Red Rocks Delight!

Submitted by r-alexander on Wed, 08/20/2008 - 2:50pm.

The students and I have been kept very busy these past few days. We've already heard from the CEO of the Convention Committee, the Executive Producer of the Convention, the Director for the Inside Logistical operations of the Convention, and the Director for the Outside Logistics relating to the Convention. We've heard a great deal simply about what it takes to put on a convention...interestingly, we've heard very little about the political foundations relating to this Convention. I think we will get quite a bit of that story next week (at least from the speakers).

I would say that the political is ubiquitous, but I'd be fibbing. In fact, as we've traveled around downtown Denver, the locals can't believe we are already here for the Convention. They seem to be excited about our presence, but simply can't believe we're here a week in advance. In fact, the Washington Center program when thought of as a delegation is second in size to only California's. Being here a week in advance has been very good for the students. They are starting to get a feel for the city and the placements they have received are most excellent! I'm sure they will be sharing them on their posts. Many are working security for the Pepsi Center Open House and at the Colorado Convention Center (where Democratic caucus meetings will be held). One student will actually be working security within the Pepsi Center during the Convention. Others will be working gala events (where Nancy Pelosi, Michelle Obama, etc. will be), event managment (Rock the Vote), as well as having other responsibilities. They will be busy, busy, busy! Apart from the fieldwork, we have one student that has already been provided credentials to attend Obama's acceptance speech. We are all hopeful that the group can as well...

Of course, all of this is quite exciting...the first night the group went out, we traveled down to the Pepsi Center and sniffed around. It is a great facility, but there was little going on...a day later, we saw much more activity (which I expect will continue to occur). That same night, we saw the CNN bus parked across from the Pepsi Center. I suggested they ask the guys nicely whether they would let us take a peek inside. It turns out the fellow manning the bus was from Lima, OH! We all stepped on board and were amazed at how "tricked out" the bus was. In addition to the nice leather, there were even "CNN pillow" on board. Denise was even able to push buttons to help transmit feeds! Many sat in the same spot where Obama, Hillary, and McCain were interviewed. We hope to have photos up soon!

Yesterday, we went to Red Rocks amphitheatre. What a great place. Here are some photos...