Ridgefield Democrats

Dispatches from the 2008 Democratic National Convention

Saturday, August 23
By Susan Cocco
The Democratic Convention begins in less than 36 hours. I am ready to be one of the delegates from Connecticut who vote on the platform, rules, credentials and the nominees. I am ready to do whatever will help to change the party in charge and bring some sense and prosperity back to America.
It is daunting. Exhilirating. I find myself asking, "what does a delegate do every day?"
From the pile of invitations on my desk to dinners, colloquia, breakfasts and parties from organizations including the Council on Foreign Relations, AFL CIO, Emily's List, the Italian-American Democrats, the Connecticare, the Women's Caucus and a host of other organizations, the answer seems clear, "Stay up late every night. And plan on a bit of socializing."
A bit?
I am wondering how to do my duty to the democratic process, hear from experts on national and international policy, be a whip, volunteer on Service Day, distribute literature and sleep while being plied with breakfast, brunch, lunch, appetizers and post convention cocktails.
Maybe they want us to snooze during the 35 speeches from lesser known members of Congress and Denver officials that are scheduled starting at 3PM daily before the night's headliners. Or maybe we are supposed to be so stimulated that we are ready to cheer them on before hastening to the next speech or reception.
America is fascinated with the pagantry of Conventions and portentious decisions they enact—even if preordained. I am fascinated by how delegates are expected to be in numerous locations simultaneously. Healthcare forum or Naral? Women's Media Center or the Council on Foreign Relations? The CT breakfast or the Gospell HIll brunch? Better speakers? Better food? Obligations or interest areas? Which national leader is attending? (and for how long?)
I've decided.
Divide up attendance with friends in the delegation and cover as much as we can without becoming like teenaged boys/girls at the automobile show—overstimulated and dizzy.
And avoid the siren's call of the midnight parties, the 1 AM breakfasts and the late afternoon warm up cocktails.
I will let you know how it goes. After breakfast.
Note: The first events I will write about are the Sunday night open house hosted by Chairman Nancy Di Nardo and the CT delegates' kick off on Monday. Monday night Michelle Obama is the headline speaker. I promise to be fully awake and ready to report!!!

Monday, August 25
By Susan Cocco
Monday morning
I rode into the Denver Marriot on a shuttle with the PA delegation. They are excited about Joe Biden on the ticket, as he is considered to be "PA's 3rd Senator" due to the fact that the Delaware media spills into PA and he makes frequent trips to assist local candidates. Lots of interest in Biden delivering the working class, average American to the ticket, and lots of belief that he will be the pitbull for Obama.
The day was filled with shuttles, paperwork and "delegate" receptions—that's code for free food and drink with politicians and activists representing various constituencies. Notably, Howard Dean addressed the delegates last night at a party (for about 5000) at the Convention Center where we were feted with Louisiana style food, and great music, including Randy Newman and a host of New Orleans Jazz musicians. Dean made the case that it was time for the country to go in a new direction, and that Democrats all over the nation would be elected to Congress, the Senate and the White House.
I am struck by the optimism of the delegates as well as the justifiable concerns about the tightness of the polls at this time. I spent 30 minutes with Josh and Percy, African American delegates from Florida who assured me that they were "ready" for whatever mischief might be intended for their state this year. Florida has gone to a paper trail system, now using the kind of "fill in the bubble" systems we have in Ridgefield and the rest of CT. There is a hard copy of every ballot, and in the case of a recount or challenge, EVERY vote cast is counted. I felt better.
We heard from Ted Kennedy Jr. at the CT breakfast this morning, assuring us that tonight we would be reminded of the reason why his dad has been fighting so hard for healthcare and why it is important to pass a Universal-style plan. The rumors are quite loud that Ted himself will be at the convention tonight in addition to Caroline and Ted Jr.
We will see.
Email me if you have questions. I am off to the ADA event where Congressman Barney Frank is speaking.
Mid Day Monday
I attended a meeting for Hillary whips today, run by Maggie Williams, her campaign chair. Heard tales from across the country of delegates who want to make note of the trail blazed and the accomplishments achieved—more votes than any previous primary candidate (who lost); a national lift in the women voting (from 54% of primary voters in 2004 to 57% of primary voters in 2008) and 2.5 million Hispanics. The mood is upbeat with a tinge of concern. Most concerned to be sure that all delegates will leave Denver committed to the goal of electing Barack Obama President of the United States. Many concerned that the slim margin Obama holds presently is de-motivating, not inspiring to the grassroots. It is an issue. Obama and Clinton are doing their parts. It is up to us in the field to make the case.
Local and state levels can make this happen. It is possible with civility and respect, common purpose and earnest listening. And lots and lots of work together.
Best speech of the day was Congressman Barney Frank of MA. His premise, that it is time to come forward with a new social contract for America, one which demonstrates that you don't have to lose your healthcare when you lose your job, one which permits the monetary forces to adjust without fear of creating crisis resounded in my ears.
His remarks promised that we will have a real energy policy and a real social safety net soon.
My favorite line, " The conservative thought which has ruled America for far too long coined the sentiment that a rising tide lifts all boats. Well...if you can't afford a boat and you are on one tip toe in the water—then the rising tide goes up your nose."
Indeed for the many of us who are dancing back and forth from toe to toe just hope that there are no big waves...
Off to the Pepsi Center—rumors abound that Ted Kennedy himself will be present.