Report from Denver, final day of the convention, part 1

[Elad]

So, I have so many pictures to share from tonight, that I'm going to split my report into two threads. The first will be a description of what I saw, and the second part will be all the photos.

Basically, after I posted my thread earlier this afternoon, I headed down to the field to see if I could get some good shots, and just to get oriented, with the intention to go back up to the blogger's lounge and post some updates, go get some more stuff, post some updates, etc, and then finally settle down to watch Obama's speech.

However, my plans were foiled when I got down there and realized that pretty much every seat in the section I was allowed to sit in was already gone. So, I stayed. Luckily, Hissyspit was up in the blogger's lounge and able to post updates, but I was glued to my seat and guarding it strongly.

I was actually pretty close to the stage, in section 131, immediately to stage left. People were particularly thrilled to see Bill Richardson, Al Gore, and Joe Biden. The place was absolutely packed. Anyone who was worried about the place not filling up worried in vain. By about 5 pm local time, the stands were about 3/4 full, and a guy sitting right in front of me said that the line to get in was still wrapped around blocks for as far as he could see.

By the time Obama accepted the nomination, there wasn't an empty seat in the house (except the seats directly in front and behind the stage, which no one was allowed to sit in, because the view was entirely blocked). The stadium was pretty cool, and I have to say that when the first set of fireworks went off right behind me, I jumped, startled, and couldn't help but think for a split second that someone had set off a bomb. People were trying to get "the wave" started all afternoon, mostly unsuccessfully, until closer to the end when it went several times through the stadium.

For about 45 minutes before Obama actually took the stage, people were anxious, expecting the next person to be him. Finally, he came out, and of course everyone went crazy. At several points during the speech, I noticed people wiping their eyes.

Personally I was a little surprised at how strongly he came out against McCain. I've been programmed over many years to think that Democrats running for president can't go on the attack that strongly, but it was so refreshing to hear him give McCain hell. And then thinking about how Obama's political career was forged in the fire of Chicago politics, I thought that no matter what happens, Obama is not going to go down without a fight. Win or lose (and I'm extremely confident that he will win), no one will be able to look back and say that when he started to eat punches, he didn't swing back and bloody McCain's nose.

On the drive back to the hotel, the BBC was reporting that republicans seemed "hurt" that he was so mean to them tonight. It cracked me up to hear that.

So anyway, I will now go edit all the photos I took, and post a thread with those shortly!

[donco6]

1. Republicans "hurt" ... too bad!

You've no doubt seen the NONSTOP anti-Obama ads by McCain the entire time you've been here. I have no sympathy for those assholes. They're just inundating Colorado - can't even watch the local news without seeing at least one at EVERY commercial break. It's nauseating! I hope McCain tucks tail and gets the hell out of our state.

[skooooo]

2. wow!

glad i'm not in a so-called battle state

[donco6]

3. It's just absolutely horrendous!

I've never seen anything like it. He's had to have spent MILLIONS! McCain ads, RNC ads, PAC ads - it's just a nightmare! There's one on RIGHT FUCKING NOW and it's 11:30 here! It's the "I was going to vote for Hillary, but not support McCain" ad. UGh.

[skooooo]

7. Maybe they'll start running out of money??

We can hope I guess....

[donco6]

11. When Big Oil runs out of cash, maybe they'll stop.

But then, with billions in profits, that could take a while.

Meanwhile, I'm swearing off of local channels. I just can't take it.

[Cha]

12. That should turn so many off..they don't know

when stop the negative shit.

[donco6]

14. If people are like me . . .

they're just shutting the sound down whenever any commercial comes on. What a waste of money. I'd think the local channels would wise up a bit and start to limit it - it's got to be cutting into their viewership.

[eshfemme]

4. ROFLMAO @ the Republicans who are whining about people not playing nicely.

Hell, compared to the roughing up the Republicans are used to giving Democratic candidates, Obama WAS being nice. GET USED TO IT BITCHES!

[slay]

5. Thanks for the first-hand report Elad

Looked great from here watching it on C-SPAN as well - I too thought it a very strong speech.

[goodgd_yall]

6. Give 'em hell, Barack!

Doesn't quite roll off the tongue, but it will do.

[merh]

8. I watched ABC's wrap up

and George S said that the republican's were offended, that they were complaining the Obama was too mean. He said that is a sure sign his speech was effective.

thanks for the report and I look forward to your photos

[BlooInBloo]

9. WE WANT PICTURES!!!!!!

[Cha]

10. Like Harry Truman said..I just tell the truth and

they think it's Hell. Obama told the truth and they thought he was being mean. Obama's gonna make them sit up and stare reality right in the face.

[AuntPatsy]

13. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences, I agree that it is extremely

laugh out loud funny that the repubs are hurt,,okay then. Can't wait for the pictures.

[pinto]

15. I was so glad that he took it to them. It was a great speech.

Thanks for your reports.

[Lil Missy]

16. Awwww. Repukes got their feelings hurt.

Where's the jerk-off smiley when you need it.

[caseycoon]

17. Thanks Elad!

For sharing your experiences with us.