his particular convention was anyway. I’m back home in LA now, but wanted to write a few thoughts on the experience. This DNC was a blast, and I’m really glad I went. When the first idea popped upabout me attending, I thought it would be interesting, but didn’t realize just what I’d be getting myself into. I knew my sister was a delegate, but wasn’t counting on that affording me any special access anywhere. Thankfully, I was able to gain a bit of additional access thanks to my press credential, and due to knowing the right people also got a ticket to the Obama acceptance speech. Once again, it’s who you know.

So of course I wasn’t able to get Floor access at the Pepsi Center, but before this trip I knew there would be a whole bunch of happenings. It’s a national gatheting of a major political party, and a celebration of a hugely popular one in particular, how could there not be a lot going in. So, apart from the DNC itself, there was a lot going on. There were free concerts each day, network news tapings, some cool art galleries, all sorts of street performers, protests, merchandise vendors, and organization meetings all around. I saw one of my favorite artist’s galleries and work in person, Gloria and Denise got special access at a Rage Against The Machine show, we got to meet Chris Matthews – it was an awesome experience. A big part of it is that the youth/artisitic/musical communities are rallying around Barack Obama, so their presence was particularly felt. I was also happy to attend some official events related to the convention. I got to check out the Hispanic Caucus where Michelle Obama spoke, as well as hear an interesting discussion on how the election and the music scene are and should be working together.

I’ve already thought I’d like to attend the 2012 DNC. But it wasn’t just that this was the DNC that made it for me. It’s that it was cenetered around a candidate I passionately believe in. I don’t think I would have gotten as much out of, for example, the 2004 convention with John Kerry. And the Republican National Convention…oh boy. I can’t imagine that one would be nearly as exciting as this DNC. The bands, the artists, the grassroots merchandise – sure the Republicans will have it all, but it won’t be like the Democrats. Obama draws that support well…McCain not so much. I heard that the Republicans have planned a much scaled-down event – I guess to give the impression of less-grandeur and focusing on business. I can say the DNC wasn’t inconspicious, but I don’t think it was too ostentatious. Thinhs already aren’t looking good for the RNC with Hurricane Gustav’s impending arrival tomorrow. That storm will steal the spotlight from their convention, make them addrss it, and likely remind watchers of the Bush administration’s horrible response to Hurricane Katrina. I hope Gustav doesn’t get any stronger before landfall and wish the best to those affected by this storm.

Well I’ve been pretty busy, but here’s what I’ve been up to the past couple days.

On Wednesday evening we headed to the Manifest Hope art gallery (headlined by Shepard Fairy) to check it out.  Denise had us signed up with some special access wristbands, so away we went.  Well, it was pretty much a bust.  The good news?  There was a free outdoor concert going with the likes of Cold War Kids and Silversun Pickups playing.  The bad news?  We got there at around 7 and had to leave only an hour later.  Oh, and our orange wristbands only allowed us certain, sort of “eh” access  – not entry into the gallery.  Oh well.  So we then headed over to Voto Latino, a big party-type event at a club called Vinyl in Denver.  Oh man, that place was so LA, which kinda took me by surprise. So yes, that means it’s not really my style.  Lots of fancy couches and tables, crowded, fancy drinks, people chitchatting it up.  I can hang with that for a while, but that environment is not part of an my idea evening.  There were a few famous faces there…I took Gloria and Denise’s picture with Wilmer Valderrama, and we tried to get a shot with Rosario Dawson, but she wouldn’t have it.  The best part of this place was the Buffalo sliders.

Yesterday morning I got up early, had breakfast wtih Jose, and then headed to the Manifest Hope art gallery.  It was worth the return trip. I really like Shepard Fairey’s HOPE piece and that was featured prominently.  I also liked most of the other artists/work featured.  Obama really has a significant and influential movement behind him wtih street/graphic artists.  The LA times featured a story on this last week.

Then it was time to head to Inveso Field, aka Mile High Stadium, for Obama’s acceptance speech.  Our community credentials (tickets) said doors open at 1pm and I knew the speech wasn’t until 8pm, so I was thinking why go in so early?  Well, going early in this case proved to be a good move.  We took the Metro there, arrived at around 1:30pm and the line was a million miles long.  It was, by far, the longest queue I’ve stood in.  Gloria and Denise took off and grabbed Jose and me some grub and waters, and those sure helped.  It was hot, the line moved slowly at times, but really…it wasn’t that bad.  The passing protesters with their wacky Christian signs were entertaining, and there were even “Stay Positive” notes being passed down the line.  And depiste some minor political bickering between some parties waiting in line, there was an overwhelming positive festive spirit among the group waiting to enter Invesco field.

After a good couple hours in line, we make it in.  Turns out our tickets only relegated us to a section number, not a specific seat.  So we moved up a few rows into the shade and out of the sun.  Shortly after, the speakers of the day said their pieces.  I was way up in the stands, and our position left us facing the back/side of those at the podium, but still we could seem ‘em right there in person.  We saw/heard Nancy Pelosi, Bill Richardson, Al Gore and many others that day.  Will.i.am performed his “Yes We Can” song, along with some other musical performances.  I know they were pretty small from our vantage point, but still it was cool seeing these people I had only seen on TV before live and in-person.  Especially with thousands of like-minded people surrounding you, energized by the circumstances.

Finally, after a few hours, it was almost 8pm, the schedule time for Obama’s speech.  This was, of course, the moment we had all been so eagerly awaiting.  Everyone there had sustained hours of sun and speeches, yet the excitement was only growing.  After a brief biography video, without a personal introduction, Barack Obama made it on stage.  The stadium was roaring with applause and I was pretty excited too.  There, in the same location as me, was the presidential candidate I had genuine admiration and respect for, someone who left me with inspiration and hope – not easy considering how cynical I can be . Sure I sound like a total groupie, but it’s true and I can now understand to a degree those who have shared similar sentiment about the likes of President Kennedy and others.  I supported Kerry in 04, but that was mostly because I agreed with him on the issues, he was much better than the alternative, and that’s that.  I like Hillary Clinton similarly on the issues, but it ends there.  Obama offers an agreeable stance on policy and issues for me, but also a sense of, well it sounds corny to use his campaign, but yes…change I can believe in.

Anyway,  I thought he delivered an excellent speech.  He maintained his usually lofty lines and positive tone, but also responded to criticisms and offered some substantial specifics on his goals.  To be honest, I would have liked to have seen him invoke a “Yes, We Can” chant from the crowd as that would have just pumped ‘em up over the top, but the audience brought it up on their own after his speech.  At numerous points during his monologue, the crowd broke into riotous applause and flag waving, and especially after its conclusion.  It’s hard to deny his oratory skills while watching him speak on TV; he’s even more impressive in person.  There was an electric feeling in the air the whole night – the mood was infectious.  I’m not one to usually wave around a flag and should “USA!”, but by golly, I was in that spirit along with everyone last night.

It seems to me the Democratic party emerged united after this convention.  Yes there are still some diehard Hillary supporters, but any rift wasn’t noticiable after Obama’s acceptance speech.  Clinton, Obama, other top Democrats, delegates and supporters alike all acknowledged Hillary’s historic run, and gave credit where it’s due, but realized the importance of standing together behind the nominee if we want to win the general election.

It was a great day and I’m glad I made it to the convention.  It’s pretty rad being a part of history.

After Pelosi officially called the convention closed, it was time to exit the stadium.  Along with half the Earth.  It took a few minutes to get out of there, but even at that point people were still fired up.  Walking through the halls toward the exit, people would randomly start “Yes We Can”/”Si Se Puede”/etc pro-Obama chants.  Once we hit the street level, it was a big of a disorganized mess, and we avoided the long wait for the Metro by walking back to downtown.  Even at around 10:30pm, downtown was still buzzing big time.  Crowded streets, free concerts happening (I found out Bloc Party had played down the street), and flags everywhere from those who attended the convention.  Gloria, Denise and I headed over to MSNBC again to catch the end of the Chris Matthews/Keith Olbermann broadcast.  And yes, we were hoping to meet them.  The crowd sure loves Keith, but also Chris, Rachel Maddow, and the others.  Well once their show ended, the two came down, and while both had signed autographs earlier in the week, only Matthews hung out with the fans this night.  A guy next to me asked if his favorite interview was with Jon Stewart, and Matthews joked “oh that guy’s an asshole”, but then went on to say yeah he likes Stewart and thinks he’s funny.  He came by us, we asked to take a photo and scored that shot.  I now respect him even more for meeting the fans, but also liking Jon Stewart, haha.  Good call.

It was just past 11pm now, we grabbed some grub at a packed Rock Bottom restaurant, and then called it a night.

Manifest Hope art gallery

Standing with Shepard Fairey's work

At Invesco Field for the DNC

Fireworks after Obama's acceptance speech

Playing Hardball with Chris Matthews

Well last night was fun.  Before heading out though, I caught the Hillary Clinton speech here at the hotel. While I thought she could have made even more of an appeal for her supporters to join Obama (a larger majority of her supporters need to make the switch to the nominee), I think she gave a good speech and I hope it helps to further unify Democrats. We need that if we’re gonna win this election.  Anyway, I hit up a bar/restaurant called Corner Office, I found it using Yelp.  It’s definitely got a hip(ster) vibe to it (and Myspace takes over it during they day for promotional work), but I liked it.  So the night was composed of that, 1 Stella, 6 Guinnesses, 1 Margarita, some good food, some walking, meeting some interesting folks, and a whole bunch of silly pictures.  Good night.

Anyway, things started early today with a conference on Latino voters.  It was held as the convention center and we arrived at 9 am for the 10am event.  “Golly gee, that’s early” you’re thinking, well I’ll tell you why.  We set up “shop” and made a killing selling Obamanos shirts!  Well, not a “killing”, but we did sell out of all our shirts and raised a lot of money for this organization’s goal of Latino voter outreach and registration.  Walking around town here, we get a bunch of people asking about the shirts, so that’s cool.  So anway, I saw Michelle Obama speak.  And LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.  Yeah, I thought that was rad.  I got up close during Michelle’s speech (which was a nice one reaching out to Latinos) and got some pics.  After the Mayor spoke, I got to meet him.  It wasn’t much, he had to get to the next photo op pretty quick.

Right now, Gloria and Denise are heading in ticketless to a Rage Against The Machine concert. Good luck to them.  I’m blogging it up in the hotel lobby and gonna design some Obamanos business cards next.  Lots of good stuff in store for tonight, I’ll write about that later.

Oh yeah, I scored a ticket to the Obama acceptance speech tomorrow.

Michelle Obama addressing Latino supporters at the DNC

Los Angeles represent!

Well, day one is wrapping up here.  It’s actually day two of the convention, but my first day of it.  We’re fixing to go out in a bit tho for my birthday.  Who knows how late this night will go.

Downtown has a handy traffic-free, metro-driven, pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare called 16th Street with a free shuttle, so we went along that today.  We made our way to the convention center to attend a panel discussion on “Hip Hop and Politics: Be the Change”.  It focused on how the hip-hop community and ethos relate to politics and how we can work to be the change we want to see – in particular, electing Barack Obama as president this year.  I wasn’t epxecting to be too interested in this (nothing against Hip-Hop, but it’s just not my thing so much), but it was an interesting discussion.  I can see some parallels between hip-hop and punk rock in that both genres can be particularly involved in politics, have committed followers, and have a DIY sense about them.

Later, we cruised down to Union Station and checked out the MSNBC studio setup.  When we got there they were finishing up the broadcast of Race to the White House with David Gregory, and then began the DNC coverage with Chris Matthews and Keith Olbermann.  Oh man, those guys are rockstars down there.  I didn’t get a chance to meet any of the MSNBCers unfortunately, but maybe later this week.

We wore our Obamanos shirts today and there were a hit.  Many people asked about the shirt, and we explained it’s a grassroots organization based in the Bay Area to register Latinos to vote and support Obama for president.  I designed the shirt, so neato to seeing a bit of my work out there like that.