This Guy Should Read His Poem at the Democratic COnvention

Rednecks for Obama

On my way into Day 1 of the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, I saw something that I thought was funny:

Then, on Day 3, we saw them again, and Aaron Thompson, JM Bell and I all got our picture with them:

Well, it appears President Obama has run into them. From Very Demotivational:

RIP Ted Kennedy

The Democratic National Convention paid tribute to Senator Ted Kennedy on June 25, 2008.

Exactly one year later, Senator Kennedy died of brain cancer.

here is that tribute:

Was JMBell mistaken as a Denver Police Officer?

When we were in Denver, you may remember when Jeff got sprayed by the Denver PD in the middle of a "riot." If not, here's a small reminder:

Some kind of riot … I got tear gassed

I was driving away from the Denver Convention Center and all hell broke loose at 15th and Court street.

There were riot cops suddenly swarming in, by the hundreds (seriously) from every direction. Fast response vehicles, mounted police, foot troops, and everyone wearing tie-fighter amour.

I have no idea what the hell was happening, but gun shots were heard, heads were bonked and pepper spray was shared liberally (see what I did there?) over the area. All the time more and more riot cops swarmed into the area.

I watched a lot of people getting yelled at by the cops as i stood there and watched. I wasn’t running around and screaming, nor was I yelling at the cops like some of the chuckleheads.

[...]

That’s when the cloud of tear gas hit me. I’m heading back to the Hotel to scrub out my eyes.

For the record: I hate the smell of tear gas.

To my recollection, this was the only reported use of tear gas at the DNC. Which leads me to ask some obvious questions in light of this story from KWGN - Denver:

The American Civil Liberties Union says undercover
police officers posing as protesters staged a violent confrontation
with another officer during the Democratic convention in Denver.

The ACLU said it obtained a police document
showing the undercover officers pretended to struggle with a police
commander so they could be removed from the crowd without blowing
their cover.

The ACLU says another officer thought the commander was being
attacked and pepper-sprayed the undercover officers.

It's not clear how many officers were involved or how they were
affected by the spray.

Comapare Utah's Roll Call Speeches At the two conventions

At the Republican National Convention, Congrassman Rob Bishop (R-EnergySolutions)


And, lost to the world until now, Wayne Holland and Mayor Peter Corroon:

Live From Denver -- Day 1 Evening Roundup

It's hard to believe that day one is here. I was out way too late last night (so late that I had save instead of post when I wrote this last night- ...-Bob)

So, the links:

I got interviewed by Rich Piatt

Live, From Inside Pepsi Center


Sitting with the Utah Delegation

I Got the Smackdown from WWE United States Champ Shelton Benjamin

Live From Denver: Day 0 Evening Recap

Here's my posts from Sunday of the 2008 Democratic National Convention:

Bob On C-SPAN

CSPAN had one of their buses at the Presidential Experience Exhibit at INVESCO field. While we were waiting in line, they offered to have some people come and state what their #1 issue was.

Watch the Video at Utah Amicus.

Interfaith Meeting -- Part 1

I had the opportunity to attend the Interfaith Gathering this afternoon. This was the first official convention event.

Here was a place where we could all come together to worship as one. Where Muslim Scarves and Yarmulkes can sit together; where a Catholic could say "amen" to a protestant prayer. We all stood together as children of God.

Bob's Run-in With the Riot police on Sunday.

This is what happens when you make a wrong turn at the wrong time. Click on the link for the video.

-Bob

Live From Denver: Day -1 evening recap

As you know, I'll be doing most of my posting about the Democratic National COnvention over at The Utah Amicus. However, every evening, I will be posting highlights on this, my real blog, for all of my on the Amicus.

So, here's the posts from day -1:

Sidewalks Hurt

While walking down 16th Street Mall, I somehow missed a curb, and tripped over it, landing fairly hard. I banged up my knees and elbow, as well as my ego.

Yeah, I a klutz.

Bob, Biscuit, and the Bramble Burger

If having a burger named after their candidate wasn't enough to placate the Clinton people, nothing will satisfy them. It satisfied me!

Oh, and the burger I really wanted -- the Bramble Burger:

Chris Matthews is an Idiot

So I'm here in our hotel room watch MSNBC. Chris Mathews is complaining that about ow "terrible" the process of Obama picking a running mate, that it took too long and information trickled out.

I think it's a great way to do it. What has the media been talking about for two weeks? Obama.

Wind Energy -- How to Make Wyoming Beautiful

Anyone who had driven across Wyoming knows that it's not exactly the most scenic of drives.

Greetings From Denver

I made it to Denver. It's only been a few hours, and we really haven't gone and seen anything, but I already love this town.

While I am here, my main blogging focus will be over at The Utah Amicus. Head over there and see what we're up to. I'll try and post links from my posts on this blog every evening (or the next morning, depending on how late we're out).

-Bob

Live from Lovland -- Almost to Denver.

I'm almost in Denver. We'll post from there soon....

Team Amicus Denver Sendoff Tonight -- You're invited!

Salt Lake City, Utah – Rob Miller, owner of the political blog The Utah Amicus, and Vice Chair of the Utah State Democratic Party, has assembled a team of Utah political bloggers and activists to travel to Denver for the Democratic National Convention next week.

In 2008, the Democratic National Committee is opening their Convention to more people than ever before. Democrats, independents, and Republicans from around the country have been invited to attend. Bloggers, especially members of the DNCC State Bloggers Corps, will have unprecedented access to Convention activities.

In an effort to make their Convention coverage more responsive and interactive, The Utah Amicus Team will be holding an open house / kick off party on Wednesday, to coordinate and plan covered activities and meet with Democratic Party activists and other community members.

What: The Utah Amicus DNC Bloggers Kick Off Party

When: August 20 at 7 p.m. (MDT).

Where: 7119 West 8050 South, West Jordan

The media and community are encouraged to attend.

Follow the Utah Bloggers daily Convention reports on http://utahamicus.blogspot.com.



The Utah Amicus DNCC Utah State Blogger's Team also includes:

Jeff Bell – Owner of JMBell.org; host of KSL' s Left of the Dial.
http://www.jmbell.org/blog

Jason Williams - Co-Owner The Sidetrack
http://thesidetrack.blogspot.com/


Craig Blanch – Co-Owner The Sidetrack
http://thesidetrack.blogspot.com/


Aaron Thompson – Utah Amicus Writer
http://utahamicus.blogspot.com


Bob Aagard – Owner, The World, According To Me
http://www.theworldaccordingtome.us

Young Dems Convention Watch Party in Salt Lake and more

There are plans for two different convention watch parties in Salt Lake City on Thursday, August 28.

The first one is sponsored by the Young Democrats of Utah and The Salt Lake County Democratic Party. It is being held at Brewvies, a private club for members. If you come at 5PM, you can get in for free, provided that you participate in a phone bank (the people at INVESCO field will be doing the same that afternoon). If you arrive after 6PM, there is a $5 cover charge. This is, of course, an event for those over 21.

There are many other watch parties, etc, going on that night, including an all-ages event at Canyon Rim Park.

For a list of a currently-planned Convention Thursday events in Utah, from St George to Kamas, click here.

Don't see one you like? plan one yourself!

Live From (Almost) Denver: Day -7

I haven't been posting this daily as much as I had hoped. Part of that has been because my schedule has not allowed me to post as much.

Now that we are down to the last few days before the start of The Convention, things are really hopping in Denver.

The Denver Post has a great calendar of events, both official and unofficial. Leave a comment and let us know if there is something that you would like us to cover.

Also, The Utah Amicus will be the first Utah Media outlet reporting from Denver. That's right, we're getting there before anyone else. However, we need help getting there. Click here to donate.

-Bob

Donate Money to Send me to Denver, or I drop this kid on his head!

JM Bell showed us a picture of a somewhat-dressed hotty trying to get you to donate.

The SideTrack went with the cuteness route, too. They used a puppy.

I'll use the intimidation method. I'll shake it out of you. If you don't donate, I'll drop this poor kid on his head.

Seriously, though. This money will help us good people going to cover the Democratic National Convention for the state of Utah. We aren't rich by any means.

-Bob

Live From (almost) Denver: DNCC announces Nightly Headliners

The Democratic National Convention Committee announced their list of speakers that will finish each night of the Convention.

Monday, August 25: Michelle Obama -- If you thought Barack Obama is a great speaker, his wife makes him look like the kid you knew in high school that had a speech impediment. I had the opportunity to hear her live back in February, and I'm excited she gets a prime time spot.

Tuesday, August 26: Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton -- This is a nice concession to her. She deserves the spot.

Wednesday, August 27: Vice President Nominee

Thursday, August 28: Senator Barack Obama.

Live from (almost) Denver: Day -19

While I am not yet in Denver, the photo in this post does come from there, from the DNCC:



This picture is from the "end zone" seats. The stage is on the left, the VIP seating is on the right.

-Bob

Live From (Almost) Denver: Day -22 Online Dem Convention Coverage

I'm not 100% sure if I have told you this, but Rob Miller has invited me to be part of the Utah Amicus and Friends team at the 2008 Democratic Convention. As such, I will providing the Amicus stories from the convention. I will also be cross-posting (or "simulcasting") some of the posts here. I also will be delivering a series exclusively on this blog called "Live from Denver," giving some unique takes from the convention, and about Denver.

That daily series starts today, with this video from the DNCC about how to follow the convention from you computer at home:



It will be fun!

-Bob

Democratic Convention: Last Night At Pepsi Center Canceled

I just saw on NBC's Today Show that the Democratic National Convention has canceled the last night of events at Denver's Pepsi Center.

Well, canceled is the wrong word. Those events have moved.

The last night of the convention is always when the nominee speaks. They have moved the speech by Barack Obama to Invesco Field at Mile High.

Why?

Because they can.

Obama speaking to 80,000 people makes for better TV than Obama talking to 17,000. He's spoken to arena-sized crowds before. But an NFL stadium?

It's gonna be awesome!

Read the Press Release here.

-Bob

State Convention Endorsements

Here is who has the official Bob Aagard "I'd vote for you" stamp of approval. Which means I've probably just jinxed all of these people.

National Delegate
CD01 Obama Male (2 positions available): Pete Ashdown, Joseph "Joe" Crockett
CD01 Obama Female (1 position + alternate): Nicole "Nikki" Norton, Angela Romero
CD01 Clinton Male (1 position): No Endorsement
CD01 Clinton Female (1 position): Breanne Miller
CD02 Obama Male (2 positions + alternate): Bob Aagard, Kurt Bestor
CD02 Obama Female (2 positions): Sheryl Ginsberg, Misty Fowler
CD02 Clinton Male (1 position): Donald K Dunn
CD02 Clinton Female (1 position): Jenny Wilson
CD03 Obama Male (1 + alternate): Charles G Henderson
CD03 Obama Female (1): No Endorsement
CD03 Clinton Male (1): Corey Rushton
CD03 Clinton Female (1): No Endorsement
PLEO Obama Male: Peter Corroon
PLEO Obama Female: Beth Holbrook
PLEO Clinton Male: Corey Rushton
At-Large: Any of the above not elected, Megan Risbon

DNC Committeeman (2012 Superdelegate): No Endorsement
DNC Committewoman (2012 Superdelegate): Patrice Arent

Governor: Bob Springmeyer

Vote Bob Aagard for National Delegate

Dear Delegate:

I am sure that by now, you're sick and tired of getting numerous emails and phone calls from my fellow candidates for National Delegate. That's why I chose not to send any out. I didn't want my message to get lost in the clutter.

I chose other distribution for my message to get out.

I run one of the longest-running political blogs in the state of Utah. (http://www.TheWorldAccordingToMe.US) I have also been a long-time supporter of Senator Obama's.

In fact, you can say I've been ready and right from day one. I signed up to help the Obama campaign on February 10 of last year while the Senator was announcing his candidacy. I have stayed with him since then.

That same day, I created the group Mormons for Obama, and also joined the Utah for Obama group.

When Michelle Obama came to Salt Lake to speak before our primary, she said that Barack was going to need our help not just on February 5, but clear through Novemebr 4, and then for the next 8 years. It's not just about getting to the office, it's about doing what's best for America once you're there.

If you elect me as a delegate, I promise to make sure my conduct and my votes represent the best options for the State of Utah.

Thank you for your time.

-Bob Aagard
Candidate
Obama Pledged Delegate
Utah's Second District