Amateur Observations of Democratic Convention 1st Day
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I arrived downtown about 1:20 PM for the Democratic convention being held in the Colonial Theater. I could immediately tell this was going to be a smaller and more informal affair than last week’s Republican convention.
The Republicans used logo-laden signs to direct attendees through Freeman Park and through the Student Union Building. The Democrats had a simple, Word-printed sign proclaiming, “Democrats Inside” taped to the glass doors of the Colonial. There was nothing wrong with it, and in fact I understand the Democrats probably don’t have as many funds as the Republicans, so it’s nice to see them being frugal (fiscally responsible?)
I got a guest pass at the table, since no press passes were being issued. I observed I was one of only about three people wearing a tie, so I could tell this was going to be much less formal and starchy than the Republican convention (where 95% of men wore ties).
I made my way into the theater and sat in the back to start taking notes and get my bearings. The theater was filling seats only in the first ten or so rows, so it was pretty empty in back. The time was 1:30, the published start time, and they were still hanging banner signs in front.
Two men quickly came up and asked if I was from IdahoFallz.com, and introduced themselves as Scott Cannon and John McGimpsey, candidates for representatives. They wanted to make sure I had gained entry with no problems, given my previous remarks about not getting a response from the Democratic party. They offered to help out and arrange interviews for me, and I listed some people I was interested in interviewing. They were both very receptive and inviting.
Steve Zeman started speaking and introduced Genie Buhl, who led us through the Pledge of Allegiance. Richard Stallings, the apparent current Democratic party rock star in Idaho, introduced several candidates sitting out in the audience.
John McGimpsey quickly introduced me to Bob Wallace, the candidate for Attorney General, running against incumbent Lawrence Wasden. We stepped outside and talked; I’ll post the interview later. Upon returning, the convention was in a break, so I interviewed Scott Cannon; I’ll post the interview later.
A panel discussion began on working with the media. I felt I was intruding being there, especially when they said they would talk about dealing with online media. I also realized I was not going to learn anything about the Democratic party, their issues, or their candidates during this time so I left. I went home to make some calls, laid down for a catnap, and woke up hours later from one of those beautiful hibernating afternoon sleeps.
Hopefully Saturday I’ll interview more candidates and learn the Democratic issues and platform.
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