Delegate Watch
The Acceptance Speech
Here in Chester County, we're holding a bunch of large and small acceptance speech watching parties. The party with which I'm involved is expecting over 100 people. We, the group actually putting on the party, are looking forward to seeing volunteers we haven't seen since the primary, meeting all sorts of new supporters, and having a great time watching all the festivities. I am personally thrilled that some of the people I've invited are going to be hearing Senator Obama speak for the first time.
So much of the work we volunteers do in campaigns is somewhat tedious: stuffing envelopes, doing lit drops, entering data. But planning this event was great fun, and it will likely be the last joyously fun evening before the long days and nights of canvassing, phone calls, more extensive voter registration drives, and fielding volunteers.
If you want to attend a party near you, log into www.mybarackobama.com, put in your zip code, and find a party near you. There are house parties, public venue parties, and even parties tied to local Democratic party-building events.
So, how about you?
Online Surveys & Market Research
So much of the work we volunteers do in campaigns is somewhat tedious: stuffing envelopes, doing lit drops, entering data. But planning this event was great fun, and it will likely be the last joyously fun evening before the long days and nights of canvassing, phone calls, more extensive voter registration drives, and fielding volunteers.
If you want to attend a party near you, log into www.mybarackobama.com, put in your zip code, and find a party near you. There are house parties, public venue parties, and even parties tied to local Democratic party-building events.
So, how about you?
Online Surveys & Market Research
Categories: Delegate Watch
Don't drive to Invesco
The Host Committee is telling folks going to Invesco to take public transportation, shuttle buses or bikes to Invesco for Obama's speech tonight.
Read the full advisory...
DENVER, Aug. 27, 2008 - Those who have obtained Community Credentials to the Thursday, August 28, event at Invesco Field at Mile High are strongly encouraged to use public transit, walk, bike or carpool to the event, and to arrive as early as possible.
For attendees who choose to drive and park on the neighborhood streets surrounding Mile High, the standard parking enforcement used during weekday special events will be in effect. Only vehicles with the appropriate residential permits will be able to park on surrounding neighborhood streets.
Gates to the event will open at 1 p.m. The following options to get to the stadium are recommended:
Downtown Route Shuttle:
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) will operate shuttle service from 22nd and Blake, run down Broadway to 8th to Zuni, to 13th and Decatur, to Lot MM at Invesco Field at Mile High. The free shuttles will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The last shuttles will leave for Invesco at 2 p.m. Downtown parking suggestions are found at www.experiencedowntowndenver.com.
Return shuttles also will be available to downtown stops following the event. All shuttles will be accessible for persons with disabilities. Normally scheduled weekday RTD service will operate throughout Denver during this event.
Coors Field Shuttle:
Parking will be available for $5 per vehicle in Coors Field Lots A, B and C, located northeast of Park Avenue West and Wazee St. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a free northeast shuttle service will be available from the Coors Field lots to 5th and Walnut, where people can walk across the Broncos Bridge to Invesco Field at Mile High. Accessible shuttles for people with disabilities will be available. These shuttles also will be available following the event for the return trip to Coors Field parking lots.
Auraria Higher Education Center Campus:
Parking spaces will available on a first-come, first-served basis on the Auraria campus in the vicinity of 7th St. and Walnut. Those arriving early will be able to pay and park at Auraria lots and walk to Invesco Field at Mile High.
Light Rail:
Light Rail service will operate on normal schedules. Route "C" from the southwest corridor and "E" from the southeast corridor stop at the Invesco Field Station. Other options include parking downtown and taking light rail from Denver Union Station to the Invesco Field Station, or tqaing local bus service to a light rail station then taking light rail to Invesco Field Station. All light rail vehicles and stations are accessible for the disabled.
Pedestrian Route:
Enjoy Downtown Denver and walk to the event. A pedestrian route - designated with visible signage and staffed with volunteer guides - will be available from the 16th St. Mall and Larimer St.. Signs will be placed along Larimer St. and continue through the Auraria Campus to Invesco Field at Mile High.
Taxis:
Those wishing to ride in taxis can catch them on the return route along Federal Blvd. on the west side of Invesco Field at Mile High or at 5th and Walnut.
Bicycle Routes:
Only individuals carrying credentials for Thursday, August 28, 2008, will be allowed to park their bicycles at the Rude Park Bike Depot, located immediately south of Invesco Field at Mile High. Bordering streets include Federal Boulevard, West Howard Place, West Holden Place and Decatur Street.
Access to Rude Park via bicycle will be as follows:
· From the NORTH, including Downtown Denver: ROUTE D-7 and Cherry Creek Trail to 13th Avenue and connecting to ROUTE D-10
· From the NORTHWEST: ROUTE D-3 Southbound, Detour West at 23rd Ave./Route D-6
· West, to Irving St. Southbound to 14th Avenue to Rude Park
· From the WEST: ROUTE D-8 Eastbound, Detour to Irving St. Southbound to 14th Avenue
· to Rude Park
· From the SOUTHWEST: (Unaffected) ROUTES D-3, D-5, D-10 and Knox Court Trail,
· D-12 North to Rude Park
· From the SOUTH: (Unaffected) ROUTES D-5, D-10, D-12, and D-7 connection to D-12
· From the EAST: ROUTES D-8, D-9, D-10 or D-11, connecting to Rude Park via Route D-10
· and 13th Avenue.
Announced Bicycle Route Closures:
Due to road closures and heightened security procedures in place for the Democratic National Convention, portions of ROUTES D-3, D-5, D-6, D-8 the Platte River Greenway and Gates Crescent Park will have partial closures and restrictions to bicycles as well as some temporary full closures of bike and pedestrian paths in the area immediately surrounding INVESCO Field at Mile High during the event. All Denver Bike Routes will re-open as normal on Thursday evening for bicyclists departing INVESCO Field at Mile High at the conclusion of the Convention program.
More information on access and routing to Rude Park, including the most direct and convenient Bike Routes, can be found on the following websites: www.denvergov.org; www.bikedenver.org; www.bicyclecolorado.org;
www.denverconvention2008.com.
Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities within Invesco Field:
Individuals with disabilities who have Community Credentials and who requested wheelchair-accessible seating when activating their credentials will be directed to appropriate pre-assigned seating areas with their companions upon entry and passage through security check points.
Individuals requesting Assisted Listening Devices will be directed to Guest Services inside INVESCO Field to sign out ALD equipment. In addition, the DNCC is using handheld Blackberry devices with real-time text captioning in partnership with Colorado Captioning.
Security:
Due to heightened security procedures in place for the Democratic National Convention, please be advised that entry to Invesco Field at Mile High may require lengthy wait times. Please be patient and plan your trip accordingly. The DNCC, the City of Denver and RTD will provide staff and volunteers to direct and assist all credentialed guests and persons with disabilities.
WEBSITES:
www.denvergov.com
www.demconvention.com
www.denverconvention2008.com
www.rtd-denver.com
About Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee
The Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee has four contractual partners in its work. Those partners are the Democratic National Convention Committee, the City and County of Denver, Kroenke Sports and its own Executive Committee.
Read the full advisory...
DENVER, Aug. 27, 2008 - Those who have obtained Community Credentials to the Thursday, August 28, event at Invesco Field at Mile High are strongly encouraged to use public transit, walk, bike or carpool to the event, and to arrive as early as possible.
For attendees who choose to drive and park on the neighborhood streets surrounding Mile High, the standard parking enforcement used during weekday special events will be in effect. Only vehicles with the appropriate residential permits will be able to park on surrounding neighborhood streets.
Gates to the event will open at 1 p.m. The following options to get to the stadium are recommended:
Downtown Route Shuttle:
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) will operate shuttle service from 22nd and Blake, run down Broadway to 8th to Zuni, to 13th and Decatur, to Lot MM at Invesco Field at Mile High. The free shuttles will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The last shuttles will leave for Invesco at 2 p.m. Downtown parking suggestions are found at www.experiencedowntowndenver.com.
Return shuttles also will be available to downtown stops following the event. All shuttles will be accessible for persons with disabilities. Normally scheduled weekday RTD service will operate throughout Denver during this event.
Coors Field Shuttle:
Parking will be available for $5 per vehicle in Coors Field Lots A, B and C, located northeast of Park Avenue West and Wazee St. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a free northeast shuttle service will be available from the Coors Field lots to 5th and Walnut, where people can walk across the Broncos Bridge to Invesco Field at Mile High. Accessible shuttles for people with disabilities will be available. These shuttles also will be available following the event for the return trip to Coors Field parking lots.
Auraria Higher Education Center Campus:
Parking spaces will available on a first-come, first-served basis on the Auraria campus in the vicinity of 7th St. and Walnut. Those arriving early will be able to pay and park at Auraria lots and walk to Invesco Field at Mile High.
Light Rail:
Light Rail service will operate on normal schedules. Route "C" from the southwest corridor and "E" from the southeast corridor stop at the Invesco Field Station. Other options include parking downtown and taking light rail from Denver Union Station to the Invesco Field Station, or tqaing local bus service to a light rail station then taking light rail to Invesco Field Station. All light rail vehicles and stations are accessible for the disabled.
Pedestrian Route:
Enjoy Downtown Denver and walk to the event. A pedestrian route - designated with visible signage and staffed with volunteer guides - will be available from the 16th St. Mall and Larimer St.. Signs will be placed along Larimer St. and continue through the Auraria Campus to Invesco Field at Mile High.
Taxis:
Those wishing to ride in taxis can catch them on the return route along Federal Blvd. on the west side of Invesco Field at Mile High or at 5th and Walnut.
Bicycle Routes:
Only individuals carrying credentials for Thursday, August 28, 2008, will be allowed to park their bicycles at the Rude Park Bike Depot, located immediately south of Invesco Field at Mile High. Bordering streets include Federal Boulevard, West Howard Place, West Holden Place and Decatur Street.
Access to Rude Park via bicycle will be as follows:
· From the NORTH, including Downtown Denver: ROUTE D-7 and Cherry Creek Trail to 13th Avenue and connecting to ROUTE D-10
· From the NORTHWEST: ROUTE D-3 Southbound, Detour West at 23rd Ave./Route D-6
· West, to Irving St. Southbound to 14th Avenue to Rude Park
· From the WEST: ROUTE D-8 Eastbound, Detour to Irving St. Southbound to 14th Avenue
· to Rude Park
· From the SOUTHWEST: (Unaffected) ROUTES D-3, D-5, D-10 and Knox Court Trail,
· D-12 North to Rude Park
· From the SOUTH: (Unaffected) ROUTES D-5, D-10, D-12, and D-7 connection to D-12
· From the EAST: ROUTES D-8, D-9, D-10 or D-11, connecting to Rude Park via Route D-10
· and 13th Avenue.
Announced Bicycle Route Closures:
Due to road closures and heightened security procedures in place for the Democratic National Convention, portions of ROUTES D-3, D-5, D-6, D-8 the Platte River Greenway and Gates Crescent Park will have partial closures and restrictions to bicycles as well as some temporary full closures of bike and pedestrian paths in the area immediately surrounding INVESCO Field at Mile High during the event. All Denver Bike Routes will re-open as normal on Thursday evening for bicyclists departing INVESCO Field at Mile High at the conclusion of the Convention program.
More information on access and routing to Rude Park, including the most direct and convenient Bike Routes, can be found on the following websites: www.denvergov.org; www.bikedenver.org; www.bicyclecolorado.org;
www.denverconvention2008.com.
Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities within Invesco Field:
Individuals with disabilities who have Community Credentials and who requested wheelchair-accessible seating when activating their credentials will be directed to appropriate pre-assigned seating areas with their companions upon entry and passage through security check points.
Individuals requesting Assisted Listening Devices will be directed to Guest Services inside INVESCO Field to sign out ALD equipment. In addition, the DNCC is using handheld Blackberry devices with real-time text captioning in partnership with Colorado Captioning.
Security:
Due to heightened security procedures in place for the Democratic National Convention, please be advised that entry to Invesco Field at Mile High may require lengthy wait times. Please be patient and plan your trip accordingly. The DNCC, the City of Denver and RTD will provide staff and volunteers to direct and assist all credentialed guests and persons with disabilities.
WEBSITES:
www.denvergov.com
www.demconvention.com
www.denverconvention2008.com
www.rtd-denver.com
About Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee
The Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee has four contractual partners in its work. Those partners are the Democratic National Convention Committee, the City and County of Denver, Kroenke Sports and its own Executive Committee.
Categories: Delegate Watch
The Acceptance Speeches
Tonight, Barack Obama will accept the Democratic nomination for President of these United States at Invesco Field in Denver. A simple sentence.
Here at DCW, we broke the story that the speech would be at Invesco, and not at the Pepsi Center. We, and many others, are interested in the historical nature of the event and its venue. The first outdoor acceptance speech since Kennedy in Los Angeles in 1960. Potentially the largest worldwide audience ever for such an event. The singular uniqueness of the candidate himself.
Pundits will undoubtedly spend today commenting on what Obama is going to say, and how he is going to say it, and whether he says “what he needs to.” That’s political punditry for you.
Speeches get written. Often by professional speechwriters who know how to turn phrases in such a way as to reframe candidates. (Remember Peggy Noonan’s line? “Read my lips: no new taxes.”) Some people can write, but put front of several hundred people, they lack that spark which electrifies. If you’ve ever spoken before several hundred people, you know in that first moment that you look out whether this is something you have to do, or something you want to do.
Other people are actors: they can read the words others have written, and deliver them in such a mesmerizing way that simple words become unforgettable, maybe even part of our vernacular. (Remember? “Play it, Sam.”)
Sometimes there is that rare individual who can write his own words, and then speak with clarity from the heart, soul and mind simultaneously, with true authenticity. Sometimes, you know the words are so genuine that they express the essence of what an individual is at base.
It has been reported in the past that Senator Obama writes his own speeches. On the first page of yesterday’s USA Today they say that he wrote this one in a hotel room 15 minutes from home. And amazingly to those of us who are residents of ObamaNation, for many people, this may be the first time they hear how well the Senator writes.
He will do what he does: speak the truth, in potentially nuanced terms. Senator Obama will not dumb down his words, he honours his audience by expecting them to rise to his level. He will give us all his very best.
And on this cusp between the dénouement of the Democratic Convention, and the soon to begin dual Republican conventions in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, we should also look at the speech that John McCain will be giving next Thursday. Most likely in competition with a football game. (Same kind of planning that was involved in invading a sovereign nation, but I digress.)
McCain’s speech was written by Mark Salter. According to Newsweek (September 1, page 10) McCain has been practicing since last weekend. Someone else’s words. Someone else’s view of the world.
While others will compare and contrast the speeches on political grounds, or on strategic grounds, my comparison is much more simplistic. If one puts himself up to lead the greatest country in the world, and one will make the most important speech of his campaign, ostensibly laying out his vision, his policies, his plans, and his definition of himself, and he cannot even find his own words: what does that mean for his ability to say anything by himself?
Here at DCW, we broke the story that the speech would be at Invesco, and not at the Pepsi Center. We, and many others, are interested in the historical nature of the event and its venue. The first outdoor acceptance speech since Kennedy in Los Angeles in 1960. Potentially the largest worldwide audience ever for such an event. The singular uniqueness of the candidate himself.
Pundits will undoubtedly spend today commenting on what Obama is going to say, and how he is going to say it, and whether he says “what he needs to.” That’s political punditry for you.
Speeches get written. Often by professional speechwriters who know how to turn phrases in such a way as to reframe candidates. (Remember Peggy Noonan’s line? “Read my lips: no new taxes.”) Some people can write, but put front of several hundred people, they lack that spark which electrifies. If you’ve ever spoken before several hundred people, you know in that first moment that you look out whether this is something you have to do, or something you want to do.
Other people are actors: they can read the words others have written, and deliver them in such a mesmerizing way that simple words become unforgettable, maybe even part of our vernacular. (Remember? “Play it, Sam.”)
Sometimes there is that rare individual who can write his own words, and then speak with clarity from the heart, soul and mind simultaneously, with true authenticity. Sometimes, you know the words are so genuine that they express the essence of what an individual is at base.
It has been reported in the past that Senator Obama writes his own speeches. On the first page of yesterday’s USA Today they say that he wrote this one in a hotel room 15 minutes from home. And amazingly to those of us who are residents of ObamaNation, for many people, this may be the first time they hear how well the Senator writes.
He will do what he does: speak the truth, in potentially nuanced terms. Senator Obama will not dumb down his words, he honours his audience by expecting them to rise to his level. He will give us all his very best.
And on this cusp between the dénouement of the Democratic Convention, and the soon to begin dual Republican conventions in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, we should also look at the speech that John McCain will be giving next Thursday. Most likely in competition with a football game. (Same kind of planning that was involved in invading a sovereign nation, but I digress.)
McCain’s speech was written by Mark Salter. According to Newsweek (September 1, page 10) McCain has been practicing since last weekend. Someone else’s words. Someone else’s view of the world.
While others will compare and contrast the speeches on political grounds, or on strategic grounds, my comparison is much more simplistic. If one puts himself up to lead the greatest country in the world, and one will make the most important speech of his campaign, ostensibly laying out his vision, his policies, his plans, and his definition of himself, and he cannot even find his own words: what does that mean for his ability to say anything by himself?
Categories: Delegate Watch
Pace's DNC Post 8/27/08
Today is our last day at the Convention. We've decided to not go to Invesco Field tomorrow night. Estimates are that there will be over 70,000 people there to witness Obama's acceptance speech. Much as I would love to be there personally, the thought of being outside in 90 degree+ weather for close to 8 hours does not sound like the best place for me. Accordingly, we will be heading back to cloudy and rainy Anchorage. Home sweet home :-)
What can I say about tonight that you haven't already seen on the news? The energy in the room was electrifying to say the least. With each speaker the crowd grew more and more enthusiastic. From the roll call vote though the surprise visit by Barack there wasn't a dull moment. Who wasn't touched by the former Republican Rear Admiral who spoke about his change of party as he grew dissatisfied with the direction of the Bush administration? And what about the appearance of all o those female Democratic Senators? Senator Clinton was inspirational in her decision to call for the close the roll call vote and proceed with the direct nomination of Barack Obama? The crowd went wild! She did just what she needed to do...unify the party. From my vantage point on the floor of the DNC she did just that.
And Joe Biden and his son Beau? I can tell you there was nary a dry eye in the house. I am looking forward to learning more about him and his family in the next 4 years. His acceptance speech was just what the delegates wanted to hear. He was strong, caring and engaged all at the same time. I am very pleased with this historic presidential ticket.
More to come in the next few days. It is now 2:38 am and clearly past my bed time. We've had just the best time and can't wait to get the word out about what we have experienced.
I hope this finds you well, ore tomorow!
What can I say about tonight that you haven't already seen on the news? The energy in the room was electrifying to say the least. With each speaker the crowd grew more and more enthusiastic. From the roll call vote though the surprise visit by Barack there wasn't a dull moment. Who wasn't touched by the former Republican Rear Admiral who spoke about his change of party as he grew dissatisfied with the direction of the Bush administration? And what about the appearance of all o those female Democratic Senators? Senator Clinton was inspirational in her decision to call for the close the roll call vote and proceed with the direct nomination of Barack Obama? The crowd went wild! She did just what she needed to do...unify the party. From my vantage point on the floor of the DNC she did just that.
And Joe Biden and his son Beau? I can tell you there was nary a dry eye in the house. I am looking forward to learning more about him and his family in the next 4 years. His acceptance speech was just what the delegates wanted to hear. He was strong, caring and engaged all at the same time. I am very pleased with this historic presidential ticket.
More to come in the next few days. It is now 2:38 am and clearly past my bed time. We've had just the best time and can't wait to get the word out about what we have experienced.
I hope this finds you well, ore tomorow!
Categories: Delegate Watch
Thursday Invesco Schedule
2008 Democratic National Convention Podium Schedule
Thursday, August 28, 2008
"Change You Can Believe In"
Read more...
Time Shown as local – Denver, Colorado MT
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (LOCAL)
Live Performances (before gavel)
Yonder Mountain String Band Performance
Jeff Austin, Adam Aijala, Ben Kaufmann, Dave Johnston
Voter Registration Presentation
Remarks
The Honorable Luis Gutierrez
Member of the US House of Representatives, Illinois
David Plouffe
Obama Campaign Manager
Ray Rivera
Obama State Director, Colorado
Call to Order
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Permanent Chair, Democratic National Convention
Member and Speaker of the US House of Representatives, California
Invocation
Rabbi David Saperstein
Director, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism – Washington, DC
Presentation of Colors
Disabled American Veterans
Pledge of Allegiance
Shawn Johnson
US Olympic Gymnast
National Anthem
Jennifer Hudson
Academy award-winning singer and Broadway performer
Welcome
Elbra Wedgeworth
President/Chair, Denver Host Committee
Presentation of Resolutions
Democratic National Committee Vice-Chairs
Mark Brewer
The Honorable Linda Chavez-Thompson
The Honorable Mike Honda
The Honorable Lottie Shackelford
Susan Turnbull
Remarks
Honorable Bill Ritter, Jr.
Governor of Colorado
The Honorable Ed Perlmutter
Member of the US House of Representatives, Colorado
The Honorable John Salazar
Member of the US House of Representatives, Colorado
The Honorable Diana DeGette
Member of the US House of Representatives, Colorado
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (LOCAL)
Video & Remarks
The Honorable Howard Dean
Former Governor of Vermont
Chair of the Democratic Party
Video & Remarks: Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King
The Honorable John Lewis
Member of the US House of Representatives, Georgia
Rev. Bernice King
Daughter of the late Dr. King
Martin Luther King III
Oldest son of the late Dr. King
Remarks
The Honorable Bill Richardson
Governor, New Mexico
Live Performances
will.i.am
Accompanied by John Legend (piano), Agape Choir, and band
Sheryl Crow
Singer/songwriter
Remarks
Ray Rivera
Obama State Director, Colorado
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (LOCAL)
Remarks
The Honorable Jan Schakowsky
Member of the US House of Representatives, Illinois
The Honorable Mark Udall
Member of the US House of Representatives, Colorado
The Honorable Tim Kaine
Governor of Virginia
Live Performance
Stevie Wonder
Remarks
The Honorable Al Gore
Former Vice President of the United States
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (LOCAL)
Remarks
John Kuniholm
Wounded Iraq veteran
Live Performance
Michael McDonald
Singer/songwriter
Remarks
Susan Eisenhower
Granddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower
Retired Generals Tribute
Air Force Maj. Gen. J. Scott Gration (Ret)
Accompanied by additional generals
American Voices Program
Roy Gross
Monica Early
Wes Moore
Janet Lynn Monacco
Nate Flick
Teresa Asenap
Pamela Cash-Roper
Barney Smith
Remarks
The Honorable Dick Durbin
US Senator, Illinois
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM (LOCAL)
Video/Remarks
SENATOR BARACK OBAMA
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
Benediction
Pastor Joel Hunter
Senior Pastor of Northland in Central Florida
Adjournment
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Permanent Chair, Democratic National Convention
Thursday, August 28, 2008
"Change You Can Believe In"
Read more...
Time Shown as local – Denver, Colorado MT
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (LOCAL)
Live Performances (before gavel)
Yonder Mountain String Band Performance
Jeff Austin, Adam Aijala, Ben Kaufmann, Dave Johnston
Voter Registration Presentation
Remarks
The Honorable Luis Gutierrez
Member of the US House of Representatives, Illinois
David Plouffe
Obama Campaign Manager
Ray Rivera
Obama State Director, Colorado
Call to Order
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Permanent Chair, Democratic National Convention
Member and Speaker of the US House of Representatives, California
Invocation
Rabbi David Saperstein
Director, Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism – Washington, DC
Presentation of Colors
Disabled American Veterans
Pledge of Allegiance
Shawn Johnson
US Olympic Gymnast
National Anthem
Jennifer Hudson
Academy award-winning singer and Broadway performer
Welcome
Elbra Wedgeworth
President/Chair, Denver Host Committee
Presentation of Resolutions
Democratic National Committee Vice-Chairs
Mark Brewer
The Honorable Linda Chavez-Thompson
The Honorable Mike Honda
The Honorable Lottie Shackelford
Susan Turnbull
Remarks
Honorable Bill Ritter, Jr.
Governor of Colorado
The Honorable Ed Perlmutter
Member of the US House of Representatives, Colorado
The Honorable John Salazar
Member of the US House of Representatives, Colorado
The Honorable Diana DeGette
Member of the US House of Representatives, Colorado
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (LOCAL)
Video & Remarks
The Honorable Howard Dean
Former Governor of Vermont
Chair of the Democratic Party
Video & Remarks: Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King
The Honorable John Lewis
Member of the US House of Representatives, Georgia
Rev. Bernice King
Daughter of the late Dr. King
Martin Luther King III
Oldest son of the late Dr. King
Remarks
The Honorable Bill Richardson
Governor, New Mexico
Live Performances
will.i.am
Accompanied by John Legend (piano), Agape Choir, and band
Sheryl Crow
Singer/songwriter
Remarks
Ray Rivera
Obama State Director, Colorado
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (LOCAL)
Remarks
The Honorable Jan Schakowsky
Member of the US House of Representatives, Illinois
The Honorable Mark Udall
Member of the US House of Representatives, Colorado
The Honorable Tim Kaine
Governor of Virginia
Live Performance
Stevie Wonder
Remarks
The Honorable Al Gore
Former Vice President of the United States
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (LOCAL)
Remarks
John Kuniholm
Wounded Iraq veteran
Live Performance
Michael McDonald
Singer/songwriter
Remarks
Susan Eisenhower
Granddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower
Retired Generals Tribute
Air Force Maj. Gen. J. Scott Gration (Ret)
Accompanied by additional generals
American Voices Program
Roy Gross
Monica Early
Wes Moore
Janet Lynn Monacco
Nate Flick
Teresa Asenap
Pamela Cash-Roper
Barney Smith
Remarks
The Honorable Dick Durbin
US Senator, Illinois
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM (LOCAL)
Video/Remarks
SENATOR BARACK OBAMA
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
Benediction
Pastor Joel Hunter
Senior Pastor of Northland in Central Florida
Adjournment
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Permanent Chair, Democratic National Convention
Categories: Delegate Watch
Pictures from tonight
Categories: Delegate Watch
What happened to Bill Richardson?
Here's what the schedule was supposed to be:
Rear Admiral John Hutson (Ret.)
President, Franklin Pierce Law School in Concord, New Hampshire
The Honorable Bill Richardson
Governor of New Mexico
Video – Changing The Course of Our Nation
John Melvin
Iraq war veteran from DeWitt, Iowa
Veterans Video and Remarks
The Honorable Chet Edwards
Member of the US House of Representatives, Texas
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM (LOCAL)
Remarks
Tammy Duckworth
But Edwards spoke after Hutson, then the video, then Duckworth. I asked Oreo on the floor, "did I miss Richardson"? A minute later Richardson was being interviewed by CBS, and we had a mystery.
Well the mystery's been solved:
"Giving even more Democrats and supporters an opportunity to hear from Governor Bill Richardson, his speech has been moved from this evening to a featured speaking slot tomorrow at Mile High. Because of such an enthusiastic audience response, the long-running schedule led the Democratic Convention to ask the governor if he would speak tomorrow and he graciously agreed. He will be speaking to 75,000 people and a nationally televised audience," said Democratic National Convention Committee spokeswoman Jenni Engebretsen. Bolding is mine. At least the press release was honest!
Rear Admiral John Hutson (Ret.)
President, Franklin Pierce Law School in Concord, New Hampshire
The Honorable Bill Richardson
Governor of New Mexico
Video – Changing The Course of Our Nation
John Melvin
Iraq war veteran from DeWitt, Iowa
Veterans Video and Remarks
The Honorable Chet Edwards
Member of the US House of Representatives, Texas
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM (LOCAL)
Remarks
Tammy Duckworth
But Edwards spoke after Hutson, then the video, then Duckworth. I asked Oreo on the floor, "did I miss Richardson"? A minute later Richardson was being interviewed by CBS, and we had a mystery.
Well the mystery's been solved:
"Giving even more Democrats and supporters an opportunity to hear from Governor Bill Richardson, his speech has been moved from this evening to a featured speaking slot tomorrow at Mile High. Because of such an enthusiastic audience response, the long-running schedule led the Democratic Convention to ask the governor if he would speak tomorrow and he graciously agreed. He will be speaking to 75,000 people and a nationally televised audience," said Democratic National Convention Committee spokeswoman Jenni Engebretsen. Bolding is mine. At least the press release was honest!
Categories: Delegate Watch
Joe Biden remarks
Remarks of Joe Biden——verbatim
Democratic National Convention
Denver, Colorado
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Click for the full speech
You know, folks, my dad used to have an expression. He'd say: "you know you're a success when he turns and looks at his son or daughter and knows that they turned out better than he did." I am a success. I am a hell of a success.
Beau, I love you. I am so proud of you. I'm so proud of the son you've become. I'm so proud of the father you are. And I'm so proud of my son Hunter, my daughter Ashley, and my wife Jill, the only one who leaves me both breathless and speechless at the same time.
It is an honor to share this stage tonight with President Clinton. A man I think brought this country so far along that I only pray that we can repeat it. And last night, it was moving to watch Hillary, one of our great leaders of our party, a woman who has made history and will continue to make history: a colleague, my friend Senator Hillary Clinton.
And I am truly honored to live in a country with the bravest warriors in the world. And I'm honored to represent our first state―my state― the state of Delaware.
Since I've never been called a man of few words, let me say this as simply as I can: Yes. Yes, I accept your nomination to run and serve with Barack Obama, the next President of the United States of America.
Let me make this pledge to you right here and now. For every American who is trying to do the right thing, for all those people in government who are honoring their pledge to uphold the law and honor the Constitution, no longer will you hear the eight most dreaded words in the English language: "The Vice President's office is on the phone."
Barack and I took very different journeys to this destination, but we share a common story. Mine began in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and then Wilmington, Delaware. My dad, who fell on hard economic times, always told me: "Champ, when you get knocked down, get up. Get up." I was taught that by my dad, and God, I wish that my dad was here tonight, but I am so grateful that my mom, Catherine Eugenia Finnegan Biden, is here tonight. Mom, I love you. You know my mom taught her children―all the children who flocked to our house―that you are defined by your sense of honor, and you are redeemed by your loyalty. She believes that bravery lives in every heart and her expectation is that it will be summoned.
Failure at some point in your life is inevitable, but giving up is unforgivable. As a child I stuttered, and she lovingly would look at me and told me: "Joey, it's because you're so bright you can't get the thoughts out quickly enough." When I was not as well dressed as the other kids, she told me: "Joey, you're so handsome honey, you're so handsome." And when I got knocked down by guys bigger than me, and this is the God's truth, she sent me back out the street and told me: "bloody their nose so you can walk down the street the next day." And that's what I did.
After the accident, she told me, "Joey, God sends no cross that you cannot bear." And when I triumphed, my mother was quick to remind me it was because of others.
My mother's creed is the American creed: No one is better than you. Everyone is your equal, and everyone is equal to you.
My parents taught us to live our faith, and to treasure our families We learned the dignity of work, and we were told that anyone can make it if they just try hard enough.
That was America's promise. For those of us who grew up in middle-class neighborhoods like Scranton and Wilmington, that was the American dream.
But today that American dream feels as if it's slowly slipping away. I don't have to tell you that. You feel it every single day in your own lives.
I've never seen a time when Washington has watched so many people get knocked down without doing anything to help them get back up. Almost every night, I take the train home to Wilmington, sometimes very late. As I sit there in my seat and I look out my window and I see the flickering lights of the homes we pass by, I can almost hear the conversation their having at their kitchen table after they put their kids to bed. Like millions of Americans, they're asking questions as ordinary as they are profound. Questions they never ever thought they'd have to ask themselves:
* Should mom move in with us now that dad is gone?
* Fifty, sixty, seventy dollars just to fill up the gas tank?
* How in God's name with winter coming, how're we gonna heat the home?
* Another year, no raise?
* Did you hear? Did you hear they may be cutting our health care at the company?
* Now, now we owe more on the house than it's worth. How in God's name are we going to send the kids to college?
* How are we gonna retire?
You know, folks, that's the America that George Bush has left us, and that's the America we'll continue to get if George―excuse me if John McCain is elected president of the United States of America. Freudian slip! Freudian slip! And folks, these are not isolated discussions among families down on their luck. These are common stories among middle-class people who've worked hard their whole life, played by the rules on the promise that their tomorrows would be better than their yesterdays.
That promise is the promise of America. It defines who we are as a people. And now it's in jeopardy. I know it. You know it. But John McCain doesn't get it. Barack Obama gets it though. Like many of us in this room, like many of us in this hall, Barack worked his way up. His is the great American story. You know, I believe the measure of a man is not the road he travels; it's the choices he's made along that road.
And ladies and gentlemen, Barack Obama could have done anything after he graduated from college. With all his talent and promise, he could have written his own ticket to Wall Street. But what did he choose to do? He chose to go to Chicago. The South Side of Chicago. There―there in the South Side of Chicago he met men and women who had lost their jobs. Their neighborhood was devastated when the local steel plant closed. Their dreams had to be deferred. Their self-esteem gone. And ladies and gentlemen, he made their lives the work of his life. That's what you do when you're raised by a single mom, who worked, went to school and raised two kids on her own. That's how you come to believe, to the very core of your being, that work is more than a paycheck. It's dignity. It's respect. It's about whether or not you can look your children in the eye and say: we're going to be all right.
Because Barack made that choice, 150 more children and parents have health care in Illinois. He fought to make that happen. And because Barack made that choice, working families in Illinois pay less taxes and more people have moved from welfare to the dignity of work. And he got it done.
And when he came to Washington, when he came to Washington, John and I watched with amazement how he hit the ground running, leading the fight to pass the most sweeping ethics reform in a generation. He reached across party lines to pass a law that helps keep nuclear weapons out of the hands of terrorists. And then he moved Congress and the president to give our wonderful wounded veterans the care and dignity they deserve.
You know, you can learn a lot about a man campaigning with him, debating him, seeing how he reacts under pressure. You learn about the strength of his mind, but even more importantly, you learn about the quality of his heart. I watched how Barack touched people, how he inspired them, and I realized he had tapped into the oldest belief in America: We don't have to accept a situation we cannot bear. We have the power to change it. And change it―and change it is exactly what Barack Obama will do. That's what he'll do for this country.
You know, John McCain is my friend, and I know you hear that phrase used all the time in politics. I mean it. John McCain is my friend. We've traveled the world together. It's a friendship that goes beyond politics. And the personal courage and heroism demonstrated by John still amazes me.
But I profoundly―I profoundly disagree with the direction that John wants to take the country, from Afghanistan to Iraq. From Amtrak to veterans. You know, John thinks, John thinks that during the Bush years "we've made great economic progress." I think it's been abysmal. And in the Senate, John has voted with President Bush 95 percent of the time. And that is very hard to believe. And when John McCain proposes $200 billion in new tax breaks for corporate America, $1 billion alone for just eight of the largest companies, but no, none, no relief for 100 million American families, that's not change; that's more of the same. Even today, as oil companies post the biggest profits in history―nearly a half trillion dollars in the last five years―John wants to give them another $4 billion in tax breaks.
That's not change, that's the same. And during the same time John voted again and again against incentives for renewable energy: solar, wind, biofuels. That's not change; that's more of the same. Millions of Americans have seen their jobs go offshore, yet John continues to support corporations that send them there. That's not change. That's more of the same. he voted 19 times against raising minimum wage for people that are struggling just to make it to the next day. That's not change. That's more of the same. And when he says to continues to spend $10 billion a month when the Iraqis have a surplus of nearly $80 billion, that's not change. That's more of the same.
The choice in this election is clear. These times require more than a good soldier. They require a wise leader. A leader who can change, change the change that everybody knows we need. Barack Obama is going to deliver that change. Because I want to tell you. Barack Obama will reform our tax code. He will cut taxes for 95% of the American people who draw a pay check. That's the change we need. Barack Obama, Barack Obama will transform our economy by making alternative energy a national priority and in the process creating 5 million new jobs and finally finally freeing us from the grip of foreign oil. That's the change we need.
Barack Obama knows that any country that out teaches us today, will out compete us tomorrow. That's why he'll invest in the next generation of teachers and why he'll make college more affordable. That's the change we need. Barrack Obama will bring down health care cost by $2,500 for the average family and at long last deliver affordable, accessible health care for every American. That's the change we need. Barack will put more cops on the street, put security back in social security and he'll never ever ever give up until we achieve equal pay for women. That's the change we need.
As we gather here tonight, our country is less secure and more isolated that it has been any time it has in recent history. The Bush foreign policy has dug us into a very deep hole, with very few friends to help us climb out. And for the last seven years, the administration has failed to face the biggest the biggest forces shaping this century. The emergence of Russia, china and India's great powers, the spread of lethal weapons, the shortage of secure supplies of energy, food and water. The challenge of climate change and the resurgence of fundamentalism in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the real central front in the war on terror.
Ladies and gentlemen in recent years and in recent days we once again see the consequences of the neglect of this neglect of Russia challenging the very freedom of a new democratic country of Georgia. Barack and I will end that neglect. We will hold Russia accountable for its action and we will help Georgia rebuild. I have been on the ground in Georgia, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and I can tell you in no uncertain terms, this administrations policy has been an abysmal failure. America cannot afford 4 more years of this failure.
And now, now despite being complacent in the catastrophic foreign policy, John McCain says Barrack Obama, Barrack Obama is not ready to protect our national security. Now let me ask you this. Whose judgment do you trust? Should you trust the judgment of John McCain when he said only 3 years ago, "Afghanistan-we don't read about it anymore in the papers, because it succeeded" or do you believe Barack Obama who said a year ago "we need to send 2 more combat battalions to Afghanistan."
The fact of the matter is, Al-Qaeda and the Taliban- the people who have actually attacked us on 9/11, they've regrouped in the mountains between Afghanistan and Pakistan and are plotting new attacks. And the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has echoed Barack's call for more troops and John McCain was wrong and Barack Obama was right. Should we trust John McCain's judgment? When he rejects- when he rejected talking with Iran and asked what is there to talk about? Or Barack Obama who said we must talk and must make clear to Iran that it must change.
Now, after 7 years of denial, even the Bush Administration recognizes that we should talk to Iran because that the best way to ensure our security. Again and again John McCain has been wrong and Barack Obama has been right. Should we trust John McCain's judgment when he says- when he says that we can't have no timelines to withdraw our troops from Iraq-that we must say indefinitely or should we listen to Barack Obama who says shift the responsibility to the Iraqis and set a time to bring our combat troops home. Now, after 6 long years, the administration and the Iraqi government are on the verge of setting a date to bring our troops home. John McCain was wrong and Barack Obama was right.
Again, again and again on the most important national security issues of our time, John McCain was wrong and Barack Obama has been proven right. Folks, remember when the world used to trust us, when they looked to us for leadership? With Barack Obama as our president, they'll look at us again. They'll trust us again and we'll be able to lead again. Folks, Jill and I are truly honored to join Michelle and Barack on this journey.
When I look at their young children―and when I look at my grandchildren―I realize why I'm here. I'm here for their future. I am here for everyone I grew up with in Scranton and Wilmington. I am here for the cops and firefighters, the teachers and assembly line workers―the folks whose lives are the very measure of whether the American dream endures.
Our greatest presidents―from Abraham Lincoln to Franklin Roosevelt to John Kennedy―they all challenged us to embrace change. Now, it's our responsibility to meet that challenge.
Millions of Americans have been knocked down. And this is the time as Americans, together, we get back up. Back up together. Our debt to our parents and grandparents too great, our obligation to our children is too sacred.
These are extraordinary times. This is an extraordinary election. The American people are ready. I'm ready. Barack is ready. This is his time. This is our time. This is America's time.
God Bless America, and may God protect our Troops! Thank you!
Democratic National Convention
Denver, Colorado
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Click for the full speech
You know, folks, my dad used to have an expression. He'd say: "you know you're a success when he turns and looks at his son or daughter and knows that they turned out better than he did." I am a success. I am a hell of a success.
Beau, I love you. I am so proud of you. I'm so proud of the son you've become. I'm so proud of the father you are. And I'm so proud of my son Hunter, my daughter Ashley, and my wife Jill, the only one who leaves me both breathless and speechless at the same time.
It is an honor to share this stage tonight with President Clinton. A man I think brought this country so far along that I only pray that we can repeat it. And last night, it was moving to watch Hillary, one of our great leaders of our party, a woman who has made history and will continue to make history: a colleague, my friend Senator Hillary Clinton.
And I am truly honored to live in a country with the bravest warriors in the world. And I'm honored to represent our first state―my state― the state of Delaware.
Since I've never been called a man of few words, let me say this as simply as I can: Yes. Yes, I accept your nomination to run and serve with Barack Obama, the next President of the United States of America.
Let me make this pledge to you right here and now. For every American who is trying to do the right thing, for all those people in government who are honoring their pledge to uphold the law and honor the Constitution, no longer will you hear the eight most dreaded words in the English language: "The Vice President's office is on the phone."
Barack and I took very different journeys to this destination, but we share a common story. Mine began in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and then Wilmington, Delaware. My dad, who fell on hard economic times, always told me: "Champ, when you get knocked down, get up. Get up." I was taught that by my dad, and God, I wish that my dad was here tonight, but I am so grateful that my mom, Catherine Eugenia Finnegan Biden, is here tonight. Mom, I love you. You know my mom taught her children―all the children who flocked to our house―that you are defined by your sense of honor, and you are redeemed by your loyalty. She believes that bravery lives in every heart and her expectation is that it will be summoned.
Failure at some point in your life is inevitable, but giving up is unforgivable. As a child I stuttered, and she lovingly would look at me and told me: "Joey, it's because you're so bright you can't get the thoughts out quickly enough." When I was not as well dressed as the other kids, she told me: "Joey, you're so handsome honey, you're so handsome." And when I got knocked down by guys bigger than me, and this is the God's truth, she sent me back out the street and told me: "bloody their nose so you can walk down the street the next day." And that's what I did.
After the accident, she told me, "Joey, God sends no cross that you cannot bear." And when I triumphed, my mother was quick to remind me it was because of others.
My mother's creed is the American creed: No one is better than you. Everyone is your equal, and everyone is equal to you.
My parents taught us to live our faith, and to treasure our families We learned the dignity of work, and we were told that anyone can make it if they just try hard enough.
That was America's promise. For those of us who grew up in middle-class neighborhoods like Scranton and Wilmington, that was the American dream.
But today that American dream feels as if it's slowly slipping away. I don't have to tell you that. You feel it every single day in your own lives.
I've never seen a time when Washington has watched so many people get knocked down without doing anything to help them get back up. Almost every night, I take the train home to Wilmington, sometimes very late. As I sit there in my seat and I look out my window and I see the flickering lights of the homes we pass by, I can almost hear the conversation their having at their kitchen table after they put their kids to bed. Like millions of Americans, they're asking questions as ordinary as they are profound. Questions they never ever thought they'd have to ask themselves:
* Should mom move in with us now that dad is gone?
* Fifty, sixty, seventy dollars just to fill up the gas tank?
* How in God's name with winter coming, how're we gonna heat the home?
* Another year, no raise?
* Did you hear? Did you hear they may be cutting our health care at the company?
* Now, now we owe more on the house than it's worth. How in God's name are we going to send the kids to college?
* How are we gonna retire?
You know, folks, that's the America that George Bush has left us, and that's the America we'll continue to get if George―excuse me if John McCain is elected president of the United States of America. Freudian slip! Freudian slip! And folks, these are not isolated discussions among families down on their luck. These are common stories among middle-class people who've worked hard their whole life, played by the rules on the promise that their tomorrows would be better than their yesterdays.
That promise is the promise of America. It defines who we are as a people. And now it's in jeopardy. I know it. You know it. But John McCain doesn't get it. Barack Obama gets it though. Like many of us in this room, like many of us in this hall, Barack worked his way up. His is the great American story. You know, I believe the measure of a man is not the road he travels; it's the choices he's made along that road.
And ladies and gentlemen, Barack Obama could have done anything after he graduated from college. With all his talent and promise, he could have written his own ticket to Wall Street. But what did he choose to do? He chose to go to Chicago. The South Side of Chicago. There―there in the South Side of Chicago he met men and women who had lost their jobs. Their neighborhood was devastated when the local steel plant closed. Their dreams had to be deferred. Their self-esteem gone. And ladies and gentlemen, he made their lives the work of his life. That's what you do when you're raised by a single mom, who worked, went to school and raised two kids on her own. That's how you come to believe, to the very core of your being, that work is more than a paycheck. It's dignity. It's respect. It's about whether or not you can look your children in the eye and say: we're going to be all right.
Because Barack made that choice, 150 more children and parents have health care in Illinois. He fought to make that happen. And because Barack made that choice, working families in Illinois pay less taxes and more people have moved from welfare to the dignity of work. And he got it done.
And when he came to Washington, when he came to Washington, John and I watched with amazement how he hit the ground running, leading the fight to pass the most sweeping ethics reform in a generation. He reached across party lines to pass a law that helps keep nuclear weapons out of the hands of terrorists. And then he moved Congress and the president to give our wonderful wounded veterans the care and dignity they deserve.
You know, you can learn a lot about a man campaigning with him, debating him, seeing how he reacts under pressure. You learn about the strength of his mind, but even more importantly, you learn about the quality of his heart. I watched how Barack touched people, how he inspired them, and I realized he had tapped into the oldest belief in America: We don't have to accept a situation we cannot bear. We have the power to change it. And change it―and change it is exactly what Barack Obama will do. That's what he'll do for this country.
You know, John McCain is my friend, and I know you hear that phrase used all the time in politics. I mean it. John McCain is my friend. We've traveled the world together. It's a friendship that goes beyond politics. And the personal courage and heroism demonstrated by John still amazes me.
But I profoundly―I profoundly disagree with the direction that John wants to take the country, from Afghanistan to Iraq. From Amtrak to veterans. You know, John thinks, John thinks that during the Bush years "we've made great economic progress." I think it's been abysmal. And in the Senate, John has voted with President Bush 95 percent of the time. And that is very hard to believe. And when John McCain proposes $200 billion in new tax breaks for corporate America, $1 billion alone for just eight of the largest companies, but no, none, no relief for 100 million American families, that's not change; that's more of the same. Even today, as oil companies post the biggest profits in history―nearly a half trillion dollars in the last five years―John wants to give them another $4 billion in tax breaks.
That's not change, that's the same. And during the same time John voted again and again against incentives for renewable energy: solar, wind, biofuels. That's not change; that's more of the same. Millions of Americans have seen their jobs go offshore, yet John continues to support corporations that send them there. That's not change. That's more of the same. he voted 19 times against raising minimum wage for people that are struggling just to make it to the next day. That's not change. That's more of the same. And when he says to continues to spend $10 billion a month when the Iraqis have a surplus of nearly $80 billion, that's not change. That's more of the same.
The choice in this election is clear. These times require more than a good soldier. They require a wise leader. A leader who can change, change the change that everybody knows we need. Barack Obama is going to deliver that change. Because I want to tell you. Barack Obama will reform our tax code. He will cut taxes for 95% of the American people who draw a pay check. That's the change we need. Barack Obama, Barack Obama will transform our economy by making alternative energy a national priority and in the process creating 5 million new jobs and finally finally freeing us from the grip of foreign oil. That's the change we need.
Barack Obama knows that any country that out teaches us today, will out compete us tomorrow. That's why he'll invest in the next generation of teachers and why he'll make college more affordable. That's the change we need. Barrack Obama will bring down health care cost by $2,500 for the average family and at long last deliver affordable, accessible health care for every American. That's the change we need. Barack will put more cops on the street, put security back in social security and he'll never ever ever give up until we achieve equal pay for women. That's the change we need.
As we gather here tonight, our country is less secure and more isolated that it has been any time it has in recent history. The Bush foreign policy has dug us into a very deep hole, with very few friends to help us climb out. And for the last seven years, the administration has failed to face the biggest the biggest forces shaping this century. The emergence of Russia, china and India's great powers, the spread of lethal weapons, the shortage of secure supplies of energy, food and water. The challenge of climate change and the resurgence of fundamentalism in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the real central front in the war on terror.
Ladies and gentlemen in recent years and in recent days we once again see the consequences of the neglect of this neglect of Russia challenging the very freedom of a new democratic country of Georgia. Barack and I will end that neglect. We will hold Russia accountable for its action and we will help Georgia rebuild. I have been on the ground in Georgia, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and I can tell you in no uncertain terms, this administrations policy has been an abysmal failure. America cannot afford 4 more years of this failure.
And now, now despite being complacent in the catastrophic foreign policy, John McCain says Barrack Obama, Barrack Obama is not ready to protect our national security. Now let me ask you this. Whose judgment do you trust? Should you trust the judgment of John McCain when he said only 3 years ago, "Afghanistan-we don't read about it anymore in the papers, because it succeeded" or do you believe Barack Obama who said a year ago "we need to send 2 more combat battalions to Afghanistan."
The fact of the matter is, Al-Qaeda and the Taliban- the people who have actually attacked us on 9/11, they've regrouped in the mountains between Afghanistan and Pakistan and are plotting new attacks. And the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has echoed Barack's call for more troops and John McCain was wrong and Barack Obama was right. Should we trust John McCain's judgment? When he rejects- when he rejected talking with Iran and asked what is there to talk about? Or Barack Obama who said we must talk and must make clear to Iran that it must change.
Now, after 7 years of denial, even the Bush Administration recognizes that we should talk to Iran because that the best way to ensure our security. Again and again John McCain has been wrong and Barack Obama has been right. Should we trust John McCain's judgment when he says- when he says that we can't have no timelines to withdraw our troops from Iraq-that we must say indefinitely or should we listen to Barack Obama who says shift the responsibility to the Iraqis and set a time to bring our combat troops home. Now, after 6 long years, the administration and the Iraqi government are on the verge of setting a date to bring our troops home. John McCain was wrong and Barack Obama was right.
Again, again and again on the most important national security issues of our time, John McCain was wrong and Barack Obama has been proven right. Folks, remember when the world used to trust us, when they looked to us for leadership? With Barack Obama as our president, they'll look at us again. They'll trust us again and we'll be able to lead again. Folks, Jill and I are truly honored to join Michelle and Barack on this journey.
When I look at their young children―and when I look at my grandchildren―I realize why I'm here. I'm here for their future. I am here for everyone I grew up with in Scranton and Wilmington. I am here for the cops and firefighters, the teachers and assembly line workers―the folks whose lives are the very measure of whether the American dream endures.
Our greatest presidents―from Abraham Lincoln to Franklin Roosevelt to John Kennedy―they all challenged us to embrace change. Now, it's our responsibility to meet that challenge.
Millions of Americans have been knocked down. And this is the time as Americans, together, we get back up. Back up together. Our debt to our parents and grandparents too great, our obligation to our children is too sacred.
These are extraordinary times. This is an extraordinary election. The American people are ready. I'm ready. Barack is ready. This is his time. This is our time. This is America's time.
God Bless America, and may God protect our Troops! Thank you!
Categories: Delegate Watch
Goodbye to the Pepsi Center
We've been writing about the Pepsi Center for over two years now, and it's time to say goodbye. It's been crowded, and some thought a little small, but I think the Democrats put on a great show there. The podium, which some ridiculed when it was first shown, was never mentioned since Monday, and provided a great backdrop:
Remember that as some are already knocking the Invesco setup. It doesn't matter what it looks like from an airplane. It matters what it looks like from your TV set. And we'll see it in less than 24 hours.
Remember that as some are already knocking the Invesco setup. It doesn't matter what it looks like from an airplane. It matters what it looks like from your TV set. And we'll see it in less than 24 hours.
Categories: Delegate Watch
Invesco Weather Forecast and Stadium First Look
Thursday is looking great, might even want to bring a jacket:
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 81. South wind 5 to 9 mph becoming east.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54. East wind at 10 mph becoming south.
Accuweather forecast specifically for 8:00 MT: 70, Clear.
Here's a first look at the setup (NBC is reporting that Obama is on his way there now to do a walk-through):
Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 81. South wind 5 to 9 mph becoming east.
Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 54. East wind at 10 mph becoming south.
Accuweather forecast specifically for 8:00 MT: 70, Clear.
Here's a first look at the setup (NBC is reporting that Obama is on his way there now to do a walk-through):
Categories: Delegate Watch
GOP worrying about Gustav
We'll have more on this starting on Friday, and hopefully, the storm will not strengthen, but for now, the GOP is on alert:
Planners of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul held emergency conversations Wednesday about what to do if a tropical storm continues on its track as a potential Category 3 hurricane threatening New Orleans.
Gustav’s projected path suggests possible landfall on the convention’s opening day — Labor Day.
The storm could threaten everything from President Bush’s Monday night address to the broader Republican message of effective government management.
Local officials fear a Katrina II — a rerun of the storm that ravished New Orleans and badly damaged Bush’s image.We wrote two years ago about hurricanes and conventions: See here and here.
Update: Sen. Landrieu is leaving Denver Thursday morning and heading back home.
Planners of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul held emergency conversations Wednesday about what to do if a tropical storm continues on its track as a potential Category 3 hurricane threatening New Orleans.
Gustav’s projected path suggests possible landfall on the convention’s opening day — Labor Day.
The storm could threaten everything from President Bush’s Monday night address to the broader Republican message of effective government management.
Local officials fear a Katrina II — a rerun of the storm that ravished New Orleans and badly damaged Bush’s image.We wrote two years ago about hurricanes and conventions: See here and here.
Update: Sen. Landrieu is leaving Denver Thursday morning and heading back home.
Categories: Delegate Watch
Bill Clinton Remarks
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE ON DELIVERY
The Honorable William Jefferson Clinton
Democratic National Convention
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Remarks as Prepared for Delivery
Read the speech below...
I am honored to be here tonight to support Barack Obama. And to warm up the crowd for Joe Biden, though as you'll soon see, he doesn't need any help from me. I love Joe Biden, and America will too.
What a year we Democrats have had. The primary began with an all-star line up and came down to two remarkable Americans locked in a hard fought contest to the very end. The campaign generated so much heat it increased global warming.
In the end, my candidate didn't win. But I'm very proud of the campaign she ran: she never quit on the people she stood up for, on the changes she pushed for, on the future she wants for all our children. And I'm grateful for the chance Chelsea and I had to tell Americans about the person we know and love.
I'm not so grateful for the chance to speak in the wake of her magnificent address last night. But I'll do my best.
Hillary told us in no uncertain terms that she'll do everything she can to elect Barack Obama.
That makes two of us.
Actually that makes 18 million of us - because, like Hillary, I want all of you who supported her to vote for Barack Obama in November.
Here's why.
Our nation is in trouble on two fronts: The American Dream is under siege at home, and America's leadership in the world has been weakened.
Middle class and low-income Americans are hurting, with incomes declining; job losses, poverty and inequality rising; mortgage foreclosures and credit card debt increasing; health care coverage disappearing; and a big spike in the cost of food, utilities, and gasoline.
Our position in the world has been weakened by too much unilateralism and too little cooperation; a perilous dependence on imported oil; a refusal to lead on global warming; a growing indebtedness and a dependence on foreign lenders; a severely burdened military; a backsliding on global non- proliferation and arms control agreements; and a failure to consistently use the power of diplomacy, from the Middle East to Africa to Latin America to Central and Eastern Europe.
Clearly, the job of the next President is to rebuild the American Dream and restore America's standing in the world.
Everything I learned in my eight years as President and in the work I've done since, in America and across the globe, has convinced me that Barack Obama is the man for this job.
He has a remarkable ability to inspire people, to raise our hopes and rally us to high purpose. He has the intelligence and curiosity every successful President needs. His policies on the economy, taxes, health care and energy are far superior to the Republican alternatives. He has shown a clear grasp of our foreign policy and national security challenges, and a firm commitment to repair our badly strained military. His family heritage and life experiences have given him a unique capacity to lead our increasingly diverse nation and to restore our leadership in an ever more interdependent world. The long, hard primary tested and strengthened him. And in his first presidential decision, the selection of a running mate, he hit it out of the park.
With Joe Biden's experience and wisdom, supporting Barack Obama's proven understanding, insight, and good instincts, America will have the national security leadership we need.
Barack Obama is ready to lead America and restore American leadership in the world. Ready to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. Barack Obama is ready to be President of the United States.
He will work for an America with more partners and fewer adversaries. He will rebuild our frayed alliances and revitalize the international institutions which help to share the costs of the world's problems and to leverage our power and influence. He will put us back in the forefront of the world's fight to reduce nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and to stop global warming. He will continue and enhance our nation's global leadership in an area in which I am deeply involved, the fight against AIDS, TB and malaria, including a renewal of the battle against HIV/AIDS here at home. He will choose diplomacy first and military force as a last resort. But in a world troubled by terror; by trafficking in weapons, drugs and people; by human rights abuses; by other threats to our security, our interests, and our values, when he cannot convert adversaries into partners, he will stand up to them.
Barack Obama also will not allow the world's problems to obscure its opportunities. Everywhere, in rich and poor countries alike, hardworking people need good jobs; secure, affordable healthcare, food, and energy; quality education for their children; and economically beneficial ways to fight global warming. These challenges cry out for American ideas and American innovation. When Barack Obama unleashes them, America will save lives, win new allies, open new markets, and create new jobs for our people.
Most important, Barack Obama knows that America cannot be strong abroad unless we are strong at home. People the world over have always been more impressed by the power of our example than by the example of our power.
Look at the example the Republicans have set: American workers have given us consistently rising productivity. They've worked harder and produced more. What did they get in return? Declining wages, less than 1/4 as many new jobs as in the previous eight years, smaller health care and pension benefits, rising poverty and the biggest increase in income inequality since the 1920s. American families by the millions are struggling with soaring health care costs and declining coverage. I will never forget the parents of children with autism and other severe conditions who told me on the campaign trail that they couldn't afford health care and couldn't qualify their kids for Medicaid unless they quit work or got a divorce. Are these the family values the Republicans are so proud of? What about the military families pushed to the breaking point by unprecedented multiple deployments? What about the assault on science and the defense of torture? What about the war on unions and the unlimited favors for the well connected? What about Katrina and cronyism?
America can do better than that. And Barack Obama will.
But first we have to elect him.
The choice is clear. The Republicans will nominate a good man who served our country heroically and suffered terribly in Vietnam. He loves our country every bit as much as we all do. As a Senator, he has shown his independence on several issues. But on the two great questions of this election, how to rebuild the American Dream and how to restore America's leadership in the world, he still embraces the extreme philosophy which has defined his party for more than 25 years, a philosophy we never had a real chance to see in action until 2001, when the Republicans finally gained control of both the White House and Congress. Then we saw what would happen to America if the policies they had talked about for decades were implemented.
They took us from record surpluses to an exploding national debt; from over 22 million new jobs down to 5 million; from an increase in working family incomes of $7,500 to a decline of more than $2,000; from almost 8 million Americans moving out of poverty to more than 5 and a half million falling into poverty - and millions more losing their health insurance.
Now, in spite of all the evidence, their candidate is promising more of the same: More tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans that will swell the deficit, increase inequality, and weaken the economy. More band-aids for health care that will enrich insurance companies, impoverish families and increase the number of uninsured. More going it alone in the world, instead of building the shared responsibilities and shared opportunities necessary to advance our security and restore our influence.
They actually want us to reward them for the last eight years by giving them four more. Let's send them a message that will echo from the Rockies all across America: Thanks, but no thanks. In this case, the third time is not the charm.
My fellow Democrats, sixteen years ago, you gave me the profound honor to lead our party to victory and to lead our nation to a new era of peace and broadly shared prosperity.
Together, we prevailed in a campaign in which the Republicans said I was too young and too inexperienced to be Commander-in-Chief. Sound familiar? It didn't work in 1992, because we were on the right side of history. And it won't work in 2008, because Barack Obama is on the right side of history.
His life is a 21st Century incarnation of the American Dream. His achievements are proof of our continuing progress toward the "more perfect union" of our founders' dreams. The values of freedom and equal opportunity which have given him his historic chance will drive him as president to give all Americans, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability, their chance to build a decent life, and to show our humanity, as well as our strength, to the world.
We see that humanity, that strength, and our future in Barack and Michelle Obama and their beautiful children. We see them reinforced by the partnership with Joe Biden, his wife Jill, a dedicated teacher, and their family.
Barack Obama will lead us away from division and fear of the last eight years back to unity and hope. If, like me, you still believe America must always be a place called Hope, then join Hillary, Chelsea and me in making Senator Barack Obama the next President of the United States.
The Honorable William Jefferson Clinton
Democratic National Convention
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Remarks as Prepared for Delivery
Read the speech below...
I am honored to be here tonight to support Barack Obama. And to warm up the crowd for Joe Biden, though as you'll soon see, he doesn't need any help from me. I love Joe Biden, and America will too.
What a year we Democrats have had. The primary began with an all-star line up and came down to two remarkable Americans locked in a hard fought contest to the very end. The campaign generated so much heat it increased global warming.
In the end, my candidate didn't win. But I'm very proud of the campaign she ran: she never quit on the people she stood up for, on the changes she pushed for, on the future she wants for all our children. And I'm grateful for the chance Chelsea and I had to tell Americans about the person we know and love.
I'm not so grateful for the chance to speak in the wake of her magnificent address last night. But I'll do my best.
Hillary told us in no uncertain terms that she'll do everything she can to elect Barack Obama.
That makes two of us.
Actually that makes 18 million of us - because, like Hillary, I want all of you who supported her to vote for Barack Obama in November.
Here's why.
Our nation is in trouble on two fronts: The American Dream is under siege at home, and America's leadership in the world has been weakened.
Middle class and low-income Americans are hurting, with incomes declining; job losses, poverty and inequality rising; mortgage foreclosures and credit card debt increasing; health care coverage disappearing; and a big spike in the cost of food, utilities, and gasoline.
Our position in the world has been weakened by too much unilateralism and too little cooperation; a perilous dependence on imported oil; a refusal to lead on global warming; a growing indebtedness and a dependence on foreign lenders; a severely burdened military; a backsliding on global non- proliferation and arms control agreements; and a failure to consistently use the power of diplomacy, from the Middle East to Africa to Latin America to Central and Eastern Europe.
Clearly, the job of the next President is to rebuild the American Dream and restore America's standing in the world.
Everything I learned in my eight years as President and in the work I've done since, in America and across the globe, has convinced me that Barack Obama is the man for this job.
He has a remarkable ability to inspire people, to raise our hopes and rally us to high purpose. He has the intelligence and curiosity every successful President needs. His policies on the economy, taxes, health care and energy are far superior to the Republican alternatives. He has shown a clear grasp of our foreign policy and national security challenges, and a firm commitment to repair our badly strained military. His family heritage and life experiences have given him a unique capacity to lead our increasingly diverse nation and to restore our leadership in an ever more interdependent world. The long, hard primary tested and strengthened him. And in his first presidential decision, the selection of a running mate, he hit it out of the park.
With Joe Biden's experience and wisdom, supporting Barack Obama's proven understanding, insight, and good instincts, America will have the national security leadership we need.
Barack Obama is ready to lead America and restore American leadership in the world. Ready to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. Barack Obama is ready to be President of the United States.
He will work for an America with more partners and fewer adversaries. He will rebuild our frayed alliances and revitalize the international institutions which help to share the costs of the world's problems and to leverage our power and influence. He will put us back in the forefront of the world's fight to reduce nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and to stop global warming. He will continue and enhance our nation's global leadership in an area in which I am deeply involved, the fight against AIDS, TB and malaria, including a renewal of the battle against HIV/AIDS here at home. He will choose diplomacy first and military force as a last resort. But in a world troubled by terror; by trafficking in weapons, drugs and people; by human rights abuses; by other threats to our security, our interests, and our values, when he cannot convert adversaries into partners, he will stand up to them.
Barack Obama also will not allow the world's problems to obscure its opportunities. Everywhere, in rich and poor countries alike, hardworking people need good jobs; secure, affordable healthcare, food, and energy; quality education for their children; and economically beneficial ways to fight global warming. These challenges cry out for American ideas and American innovation. When Barack Obama unleashes them, America will save lives, win new allies, open new markets, and create new jobs for our people.
Most important, Barack Obama knows that America cannot be strong abroad unless we are strong at home. People the world over have always been more impressed by the power of our example than by the example of our power.
Look at the example the Republicans have set: American workers have given us consistently rising productivity. They've worked harder and produced more. What did they get in return? Declining wages, less than 1/4 as many new jobs as in the previous eight years, smaller health care and pension benefits, rising poverty and the biggest increase in income inequality since the 1920s. American families by the millions are struggling with soaring health care costs and declining coverage. I will never forget the parents of children with autism and other severe conditions who told me on the campaign trail that they couldn't afford health care and couldn't qualify their kids for Medicaid unless they quit work or got a divorce. Are these the family values the Republicans are so proud of? What about the military families pushed to the breaking point by unprecedented multiple deployments? What about the assault on science and the defense of torture? What about the war on unions and the unlimited favors for the well connected? What about Katrina and cronyism?
America can do better than that. And Barack Obama will.
But first we have to elect him.
The choice is clear. The Republicans will nominate a good man who served our country heroically and suffered terribly in Vietnam. He loves our country every bit as much as we all do. As a Senator, he has shown his independence on several issues. But on the two great questions of this election, how to rebuild the American Dream and how to restore America's leadership in the world, he still embraces the extreme philosophy which has defined his party for more than 25 years, a philosophy we never had a real chance to see in action until 2001, when the Republicans finally gained control of both the White House and Congress. Then we saw what would happen to America if the policies they had talked about for decades were implemented.
They took us from record surpluses to an exploding national debt; from over 22 million new jobs down to 5 million; from an increase in working family incomes of $7,500 to a decline of more than $2,000; from almost 8 million Americans moving out of poverty to more than 5 and a half million falling into poverty - and millions more losing their health insurance.
Now, in spite of all the evidence, their candidate is promising more of the same: More tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans that will swell the deficit, increase inequality, and weaken the economy. More band-aids for health care that will enrich insurance companies, impoverish families and increase the number of uninsured. More going it alone in the world, instead of building the shared responsibilities and shared opportunities necessary to advance our security and restore our influence.
They actually want us to reward them for the last eight years by giving them four more. Let's send them a message that will echo from the Rockies all across America: Thanks, but no thanks. In this case, the third time is not the charm.
My fellow Democrats, sixteen years ago, you gave me the profound honor to lead our party to victory and to lead our nation to a new era of peace and broadly shared prosperity.
Together, we prevailed in a campaign in which the Republicans said I was too young and too inexperienced to be Commander-in-Chief. Sound familiar? It didn't work in 1992, because we were on the right side of history. And it won't work in 2008, because Barack Obama is on the right side of history.
His life is a 21st Century incarnation of the American Dream. His achievements are proof of our continuing progress toward the "more perfect union" of our founders' dreams. The values of freedom and equal opportunity which have given him his historic chance will drive him as president to give all Americans, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability, their chance to build a decent life, and to show our humanity, as well as our strength, to the world.
We see that humanity, that strength, and our future in Barack and Michelle Obama and their beautiful children. We see them reinforced by the partnership with Joe Biden, his wife Jill, a dedicated teacher, and their family.
Barack Obama will lead us away from division and fear of the last eight years back to unity and hope. If, like me, you still believe America must always be a place called Hope, then join Hillary, Chelsea and me in making Senator Barack Obama the next President of the United States.
Categories: Delegate Watch
DemConWatch up close on the floor of the convention
Oreo is embedded on the floor of the convention, a virtual member of the Indiana delegation. This pic was taken just before Bill Clinton came on stage.
Categories: Delegate Watch
Hillary Clinton Suspended Voting; Nominated Barack Obama President - Live Capture Video
This is a live capture video of Senator Hillary Clinton's dramatic entrance into the convention floor and with Representative Charlie Rangel and Governor David Patterson. The state-by-state voting was suspended and Senator Barack Obama is now officially the Democratic Nominee for President of The United States.
Categories: Delegate Watch
Barack Obama is officially the nominee of the Democratic Party for President
Categories: Delegate Watch
Clinton moves to make Obama the nominee by acclamation
And the motion is adopted.
Categories: Delegate Watch
The Numbers
These are the combined pledged and unpledged delegate numbers as of June 6th 2008. We'll be looking to see how they change during the roll call.
We'll be getting it nicer looking as soon as possible.
Update: Obama has already gained 34 votes over the early June baseline.
Update: Arkansas went from 38 for Clinton, 8 for Obama, 1 Uncommitted, to all 47 for Obama.
Obama has gained 83 votes through CT
Obama has gained 144.5 through FL
Obama has gained 384.5 through MT
Through Nevada it's 1392.5 for Obama, 341.5 for Clinton, 2210 needed to win
yielding to Illinois - Obama at 1549.5, Clinton at 341.5
and Illinois yields to New York
Clinton moves to make the Obama the nominee by acclamation.
Oreo will be liveblogging the roll call in the comments
O=Obama
C=Clinton
U=Uncommitted/Undeclared
State O C U
AK 14 4 0
AL 29 28 3
AR 8 38 1
AS 3 6 0
AZ 32 35 0
CA 200 233 8
CO 47 23 0
CT 36 24 0
DA 8 3 0
DC 26 11 2
DE 14 8 1
FL 91 111 6
GA 72 28 2
GU 5 4 0
HI 21 8 0
IA 52 7 4
ID 19 3 1
IL 133 49 3
IN 41 43 1
KS 30 10 1
KY 16 40 4
LA 38 26 3
MA 51 66 4
MD 57 38 4
ME 22 10 0
MI 75 76 6
MN 60 25 3
MO 46 41 0
MS 25 13 3
MT 17 7 1
NC 78 51 5
ND 16 5 0
NE 22 8 1
NH 17 12 1
NJ 55 71 1
NM 18 20 0
NV 19 13 2
NY 94 185 2
OH 74 80 8
OK 20 25 3
OR 41 23 1
PA 81 101 5
PR 19 42 2
RI 10 21 2
SC 39 14 1
SD 12 10 1
TN 35 46 4
TX 113 107 8
UT 18 9 2
VA 62 34 5
VI 6 2 1
VT 14 7 2
WA 63 32 2
WI 56 34 2
WV 12 23 4
WY 12 6 0
2294 1999 126
We'll be getting it nicer looking as soon as possible.
Update: Obama has already gained 34 votes over the early June baseline.
Update: Arkansas went from 38 for Clinton, 8 for Obama, 1 Uncommitted, to all 47 for Obama.
Obama has gained 83 votes through CT
Obama has gained 144.5 through FL
Obama has gained 384.5 through MT
Through Nevada it's 1392.5 for Obama, 341.5 for Clinton, 2210 needed to win
yielding to Illinois - Obama at 1549.5, Clinton at 341.5
and Illinois yields to New York
Clinton moves to make the Obama the nominee by acclamation.
Oreo will be liveblogging the roll call in the comments
O=Obama
C=Clinton
U=Uncommitted/Undeclared
State O C U
AK 14 4 0
AL 29 28 3
AR 8 38 1
AS 3 6 0
AZ 32 35 0
CA 200 233 8
CO 47 23 0
CT 36 24 0
DA 8 3 0
DC 26 11 2
DE 14 8 1
FL 91 111 6
GA 72 28 2
GU 5 4 0
HI 21 8 0
IA 52 7 4
ID 19 3 1
IL 133 49 3
IN 41 43 1
KS 30 10 1
KY 16 40 4
LA 38 26 3
MA 51 66 4
MD 57 38 4
ME 22 10 0
MI 75 76 6
MN 60 25 3
MO 46 41 0
MS 25 13 3
MT 17 7 1
NC 78 51 5
ND 16 5 0
NE 22 8 1
NH 17 12 1
NJ 55 71 1
NM 18 20 0
NV 19 13 2
NY 94 185 2
OH 74 80 8
OK 20 25 3
OR 41 23 1
PA 81 101 5
PR 19 42 2
RI 10 21 2
SC 39 14 1
SD 12 10 1
TN 35 46 4
TX 113 107 8
UT 18 9 2
VA 62 34 5
VI 6 2 1
VT 14 7 2
WA 63 32 2
WI 56 34 2
WV 12 23 4
WY 12 6 0
2294 1999 126
Categories: Delegate Watch
