is 105 Clinton, 67 Barack Obama, 13 Edwards.

"I think people are dividing about 50/50. It's hard to tell," DNC member Jon Ausman said of the Clinton pledged delegates sticking with her of switching to the nominee. "She won't get a majority of the Florida delegates."

Former uber Clinton backer Debbie Wasserman Schultz is on tap to second the nomination of Barack Obama later.

Wasserman Schultz to nominate Obama

How's this for making a show of unity: U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Broward County, of Sen. HIllary Rodham Clinton's biggest supporters in Florida, will formally nominate Sen. Barack Obama as the Democratic nominee for president today.

The party's 4,4440 delegates today are voting on the nomination, which will culminate in a roll call vote of the states this evening, around 7 p.m. EDT.  Wasserman Schultz is one of four delegates picked to speak on behalf of Obama. Three delegates will speak in favor of Clinton, convention officials said.

FL Dems: Woof woof

The surprise star of the Democratic convention? Brian Schweitzer, the folksy, bolero-wearing Montana governor who Wednesday night outperformed all the speakers except Hillary Rodham Clinton. Schweitzer this morning had Florida Democrats roaring - a marked contrast to the follow up speakers Allen Boyd and Bob Graham.

"This is the pinacle of my career,'' he said, explaining that a governor of a state as small as Montana takes any speaking engagement offered. "This is the state the decides elections - and you've been doing a damn poor job lately!"

After recounting how his grandmother was an illegal immigrant from Ireland so he doesn't cotton to all the anti-immigant ever in Washington, he predicted Barack Obama will win Montana.

"Florida is a big dog. Are you going to let a tail like Montana wag the dog? Or are you going to stand up and bark!?

Which led to the slightly alarming scene of Florida Democrats barking throughout the Red Lion ballroom.

Tuesday Night was Hillary's Night

Tuesday was the night that democrats celebrated Sen. Hillary Clinton and joined together to promote unity.  (The Hillary signs were paid for by Obama for President!)

Ramsay McLauchlan, delegate blogger

 

Visitors to Florida Delegation

Uncle Sam joined the Florida delegation for the day. The Convention is full of colorful characters.

Ramsay McLauchlan, delegate blogger

Watching Hillary

Hundreds of attendees were forced to watch Hillary Clinton's speech on hallway monitors after the fire marshall shut down the floor of the Pepsi Center.

Times photo by Martha Rial

Gasping for air in Denver

Conventions are unhealthy affairs -- nearly a week of eating bad food (or not eating enough) indulgent cocktail parties and little sleep. But some Florida delegates have found time to exercise.

State Rep. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach slipped out at noon today to play basketball at the Denver Athletic Club. He got a mean introduction to the mile high altitude. "We are not in Kansas," Gelber joked hours later. "This air is thin. ... I told some of the guys that if anything happens to me, 'My name is Gelber and tell my wife and kids I love them.' "

Delegate Jon Ausman of Tallahassee spent Monday morning climbing Mount Evans on his bike --  all 14,000 feet. He still seemed winded on the floor of the convention Tuesday night.

Alex Leary, Times staff writer

Code Pink

Josie Lenwell, of Taos, N.M., sings anti-war songs with other members of Code Pink while demonstrating outside of the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Denver where a number of Democratic National Convention- related events are being held. Lenwell graduated from University of South Florida in 1973

Times photo by Martha Rial

In support of Hillary

Sharron Chapman , of Boulder, Colo., yells " Rise Hillary, Rise!" while marching in downtown Denver with nearly 300 Hillary's supporters. The marchers were protesting Clinton not being the Democratic nominee despite receiving 18 million votes in the primary.

Colorado History Museum

Congressman Barney Frank spoke to the Americans for Democratic Action at the Colorado History Museum about why all Democrats need to rally around Senator Obama.  (Some of these people think Sen. Obama isn't liberal enough!)

Meanwhile, Peggy found more interesting things to do.

Ramsay McLauchlan, delegate blogger

Breakfast is the Best Meal of the Day

Breakfast may be one of the only times that delegates get to sit down together and enjoy each others company. We engage in pleasant conversations and eat good food.

While the speakers are well received, delegates are more interested in finding out about transportation issues, the after convention parties and other logistical information.

Ramsay McLauchlan, delegate blogger

Florida loves Michelle

Florida delegates swelled with pride (and a few tears) as they listened to Michelle Obama's speech last night, an address that touched on her upbringing and poured on the family spirit.

Gainesville Mayor Pegeen Hanrahan: "It was fantastic. She touched on so many of the elements we all have in common: loving our parents and children. She did fantastic." Did she silence her critics? "I’ve never really understood the critics to begin with. To me, she’s a brilliant woman who would do our country very proud."

State Rep. Dan Gelber: "It’s amazing these two people are leading our party. It's a great testament to the American story."

Luella McQueen of Jacksonville: "It's inclusion, a family, this is what we need today."

Alex Leary, Times staff writer

Nelson revs up the FL delegates

Sen. Bill Nelson gave a pep talk to Florida Democrats in Denver, recounting that Joe Biden told him yesterday he'll be spending much of his time campaigning in battleground states and "that means I'm going to be in Florida quite a bit."

Said Nelson: "We're right at the apex and if history repeats itself, which I think it will, we will find this will be a close election and it could well come down to the state of Florida to decide who becomes president...It's up to you ladies and gentlemen. Let's go get them."

Sex, Politics and Cocktails

Actress Ashley Judd (left) and Kansas governor Kathleen Sebelius (right) were among the celebrities in attendance at The Planned Parenthood Sex, Politics and Cocktail Party at the Samba Room in Denver Monday night.

Tina McKinnor, of Los Angeles, dances at the Planned Parenthood Sex, Politics and Cocktails Party. McKinnor said she is in Denver representing California's "Un-delegation".

Times photos by Martha Rial

Nickelodeon at the Convention

Nickelodeon is encouraging kids to get involved.

Despite the fact that I saw news reports from the major networks, Comedy Central and Biff Henderson from the Letterman Show, this is the only one that thought I was worthy of an interview!

Ramsay McLauchlan, delegate blogger

Senator Ted Kennedy is here

Senator Ted Kennedy acknowledges the crowd's applause when he takes the stage at the Pepsi Center.

 

A conventioneer watches an emotional tribute to Senator Ted Kennedy.

Times photos by Martha Rial

Jewish delegates walk out on Carter

A handful of Jewish delegates staged a mini protest of Jimmy Carter moments ago, walking out of the Pepsi Center as the former president appeared on stage.

"Boo, boo, boo" shouted Barbara Effman of Sunrise, holding up "thumbs down" as she exited with state Sen. Steve Geller.

"Some people have mistakenly said they consider Sen. Obama anti-Israel," Geller said. "Sen. Obama is very strong and pro-Israel. President Carter is very anti-Israel. President Carter has been very pro-Palestinian, has published books full of lies about Israel and indicating a complete lack of understanding of the mid east peace process. I certainly was not going to stick around for that."

Alex Leary, Times staff writer

Flamingo eyes

Delegate Evelyn Garcia, of Palm Beach, in flamingo sunglasses. Florida's delegates were encouraged to dress as a typical Florida tourist for the convention's opening night.

Times photo by Martha Rial

Count Starkey in

Count Laura Starkey among the Tampa Bay residents in Denver for the Democrat National Convention.
Attendance is natural for Starkey, one of three Jay. B. Starkey grandchildren overseeing a 2,500-acre mega-development proposal in Pasco County. She has long been active in politics.
"I have been active in Get Out the Vote and voter registration drives in major elections since 1988, and I am more excited about Obama than I have ever been about any candidate of any office at any time in my adult life," said Starkey, who heads the Starkey Center for Nature and Community. "I plan on putting every effort into getting him elected."

Ernest Hooper, Times staff writer

Selling a dream

Ishmael Tillery, 12, of Atlanta, helps his family sell t-shirts promoting Barack Obama for President in Denver on the opening day of the Democratic National Convention.  Tillery has already started seventh grade back in Georgia, but his teacher gave her blessing for him to go to Denver because she wanted him to witness a historic moment.

Times photo by Martha Rial

Free speech

Julia Giacopuzzi , age 15, walks away after writing "Life is a gift" on the sidewalk near the Pepsi Center in Denver. Giacopuzzi became involved with the pro-life movement two years ago.

Times photo by Martha Rial

Conflicting opinions

Douglas Montgomery, of Operation Rescue, is confronted by a conventioneer in front of the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. Operation Rescue was just one of the groups making themselves heard on the streets of Denver on the opening day of Democratic National Convention.

Times photo by Martha Rial

'We're going to fight like heck' in Florida

Obama campaign manager David Plouffe says Florida is "most assuredly" is in play and said John McCain wasted an opportunity to close off the state during the protracted Democratic primary.

To be where we are today, we’re very heartened," Plouffe told reporters in Denver. "I do think Florida is important. The Republicans were confident in May and June that maybe Florida would not be a central battleground. It is a central battleground and if john McCain does not win the state of Florida, he has not chance to win the presidency. So we're going to fight like heck."

Plouffe said he sees optimism in some poor numbers from 2004. There were 500,000 registered African-American voters that did not turn out and 900,000 registered young voters. "This tells you the kind of real progress we can make on the ground."

--Alex Leary, Times staff writer

Michelle Obama is ready for her close-up

Michelle Obama gets ready for her prime-time speech at the Democratic National Convention tonight.

You can see other videos uploaded from the convention floor at You Tube's 2008 Convention channel.

GOP launches Dem convention podcast

Check out the RPOF's new Conventional Wisdom blog tracking the Democratic convention, and the daily podcast on what to look for at the convention. Among the things Erin VanSickle is looking at: Will Jimmy Carter make Jewish voters more uneasy, and " whether steve geller will let it loose on the dance floor."

Like our votes, we're together again

The Buzz is that the Florida Delegates were delegated hotels all over Colorado.  NOT TRUE!

What is true, is that originally, before we got all of our votes back - Florida was all over the place.  But, in the end, like our votes - our delegation is 100% together and unified.

The Florida Delegates are in one hotel - not the closest to the Pepsi center that you can be, but we're not like some of the states that are more than an hour away. According to the FDP staff, the only delegates that are not in the delegate 'host' hotel are those that requested to be in other hotels for whatever reason.

Alison Berke Morano, delegate blogger and guest Rhett Bullard, Florida delegate

Reconnecting with old friends

We spent time catching up with a number of our friends from other delegations. (Pictured below is one of our old acquaintances from the NH delegation - that's right those people from the 1st in the Nation Primary.)

Ramsay McLauchlan, Delegate blogger

All-delegate celebration

Sunday night concluded at the All-Delegate Celebration. The sounds and flavors of New Orleans filled the Colorado Convention Center. Katrina relief organizations raised much needed money . . . and one 3-year old stole the show with her lively dancing.

Ramsay McLauchlan - aka Peggy's Dad and delegate blogger

Of politics and protests

As the Democratic National Convention gets into full swing, Denver is awash in political revelers, political protesters, and media  -- from digital to traditional -- to document every moment.

Former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner and Howard Dean ,chairman of the Democratic National Committee, talked on stage yesterday as others made last minute preparations at the Pepsi Center in Denver.

(Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Delegates rate a front-row perch

Imagine if the prodigal son returned home, his father welcomed him with open arms, cooked up the fatted calf to celebrate — and then sent him to a motel by a far-off industrial park.

That's pretty much the story of the Florida Democrats arriving in Denver this week for the Democratic National Convention.

After being slapped by the national party and shunned by the presidential candidates, they and their 27 electoral votes are now the belles of the ball. National party leaders voted unanimously on Sunday to restore the 211-member Florida delegation's full voting authority, which had been stripped away entirely and later cut in half as punishment for Florida's violation of the official primary schedule.

Read the whole story from today's Times.