*Seven of the last ten presidential elections were won by Republicans
Prof. Tom Cronin
*Some elections are about issues, some about character and some about the political party; this one will be about all three.
Prof. Tom Cronin
*"The only one really comfortable with change is a wet baby." Do we really want change?
Prof. Michael Genovese
*There are two bold strategies:
1) Solidify your base, appeal to independents, and then move to the center for the undecideds
2) Solidify your base and then expand your base (the Karl Rove model)
Obama can't do either one until he solidifies the base, which must be done at this convention
Prof. Michael Genovese
*This convention will have an economic impact on Denver of $150-200 million. It will cost about $40 million, all of which was raised from private donors. The city was given $50 million from the justice Department for security.
Elbra Wedgeworth, President/Chair of the Denver Host Committee
Friday, August 22, 2008
100 years ago
It's been exactly 100 years since Denver hosted the last (and only other) Democratic Convention in its history. The candidate was William Jennings Bryan, the great orator. Wally Podrazik, the DNCC director of media logistics, gave us a few fascinating factoids.
*The featured technologies were the telegraph, a telephone filing center in the basement and 3,500 incandescent lights.
*The nominee never appeared at the convention. It was considered in poor taste. This didn't happen until much later. FDR, in a radical move, flew to the convention in 1932 and gave an acceptance speech that was broadcast live via radio.
*So what happened on the fourth night, in lieu of a speech? The delegates cheered for one hour and ten minutes!
Wh is this race so close?
Given that the Republicans have created such a mess, given that McCain is such a flawed candidate, why isn't Barack Obama 10 or even 20 points ahead in the polls? My theory is that Obama, even though he symbolizes some things we all yearn for -- change, something beyond bickering political styles, etc. -- he also symbolizes some things we fear: the future (which may include a lesser role for the U.S. in the world), internationalism, youth, non-Christians (never mind that he IS one, he evokes other religions, especially Islam), the Middle East, Asia, Africa, immigrants, our complicated relationship with African-Americans and all other minorities. That's a lot for many people to swallow in one person. I think he's doing so much better with younger voters because they don't fear those things nearly as much -- that's the world they know. He's one of them. And perhaps older women (who support him in fewer numbers) feel threatened because they see him as taking away from their time. It's a fact that white women have benefited more from affirmative action than African-American men. This breaks that paradigm. It must have been a very interesting choice for African-American women when Hillary was still in the game (although some would like to think she is). I hope someone studies that demographic group, because they're the ones who had to choose solely on issues beyond race and gender.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Enjoying an empty Invesco Field
My group and I gathered here and wondered what the place would look like next week!
Invesco Field: A Preview
Last night, all 400+ of us were the honored guests of The Washington Center and Regis University at Invesco Field. We were escorted to the club level on the top floor, where we enjoyed appetizers, drinks and the strains of live piano music. We had access to the field itself, so my group and I sat outside imagining what it will look like in one week when Barack Obama gives his acceptance speech before almost 100,000 people. Where will he stand? What will he say? Will it be the speech of a lifetime, as the pundits suggest it needs to be for him to get that much-needed "bounce" in the polls? Many thanks to both The Washington Center and Regis University for a magical evening!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Great Sound Bytes
My students have been asked to document their most memorable "sound bytes" of each day, so I thought I'd put together my collection from my time here thus far:
"How does everyone put up with this long process?"
Canadian Student
"I just want to absorb everything!"
American Student
"The Delegates are in prison during the Convention."
Dr. Tom Cronin
"Obama has a lot of high hurdles in this mile-high city."
Dr. Tom Cronin
"All presidential candidates are like blind dates."
Dr. Tom Cronin
"Politics is the art of the possible."
Fr. Gregory Konz, Ph.D.
"Effective change necessitates action."
William Gohl, student body vice-president, Regis University
"Anyone who could get elected doesn't deserve it."
Adlai Stevenson
"For Barack Obama to win, he needs to make change tangible."
Dr. Michael Genovese
"It's important for you to know the impact of your work."
Rev. Leah D. Daughtry
DNC Committee, CEO and DNC Faith Outreach Leader
"Too much of the politics and religion conversation deals with the 'below the belt' questions."
Rev. Leah D. Daughtry
DNC Committee, CEO and DNC Faith Outreach Leader
"Reporting conventions used to be fun, but not anymore. Now we have to do it all and do it all the time."
T. R. Reid, reporter, Washington Post
"Media coverage must be NOW: live and linked."
Wally Podrazik, DNCC Director of Media Logistics
"How does everyone put up with this long process?"
Canadian Student
"I just want to absorb everything!"
American Student
"The Delegates are in prison during the Convention."
Dr. Tom Cronin
"Obama has a lot of high hurdles in this mile-high city."
Dr. Tom Cronin
"All presidential candidates are like blind dates."
Dr. Tom Cronin
"Politics is the art of the possible."
Fr. Gregory Konz, Ph.D.
"Effective change necessitates action."
William Gohl, student body vice-president, Regis University
"Anyone who could get elected doesn't deserve it."
Adlai Stevenson
"For Barack Obama to win, he needs to make change tangible."
Dr. Michael Genovese
"It's important for you to know the impact of your work."
Rev. Leah D. Daughtry
DNC Committee, CEO and DNC Faith Outreach Leader
"Too much of the politics and religion conversation deals with the 'below the belt' questions."
Rev. Leah D. Daughtry
DNC Committee, CEO and DNC Faith Outreach Leader
"Reporting conventions used to be fun, but not anymore. Now we have to do it all and do it all the time."
T. R. Reid, reporter, Washington Post
"Media coverage must be NOW: live and linked."
Wally Podrazik, DNCC Director of Media Logistics
Paradoxes and Contradictions
Our fearless faculty director, Prof. Tom Cronin, talked about how we want contradictory things in our presidents:
Someone who is a common person, yet with uncommon genius
Someone who is powerful, yet we fear that power
Someone who is visionary but pragmatic
Someone who is self-confident, yet humble
Someone who unifies us yet is decisive
Someone who is caring but is willing to do "business with the devil"
Someone who is above politics, but couldn't possibly win without those skills
The students were fascinated with this, and our discussion seemed to lead to many other paradoxes and contradictory situations in politics and, specifically, in this presidential contest. We're going to keep an eye to these during the next ten days.
Someone who is a common person, yet with uncommon genius
Someone who is powerful, yet we fear that power
Someone who is visionary but pragmatic
Someone who is self-confident, yet humble
Someone who unifies us yet is decisive
Someone who is caring but is willing to do "business with the devil"
Someone who is above politics, but couldn't possibly win without those skills
The students were fascinated with this, and our discussion seemed to lead to many other paradoxes and contradictory situations in politics and, specifically, in this presidential contest. We're going to keep an eye to these during the next ten days.
The Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Here is a view of the stage from the highest point. What an experience it would be on a pleasant summer evening!
The Red Rocks Theatre
Red Rocks, although a pretty basic name, is a most unusual sight. It's a huge amphitheatre carved out of the rocks a short drive out of Denver. I'm posing near the rocks with Gene Alpert, the academic vice president of The Washington Center. The venue is a popular spot for concerts and even movies. It was built about 60 years ago in a natural amphitheatre that was used as long ago as 1910. Fascinating. Here's the link for more information: http://www.redrocksonline.com/pages/visiting/hist_geo.html
Our very special, droll speaker today
T. R. Reid, a Washington Post reporter, was wildly popular among the students this morning. He had a treasure chest full of war stories from the old days. He's covered 13 conventions, plus covered conventions and elections in about a dozen foreign countries over the years. His opening and closing comment: "It used to be fun, but it's not anymore." They have to do it all -- writing, photos, video. There's no time for reflection, for partying or composing good writing. He's the author of a book I read last year and enjoyed very much: The United States of Europe. It's about the effect of the European Union. Fascinating reading. Four of my students managed to get an interview with him after his speech. They're good!
Welcome sign for conventioneers
These are posted all over the downtown area. I heard that they will be auctioned off afterwards!
StreetLife in downtown Denver
Denver is justly proud of the 16th Street Mall. It's about a mile long, closed to vehicles except for free small hybrid busses that cruise the avenue until late at night. Tables and chess sets are available for those who want to linger and enjoy the stunning array of potted flowers and just people watch. I don't know if things have been spruced up especially for the convention, but it's quite pleasant. There are some panhandlers, but not nearly as many as other American cities of similar size. I'm sure the social service agencies are gearing up for many crises and special situations caused by the dramatic influx of people this weekend.
My Students
My student group of 13 is absolutely awesome. The energy, diversity, good humor and work ethic is incredible. They come from a number of states in this country, and also Canada, Spain, and Indonesia. I will write more about them if they give me permission.
Michelle and Me
My first day here, a group of students from Chile asked to have their photo taken with me because they said I was a dead ringer for the president of their country, Michelle Bachelet. I'll post the two photos to see what you think.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
A glimpse of the St. Regis Campus
It's easy to see why this unique campus is also an arboretum. I've seen Denver residents happily strolling around enjoying the natural beauty.
THE GODS ARE SMILING ON US
Tuesday morning, August 19, 2008
Regis University, Denver
The lovely light air in this mile-high city hardly seems capable of holding all the anticipation of the 370 college students and 50 or so assorted faculty and staff assembled here for the political experience of a lifetime. With the expert coordinating efforts of The Washington Center, which has been in the business of supervising internships and academic seminars for more than 30 years. I’ve served as a faculty leader for the organization for almost 15 years. This will be my third Democratic Convention, but it will be the first for most of these young people, who are ready to blow up with excitement.
I arrived on this Jesuit campus Friday evening – one of the prettiest I’ve ever seen. I found out that it’s actually an arboretum. The grounds include a variety of rare and beautiful species of trees, plants and flowers that are all carefully marked and tended. There’s one famous tree whose branches droop to the ground in a way that creates a shelter underneath. It’s quite remarkable.
The buildings are traditional stone and brick, the grass is lush and fragrant – altogether a lovely place. We’re very fortunate to be here. Apparently, the university moved back their fall semester calendar to accommodate all of us. Kudos to them!
Saturday, we faculty spent the entire day in training, but in the evening, we were taken by bus to Colorado Springs for a spectacular dinner at a country club in a place called the Garden of the Gods. If the weather hadn’t been so overcast, we would have seen Pike’s Peak in the not-so-distant horizon. Even so, it took one’s breath away. I’ve included a photo of the spot.
Our faculty director for the program is Prof. Tom Cronin of Colorado College, a renowned political scientist, who gave us all much to think about during our first academic session. My favorite part is the list of “what ifs” he posed. Here are a few:
*What if Mitt Romney had been a Methodist instead of Mormon? (He probably would have won the nomination)
*What if John Edwards had not run this year or if the announcement about his affair had been made last year? (Clinton would probably be the nominee)
*What if Michigan and Florida had waited a month to have their primaries? (Hillary would probably have been the nominee)
*What if the Supreme Court had produced one more vote for Al Gore? (Lieberman would probably be the nominee, assuming Gore would have had two successful terms)
*What if Ron Paul had decided to not run for Congress but would have run on the Libertarian Party ticket for the Presidency? (He would take votes away from McCain)
*What if Barack Obama had not been asked to speak at the 2004 Convention? (He probably wouldn’t have hurtled to stardom the way he did)
*What if Barack Obama were not African-American? (Difficult to say how this would change things, but overall, it would probably be an advantage)
*What if McCain were 62 instead of 72? (He would probably be a much more viable candidate)
Prof. Cronin also pointed out that, although we’re spending a lot of time focusing on this race, there are more than 600 other political campaigns going on this year, including 35 Senate seats. It will be a busy fall season!
Regis University, Denver
The lovely light air in this mile-high city hardly seems capable of holding all the anticipation of the 370 college students and 50 or so assorted faculty and staff assembled here for the political experience of a lifetime. With the expert coordinating efforts of The Washington Center, which has been in the business of supervising internships and academic seminars for more than 30 years. I’ve served as a faculty leader for the organization for almost 15 years. This will be my third Democratic Convention, but it will be the first for most of these young people, who are ready to blow up with excitement.
I arrived on this Jesuit campus Friday evening – one of the prettiest I’ve ever seen. I found out that it’s actually an arboretum. The grounds include a variety of rare and beautiful species of trees, plants and flowers that are all carefully marked and tended. There’s one famous tree whose branches droop to the ground in a way that creates a shelter underneath. It’s quite remarkable.
The buildings are traditional stone and brick, the grass is lush and fragrant – altogether a lovely place. We’re very fortunate to be here. Apparently, the university moved back their fall semester calendar to accommodate all of us. Kudos to them!
Saturday, we faculty spent the entire day in training, but in the evening, we were taken by bus to Colorado Springs for a spectacular dinner at a country club in a place called the Garden of the Gods. If the weather hadn’t been so overcast, we would have seen Pike’s Peak in the not-so-distant horizon. Even so, it took one’s breath away. I’ve included a photo of the spot.
Our faculty director for the program is Prof. Tom Cronin of Colorado College, a renowned political scientist, who gave us all much to think about during our first academic session. My favorite part is the list of “what ifs” he posed. Here are a few:
*What if Mitt Romney had been a Methodist instead of Mormon? (He probably would have won the nomination)
*What if John Edwards had not run this year or if the announcement about his affair had been made last year? (Clinton would probably be the nominee)
*What if Michigan and Florida had waited a month to have their primaries? (Hillary would probably have been the nominee)
*What if the Supreme Court had produced one more vote for Al Gore? (Lieberman would probably be the nominee, assuming Gore would have had two successful terms)
*What if Ron Paul had decided to not run for Congress but would have run on the Libertarian Party ticket for the Presidency? (He would take votes away from McCain)
*What if Barack Obama had not been asked to speak at the 2004 Convention? (He probably wouldn’t have hurtled to stardom the way he did)
*What if Barack Obama were not African-American? (Difficult to say how this would change things, but overall, it would probably be an advantage)
*What if McCain were 62 instead of 72? (He would probably be a much more viable candidate)
Prof. Cronin also pointed out that, although we’re spending a lot of time focusing on this race, there are more than 600 other political campaigns going on this year, including 35 Senate seats. It will be a busy fall season!
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