denver posse starts blitze

[palo]

A wonderfull time was had by all at the garden party. We will be giving updates as possible.

[Dave_W]

I know that Field readers tune-in for solid analysis, but for anyone interested in the thoughts of a Denver resident that is active in the campaign, I've decided to share some personal notes from the Sunday kick off. I did some quick editing to make it a "post," but it still reflects my journal fairly well.

I started my day with some canvasing here in Denver. The general consensus from the folks that we talked with was what I'd call "worried excitement." Some people voiced concerns that their work would be disrupted-- "I'm worried about getting to work," was a frequent refrain-- but mostly, Denverites are most worried that our DNC visitors won't understand what a wonderful, vibrant city this is. In many ways it's viewed as Denver's Cotillion. To be sure, there are still plenty of natives that lament that our mythical "Cow town" days are over, but most of us have embraced a modest ambition to assert ourselves as a center of the new West.

I was late to the garden party, but it was worth the cab fare. Thanks to our host: I look forward to seeing you around. The fundraiser may well be the most stress free and thoroughly enjoyable event of the week. For those watching from afar, I promise that we've got a great group out here. I was particularly struck by the diversity of talents and interests gathered in one place. The conversation wasn't the sort of "I know more than you do" debate that I often hear, but, rather, it was a fun exchange of ideas. I was really gratified to hear Al reinforce that, while we are all focused on the election right now, he has a vision for the Field Hands that goes far beyond November.

I'm excited and inspired by the commitment to community organizing that I see in the Field Hands: This is my first time doing (almost) full time organizing for a campaign-- school board, city council, and CD elections are much more my style. But in some ways I feel that working for Obama in my neighborhood has been the ultimate boot camp for finding my passion. I've done lots of those "Wellstone Action" type of trainings over the years, (and, by the way, they are invaluable), and I have always been a pretty active guy in the communities that I've called home. Before I started working toward an obama presidency, I really viewed national politics as both distant and unfulfilling; It is only in the last eight months that I have understood just how portable and important the basic skills are.

Now I've been thrust into a position where my team is trying to mobilize tens of thousands of people. No bullshit: I'm frightened on so many levels that the anxiety wakes me up at night. And yet, having previously only helped run local elections, I'm drawing from the same skill set.

I keep waiting for a coronation pronouncing me "an organizer." 'Ya know that quote that says something like, "everything I need to know I learned in kindergarten"? The first day that I screwed things up and moved ahead was my coronation. May it happen to you. The skills develop regularly after that frightening moment. So. Anyone who has been spending time volunteering for the Senator is getting a very good primer on, well, Change. If you are not getting involved, don't think that you need to start small. Jump in, fail, and you'll be better for it. I guess what I'm getting at is this: Everyone has their niche; now is the time to tinker around and find yours. I know that a presidential election is serious stuff, but dive in anyway. I would have called BS if someone told me that in '04, but it's a great place to learn.

Back to the recap:

Folks were having a good time and so the garden party ended a bit later than anticipated. Janey and I got some technical coordinating done to ensure that she can report from the Big Tent. I gave her a small arsenal of open source software on an old laptop. Thankfully, she's an experienced writer and a quick study.

After finishing the crash course in technology, We met up with Erin for a late dinner. Erin is a Field Hand and, as it turns out, an excellent reporter for the CO Independent. Definitely worth reading if you are interested in the law enforcement aspect of the DNC. I was slightly embarrassed that, at the garden party, I had no clue who she was. Turns out, I'm quite familiar with her reporting. In fact, I've been reading her articles for quite some time! (A bit of advice: If you don't always pay attention to bylines, google is your friend.)

Among the media and the locals, concerns do remain about the protests, and, predictably, the police presence is incredible: During dinner downtown my seat gave me a good view of the 16th st. pedestrian mall. The conversation was great, but I couldn't help but indulge in a little "count the cops" game. The largest "posse" of officers that strolled past our restaurant in a single group was thirteen!

Now, I've been pushing the police to get out of their cars and walk "the beat" in my neighborhood for a long time; developing a mutual trust between law enforcement and the community has been a problem here. But maybe they took my advice a bit too literally!

I ended the evening at the Young Dems welcome party. It was interesting, but unsurprising.

My focus is on the youth vote at the moment, and there is lots of good news to report.

That said, I'm going to bitch a bit here.

There was enough dance music to make me feel like I was attending a frat party in 2001. Lots of folks showing off their credentials, (strictly a fashion accessory at an event open to the public), and some good old fashion posturing. Sadly, I didn't run into any of my hard-working organizing team, (they would have benefited from letting loose), but I got to chat with a few young dems over a $5 bottled Budweiser. Oddly, I was asked what college I attended an incredible number of times. Now, I'm not in the position to throw stones on the issue, but I'm starting to believe the whole "elitism" meme. Most folks were quick to point out their Ivy League or, (somewhat apologetically, "Little Ivy"), pedigrees. I can't help wanting to ask, "so that's what you've done. What are you doing?"

I know I'm being a bit judgmental on this one, and folks at the event are my comrades in electing a great guy to the highest office in the country. And I really want to emphasize that I love all the hard working, hard charging "elites" that I work with on this campaign. In fact, I'm humbled by their commitment and work ethic! However, the atmosphere was strikingly familiar to my time back east. So it was an odd event, and I'd be lying if I wasn't a bit jealous of all the shiny credentials that I saw, but the khakis, blazers, and bar tabs full of mixed drinks allowed me to viscerally understand the line of attack used so often by folks on the Right. I learned something embarrassing: I love what I'm doing, but I still, somehow, am jealous of all of my friends and acquaintances that went into investment banking that bought their way into the convention.

Anyway:

I'm looking forward to tomorrow's events. I'm leaving the real journalism to the journalists for tonight. I just thought I'd start my first of many "blitz" reports with some personal reflection. Expect more substantive posts on caucuses and other events later in the week.

DaveW

[Christi Demuth]

Thank You Dave & Palo, Keep em coming! We are living vicarious through you this week.

[Suzy]

Dave_W said:

I know that Field readers tune-in for solid analysis, but for anyone interested in the thoughts of a Denver resident that is active in the campaign, I've decided to share some personal notes from the Sunday kick off. I did some quick editing to make it a "post," but it still reflects my journal fairly well.

I started my day with some canvasing here in Denver. The general consensus from the folks that we talked with was what I'd call "worried excitement." Some people voiced concerns that their work would be disrupted-- "I'm worried about getting to work," was a frequent refrain-- but mostly, Denverites are most worried that our DNC visitors won't understand what a wonderful, vibrant city this is. In many ways it's viewed as Denver's Cotillion. To be sure, there are still plenty of natives that lament that our mythical "Cow town" days are over, but most of us have embraced a modest ambition to assert ourselves as a center of the new West.

I was late to the garden party, but it was worth the cab fare. Thanks to our host: I look forward to seeing you around. The fundraiser may well be the most stress free and thoroughly enjoyable event of the week. For those watching from afar, I promise that we've got a great group out here. I was particularly struck by the diversity of talents and interests gathered in one place. The conversation wasn't the sort of "I know more than you do" debate that I often hear, but, rather, it was a fun exchange of ideas. I was really gratified to hear Al reinforce that, while we are all focused on the election right now, he has a vision for the Field Hands that goes far beyond November.

I'm excited and inspired by the commitment to community organizing that I see in the Field Hands: This is my first time doing (almost) full time organizing for a campaign-- school board, city council, and CD elections are much more my style. But in some ways I feel that working for Obama in my neighborhood has been the ultimate boot camp for finding my passion. I've done lots of those "Wellstone Action" type of trainings over the years, (and, by the way, they are invaluable), and I have always been a pretty active guy in the communities that I've called home. Before I started working toward an obama presidency, I really viewed national politics as both distant and unfulfilling; It is only in the last eight months that I have understood just how portable and important the basic skills are.

Now I've been thrust into a position where my team is trying to mobilize tens of thousands of people. No bullshit: I'm frightened on so many levels that the anxiety wakes me up at night. And yet, having previously only helped run local elections, I'm drawing from the same skill set.

I keep waiting for a coronation pronouncing me "an organizer." 'Ya know that quote that says something like, "everything I need to know I learned in kindergarten"? The first day that I screwed things up and moved ahead was my coronation. May it happen to you. The skills develop regularly after that frightening moment. So. Anyone who has been spending time volunteering for the Senator is getting a very good primer on, well, Change. If you are not getting involved, don't think that you need to start small. Jump in, fail, and you'll be better for it. I guess what I'm getting at is this: Everyone has their niche; now is the time to tinker around and find yours. I know that a presidential election is serious stuff, but dive in anyway. I would have called BS if someone told me that in '04, but it's a great place to learn.

Back to the recap:

Folks were having a good time and so the garden party ended a bit later than anticipated. Janey and I got some technical coordinating done to ensure that she can report from the Big Tent. I gave her a small arsenal of open source software on an old laptop. Thankfully, she's an experienced writer and a quick study.

After finishing the crash course in technology, We met up with Erin for a late dinner. Erin is a Field Hand and, as it turns out, an excellent reporter for the CO Independent. Definitely worth reading if you are interested in the law enforcement aspect of the DNC. I was slightly embarrassed that, at the garden party, I had no clue who she was. Turns out, I'm quite familiar with her reporting. In fact, I've been reading her articles for quite some time! (A bit of advice: If you don't always pay attention to bylines, google is your friend.)

Among the media and the locals, concerns do remain about the protests, and, predictably, the police presence is incredible: During dinner downtown my seat gave me a good view of the 16th st. pedestrian mall. The conversation was great, but I couldn't help but indulge in a little "count the cops" game. The largest "posse" of officers that strolled past our restaurant in a single group was thirteen!

Now, I've been pushing the police to get out of their cars and walk "the beat" in my neighborhood for a long time; developing a mutual trust between law enforcement and the community has been a problem here. But maybe they took my advice a bit too literally!

I ended the evening at the Young Dems welcome party. It was interesting, but unsurprising.

My focus is on the youth vote at the moment, and there is lots of good news to report.

That said, I'm going to bitch a bit here.

There was enough dance music to make me feel like I was attending a frat party in 2001. Lots of folks showing off their credentials, (strictly a fashion accessory at an event open to the public), and some good old fashion posturing. Sadly, I didn't run into any of my hard-working organizing team, (they would have benefited from letting loose), but I got to chat with a few young dems over a $5 bottled Budweiser. Oddly, I was asked what college I attended an incredible number of times. Now, I'm not in the position to throw stones on the issue, but I'm starting to believe the whole "elitism" meme. Most folks were quick to point out their Ivy League or, (somewhat apologetically, "Little Ivy"), pedigrees. I can't help wanting to ask, "so that's what you've done. What are you doing?"

I know I'm being a bit judgmental on this one, and folks at the event are my comrades in electing a great guy to the highest office in the country. And I really want to emphasize that I love all the hard working, hard charging "elites" that I work with on this campaign. In fact, I'm humbled by their commitment and work ethic! However, the atmosphere was strikingly familiar to my time back east. So it was an odd event, and I'd be lying if I wasn't a bit jealous of all the shiny credentials that I saw, but the khakis, blazers, and bar tabs full of mixed drinks allowed me to viscerally understand the line of attack used so often by folks on the Right. I learned something embarrassing: I love what I'm doing, but I still, somehow, am jealous of all of my friends and acquaintances that went into investment banking that bought their way into the convention.

Anyway:

I'm looking forward to tomorrow's events. I'm leaving the real journalism to the journalists for tonight. I just thought I'd start my first of many "blitz" reports with some personal reflection. Expect more substantive posts on caucuses and other events later in the week.

DaveW

[Suzy]

THANK YOU - I loved reading your writing - esp. your personal experience & feeling - valuable insights shared. thank you.

[Ann Cantelow]

Thanks for your notes, Dave; they're inspiring. It drives home to me that I really could be doing more. Great to meet you yesterday. -Ann

[Tonya Hennessey]

Hey Fieldhands!

I made it down to the Big Tent, and am sitting here with Janey getting settled in and fired up! As Dave said (and yes, thanks Dave for the Denverite perspective!), more substantive later, just a first hello here. A couple of impressions from arriving in Denver. It was great to kick off the week at the Garden Party (thanks, Keith, for your hospitality and beautiful backyard!), and get to wind up the afternoon with our first informal meeting of the Denver Fieldhands Posse -- see our picture on The Field, with Al and his wonderful partner Laura.

I'm feeling lucky to have connected with Al and fellow Fieldhand (and Madisonian) Ben Masel at the NetRoots Nation convention last month, and now with the Fieldhands community. I've been in the "Non-Profit Industrial Complex" as they say, for many years now -- environment, nuclear disarmament, peace, human rights, etc -- and it's a refreshing change to cross-pollinate with the blogosphere.

It's a really different environment, so much autonomy, so much new technology, this wonderful font of citizen/independent journalism, debate, people all around Janey and I as we sit at our table in the Big Tent busily updating, doing photo shoots, following the "goings-on" here at the DNC....

Ok, off for a moment to explore the Tent! More to come....

Tonya

[Erin]

Thanks for the kind words Dave. I too have been to Camp Wellstone. You'll have to tell me what tracks you took sometime.

[Dave_W]

I didn't see much of the convention activities today. I did, however, have the pleasure of welcoming a field hand into my home for the convention.

Welcome, Faith!

Faith's flight was delayed and complicated several times, and she had barely slept the night before her trip. I've got to hand it to her: She rallied and got downtown for some events right away. She spent the end of the day writing about her experiences, so hopefully I'll be posting a link to her blog soon.

For me, the most important event tomorrow will be the "Youth Caucus" or "The Nuts and Bolts of Youth Voting." I haven't decided what I'll be covering quite yet because they are both scheduled for noon. Does anyone have a suggestion or question that I might be able to cover?

If anyone wants to attend a watch party starting at 5:30 let me know-- Three Obama supporters have opened their homes to anyone looking for a place to hang out. Additionally, there will be a big event in City Park from 5pm - 10pm.

I'm going to the etown taping in the evening, but I hope to visit my friends in the Big Tent between the Youth Vote events and the show.

Have I missed any interesting events between the Caucus and etown? I'm certainly willing to wander around between events, but I'd appreciate your suggestions!

-Dave_W

[Tonya Hennessey]

Hey all,

Greetings from the Big Tent again, and more from me later..... but wanted to give a shout out to Erin Rosa's reporting for the Colorado Independent (DNC-related and much more). Her latest article, on last night's arrests of 80+ protesters, as well as use of pepper-ball guns, is here:

http://www.coloradoindependent.com/5565/title-2/

Tonya

[Tonya Hennessey]

Big Ten Fun Alert!

Ok, aside from the "serious" stuff (like Al's big Rolling Stone party adventure, eh?), we must report fun "celeb" interactions from the Big Tent, no?

Happy to report that Janey and I just met Kos, who was happily signing and giving away GRATIS copies of "Taking On The System"!

Well, given Mr. Giordano's hands-down, thumbs-up, must-read book review (not to mention that I just saved the $17 I planned to spend, thankfully that was one of those "didn't get off the to-do list yesterday" thangs...), you can imagine our delight at meeting Markos and getting our very own signed copies. Homework!

And, now, we are kibbitzing with 538.com's own Nate Silver. How cool is that???

Hadi arrived a bit ago, taking up the mid-evening post here with Janey (NOTE: JANEY'S LAPTOP IS DOWN, SO PLS EITHER TEXT/PHONE HER, FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME, [e-mail]). Since Janey's computer is down, she is amusing herself taking pix of Field Hands with NetRoots celebs (and partaking of the refreshments...)!

Pix to come.....

Ciao for now,
Tonya

[Ann Cantelow]

Life in the Big Tent. I visited the Big Tent this afternoon, interesting place! Bloggers everywhere.

I went to a session discussing Net Neutrality. I didn't get the names of participants, oops, but the program lists
Parul Desai and Joan McCarter. The panel moderator was someone other than the person who was listed.

It was noted that without the internet, we would have no Daily Kos, or anything similar. If Daily Kos had been prominent in 2002 as it is now, would the demonstrations in Seattle against the Iraq war have had more impact?

Large cable and phone companies are longing to harness the energy of the internet to turn it into their own profit. This certainly causes real problems. There's the example of Comcast quietly shutting out the media-sharing site, BitTorrent, to its customers, due no doubt to concerns about bandwidth expense.

Another problem, companies when they have monopolies stifle creativity and innovation. Cable and phone companies are currently trying to claim the opposite, that they need the breathing room to foster creativity, but how does this make sense? Companies inevitably try to stifle any profit source that is not their own- this is how money gets made.

The government does need to do something about this. Cable and phone companies are already trying to shut down efforts by municipalities and counties around the country that are trying to implement their own bandwidth services. Bandwidth must increase- our country is down to 15th in bandwidth per capita, not good. We need to foster creativity, can't risk falling into a system where it gets squelched. We need the competition to keep the costs down, and keep things open and available. Interestingly, the question came up of whether bandwidth in general is reaching capacity. This had no answer, as people there didn't know whether that's so or not.

It was also noted that cable and phone companies are starting to think of moving back to metered access as when they started out years ago.use by the hour. This will put a damper on ideas, requiring more caution from users. There are already problems with access, such as lack of services in rural areas. We can't afford anything that slows down access even more.

[Dave_W]

I've got two posts in the works. The problem is that I spend my day attending events and taking notes, and when I finally arrive home I'm exhausted. So please allow me a 24 hour delay in reporting. Until then, here are some random photos from today:

The image is not displaying properly. Click for the full image. Actually, you might need to do that with all the images depending on your setup.

And a bit of history:

This is my first try posting images to ning-- I may need to try this again.