Why Isn't Sen. Barack Obama in Denver?

By Jeralyn, Section Democratic National Convention 2008
Posted on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:30:29 PM EST
Tags: Democratic National Convention, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton (all tags)

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[Updated to show entire video]. I saw this CNN interview after Hillary's speech.

It's clear that Sen. Barack Obama has a big sales job to do on many, many Hillary supporters.

Why is he in Montana, watching the convention at a house party? Shouldn't he have come to Denver for the entire convention? It's more than half over and he's still not here. He's missed a great opportunity.

Update: Commenters point out it's tradition for the nominee not to appear at the convention until the final day. I didn't know that. Now that I do, I think this would have been a good year to break that tradition. He's got a lot of work to do and his physical presence at various events this week, and the media portrayal of it, might have helped.

< The Effect of Hillary's Speech | Overnight Open Thread >

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Why Isn't Sen. Barack Obama in Denver? | 135 comments (135 topical)

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Because it's not Palm Sunday yet? (5.00 / 3) (#1)
by DFLer on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:31:54 PM EST

sorry....door was open, had to walk thru

Just imagine how much (5.00 / 2) (#63)
by FoxholeAtheist on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:06:08 AM EST

courage and conviction it took for that delegate to stand there and say what she did; so heartfelt and raw, yet so eloquent. How many people could have and would have done that?

BRAVO!

If the McCain campaign goes anywhere near that footage...they deserve a fate worse than hell.

Parent

That delegate's (5.00 / 1) (#65)
by txpolitico67 on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:07:40 AM EST

footage is on the McCain cutting room floor as we speak.

Parent

McCain can't get away with exploiting it...imo (5.00 / 1) (#81)
by FoxholeAtheist on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:18:47 AM EST

Using an African American, female, Clinton delegate to screw over the African American candidate.

It would be obscenely, self-evidently cynical. It would be a powder keg - and the outcome/response could be political suicide.

Parent

She's not really a public figure (5.00 / 3) (#108)
by Grace on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:50:11 AM EST

so I doubt McCain would try to exploit her without her permission.

What she said, however, cuts to the heart of the matter for most of us.

Parent

Absolutely. (5.00 / 2) (#161)
by bridget on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:14:48 AM EST

She was fabulous.

Someone who spoke from the heart .... and for me.

Loved her :)

Parent

: I can't imagine a more (5.00 / 4) (#169)
by weltec2 on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 04:00:03 AM EST

perfect closing comment for Hillary's speech.
One comment though... the reporter/interviewer, after the interviewee had explained the conditions for the disposition of her November vote, asked again... "How are you going to vote in November?" Where do these reporters come from? What exactly is she looking for at this point? The interviewee had made it clear. It will depend upon Obama. What more does she need? But we see this in reporters all the time. It just drives me nuts.

Parent

Here's the difference (none / 0) (#148)
by Eleanor A on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:50:22 AM EST

between calling liberals racists and calling John McCain a racist:

McCain doesn't care. I wouldn't be one bit surprised to see Knowles in a McCain commercial tomorrow.

Parent

But then maybe Obama (none / 0) (#85)
by tlkextra on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:21:38 AM EST

could follow it up with other people...such as Carville repeatedly saying how talented the leaders of the Democratic Party were at this point in time...

Parent

depends (5.00 / 2) (#80)
by DandyTIger on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:18:14 AM EST

if she is not kicked out and is embraced by the party and is there for the rest of the convention then yes, that would be beyond the pale to use someone's emotions and raw feelings in a political way. McCain would look really bad if they did that. On the other had, if the dnc/Obama campaign kick her out because of her doubts, then I have a feeling they won't have to look for her, she'll find them.

Parent

Excellent observation (none / 0) (#89)
by txpolitico67 on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:23:42 AM EST

especially the part of "she will find them."
Wow, she is the anti-Harriet. More powerful, too.

Parent

Harriet was angry (5.00 / 4) (#129)
by Prabhata on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:13:25 AM EST

and for good reason the DNC had just stripped Hillary of her delegates based on partisanship. Harriet worked so hard for Hillary too. I like Harriet. She's a New Yorker speaking her mind in a different way.

Parent

: Amen (5.00 / 2) (#150)
by Eleanor A on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:51:09 AM EST

I met her today. She's terrific.

Parent

Sounds silly, but (none / 0) (#7)
by BarnBabe on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:36:37 PM EST

I was thinking of him sky diving into the stadium like the Navy and Air Force guys do at sports events. He should be in Denver and waving and clapping for Hillary.

Parent

Well, she said that he has (5.00 / 3) (#2)
by andgarden on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:32:24 PM EST

a couple of months to close the deal. Obama does have to close the deal, but I believe that if he tries, he can.

Yes (5.00 / 3) (#3)
by TheRealFrank on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:32:27 PM EST

Obama in the audience, smiling and applauding Clinton's speech, would have been a powerful message of unity.

Another misstep by the Obama campaign, I think.

Disagree (5.00 / 3) (#9)
by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:37:05 PM EST

It was Hillary's night. To Obama's benefit.

Parent

I'm not talking about him being here for (5.00 / 1) (#22)
by Jeralyn on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:45:46 PM EST

Hillary's speech but for the convention. There's so much going on this week, he's the nominee, he should be here.

Parent

Absolutely! (5.00 / 1) (#33)
by SueBonnetSue on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:50:30 PM EST

It just looks silly to show him in other places around the country.

Parent

I'm so glad you asked that (5.00 / 0) (#35)
by JavaCityPal on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:51:09 PM EST

I asked it in the previous thread, and I tried to tell everyone about the woman interviewed in the video you put in this post!!

Is it normal for the presumptive to not attend the entire convention? He should be shaking hands with his delegates and trying to get some time with the Clinton delegates.

Parent

I didn't know that and just (5.00 / 1) (#42)
by Jeralyn on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:54:16 PM EST

updated my post. Thanks.

Parent

First nominee to come to a convention (5.00 / 6) (#68)
by Cream City on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:08:59 AM EST

as I noted in an earlier thread: FDR in 1932.

It appalled traditionalists then. Previously, candidates accepted the nomination from their front porches. (I like that, actually. But it would be unwise for Obama to do that with the contretemps over the mansion.:-)

However, as I also noted earlier (sorry for redundancy for those who read both) -- Obama has been saying all along that this is a historic campaign unlike any other. Perfectly plausible excuse to start a new tradition -- because I agree that he could have benefitted greatly by being there tonight. And heck, if you didn't know the tradition, then very few Americans do. And so they also may wonder why he isn't there.

Parent

Of course, I also ought to note that (5.00 / 14) (#73)
by Cream City on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:10:50 AM EST

the reason nominees didn't come to conventions is because they waited until they were nominated to declare themselves the nominees.

So Obama already broke the tradition of waiting for the convention to do what conventions are supposed to do. Maybe save the party a lot of money by just not having conventions any more, since he negated their purpose. :-)

Parent

Cream City (5.00 / 5) (#78)
by txpolitico67 on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:14:43 AM EST

you are my hero tonight!!

Parent

Obama knows how to burn bridges (5.00 / 4) (#134)
by Prabhata on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:22:31 AM EST

Delegates are elected to go to the convention and vote for their chosen nominee, but Obama keeps twisting arms at the convention to change Hillary delegates to Obama. And now Obama has decided to cut the nomination short, so that Hillary won't get the voting from all her delegates. Some Hillary delegates are furious and frantic petitioning Hillary and even Obama delegates to get the full voting. The original number in the petition (300 signatures) was upped to over 800 today. There is no way I would trust such an insecure an undemocratic person to be in the WH.

Parent

: Wow. That's news (none / 0) (#165)
by Cream City on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:20:11 AM EST

so of course, I haven't seen it in or on the news. Time to go check some other blogs, I guess. Thanks for the heads-up on this. (And any tips on sources appreciated.)

Parent

I thought during the speech (5.00 / 1) (#91)
by tlkextra on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:26:43 AM EST

how nice it would be if Obama had walked out afterwards and they joined hands. Perhaps, something like that will happen after his speech at Invesco, but it needs to include President Clinton as well.

Parent

No, don't even go there. (5.00 / 3) (#116)
by Cream City on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:57:12 AM EST

Bill Clinton will not be there. He is doing more than he ought to do tomorrow night, after being called a racist by a lot of people at that convention, and then he is going back to work.

He gave eight years to this country in the White House and much more, and look at the thanks he got.

Senator Clinton will be there Thursday night, it is reported. You may get your kumbayah moment of her and Obama then

Parent

: I'm meaning (5.00 / 2) (#139)
by tlkextra on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:36:04 AM EST

amends need to be made by Obama towards both President and Senator Clinton.

Parent

hmm (none / 0) (#149)
by manish on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:50:43 AM EST

Commenters point out it's tradition for the nominee not to appear at the convention until the final day. I didn't know that. Now that I do, I think this would have been a good year to break that tradition. He's got a lot of work to do and his physical presence at various events this week, and the media portrayal of it, might have helped.

Some former Clinton supporter (or PUMA) would have criticized Obama for breaking tradition. He can't win.

Parent

No, the reason to stay away (5.00 / 9) (#77)
by Cream City on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:14:28 AM EST

was to wait until nominated. We actually used to hold conventions for the purpose of nominating. And if a primary was close, it could go either way -- because the time between the primary and the convention could give cause for pause as to whether a candidate had what it took to win. If the polls slid for an apparent front-runner, say, it often meant another candidate won at the convention.

Those were the days. We won the White House more often then, too.

Parent

Here, J. (5.00 / 2) (#4)
by lansing quaker on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:34:41 PM EST

Newer one just put up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGhyIgwaVXA

: It's already on YouTube (5.00 / 2) (#94)
by weltec2 on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:31:39 AM EST

This is going to be powerful... but to what effect? It's impressive how articulate she is considering how upset she is.

Parent
: The comments show we are still divided (none / 0) (#138)
by ding7777 on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:35:08 AM EST

To expand on one of them... NO NO NO(NOvote in NOvember for NObama)

Parent

If he had been in Denver... (5.00 / 3) (#5)
by Addison on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:35:28 PM EST

...people would've complained he was trying to steal the spotlight, and every time they cut to a shot of Obama during someone else's speech people would remark on the condescending way he clapped.

: Agreed (5.00 / 2) (#6)
by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:36:32 PM EST

Sorry J, this is silly. The whole thing.

Parent
: This is his best opportunity to (5.00 / 1) (#41)
by JavaCityPal on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:53:32 PM EST

be friendly and gracious with the Hillary delegates. He needs to get to work unifying this party, and that starts at the convention.
I disagree completely that he would be criticized at every turn. Especially after Hillary's speech tonight. People are really receptive to seeing if they can do what Hillary asked.

Parent
: Quite the contrary (none / 0) (#8)
by TheRealFrank on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:37:02 PM EST

Imagine the camera showing him smiling, and standing up, applauding Clinton's speech.

Parent

I always assumed (5.00 / 3) (#10)
by Steve M on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:37:09 PM EST

that the reason the candidate tends to stay away for the first few days is to avoid stealing all of the attention away from the proceedings.

The last thing we need is a camera constantly tracking Sen. Obama every moment of the day, watching to see if he yawns or picks his nose. Maybe I'm mistaken but this seems to be the normal way things are done.

It is tradition for the (5.00 / 2) (#12)
by pennypacker on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:37:14 PM EST

candidate not to be at the convention. Bill Clinton, Al Gore and John Kerry all weren't there. Obama can do nothing right it seems.

It's also tradition (5.00 / 8) (#21)
by DaveOinSF on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:45:43 PM EST

to have a roll call vote

Parent

I didn't know that (5.00 / 0) (#28)
by Jeralyn on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:47:54 PM EST

I think he should be front and center convincing reluctant Dems to support him.

Parent

: I believe (5.00 / 1) (#100)
by txpolitico67 on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:38:27 AM EST

that opportunity presented itself to him throughout the primaries.

Parent

I don't think it's meant as (none / 0) (#93)
by tlkextra on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:30:13 AM EST

a criticism, but hopeful thinking and wanting to show full unity for the sake of the Party

Parent

What better place to CHANGE (none / 0) (#142)
by ding7777 on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:40:31 AM EST

tradition than at your own Party (especially when its your Party where you need reach across the aisle)

Parent

I was (5.00 / 0) (#15)
by Emma on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:40:49 PM EST

wondering where Obama was.

Why Montana of all places?

Because he's hoping to turn it blue (5.00 / 1) (#29)
by SueBonnetSue on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:48:59 PM EST

And get ALL THREE of their electoral votes. First Delaware, and then Montana!?

Who the heck is running this campaign?! A republican?

Parent

They don't call him (5.00 / 0) (#54)
by Landulph on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:00:44 AM EST

David Axelrove for nothin! </snark>

Parent

Obama won't get Montana's three (5.00 / 1) (#57)
by FemB4dem on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:02:44 AM EST

votes. Even Gov. Schweitzer, who I understand gave a good speech tonight, doesn't think he will, and knows it's over once the NRA ads start running. Why do you think Schweitzer tried the preemptive strike of telling Montanans who love their guns (and there are quite a few) that they shouldn't vote for either Obama or McCain, but should vote for Bob Barr? He sees the writing on the wall -- it's odd the Obama campaign apparently does not.

Parent

Of course he won't win Montana (none / 0) (#67)
by SueBonnetSue on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:08:49 AM EST

It's a total waste of his time to campaign in Montana.

Again, who is running this campaign? One dumb idea after another.

Parent

the EC map is starting to look like 2004 (5.00 / 1) (#105)
by lmv on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:44:19 AM EST

I made my own map on RealClear a few months ago based on reality, history, and gut feeling. (I live in a red state. I get the heartland voters.)

Slowly, the polls are filling in my map, not the one the Obama camp sent out to its fundraisers.

I still don't understand why the DNC is obsessed with this 50-state strategy. It takes YEARS if not DECADES to remake a state map. You can't just send out a few kids to knock on doors and hand out buttons. Sure, shoot for all 50 states just don't expect it to happen in one election cycle.

Parent

: Hope? (5.00 / 2) (#144)
by lmv on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:44:51 AM EST

Where's da hope?
Sorry, that was the experience talking. I've spent quite a few years trying to turn my red state blue.
I've said this for years. Coastal Dems who think they know it all, like Howie and Nancy, should stop in flyover country, rent a car, and drive around. Not talk to people at campaign stops. Drive around, read the local papers and mingle with the folks who live here. It's the only way they'll get a better plan for president elections.
And, maybe they'll stop calling us bitter yokels clingling to guns and god, especially since I have no attachment to either.

Parent

He said *what*??? (none / 0) (#75)
by eleanora on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:11:52 AM EST

Can you provide a link, please? I can't believe my true-blue Dem governor would tell people not to vote for Obama--did he mean instead of McCain? Brian Schweitzer gave a great riproaring Dem speech against the Repubs tonight, this just doesn't sound like him.

Parent

Here's the link (5.00 / 1) (#79)
by FemB4dem on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:16:34 AM EST

from the Billings Gazette.

Parent

Phew. (5.00 / 1) (#101)
by eleanora on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:38:54 AM EST

TY for the link! FYI, the Billings Gazette is the most right-wing paper we have in Montana; they adored our thankfully ex-Senator Conrad Burns (R-Abramoff) and misquote Dems badly any time they can.

Sounds like what Schweitzer was saying is gun owners who fear Obama aren't going to like McCain any better.

"Schweitzer, who said he enjoys going to gun shows, said McCain's amendment could have shut them down in Montana and elsewhere.
As for Obama, Schweitzer said, "He ain't going to take your gun away. He ain't ever going to take your gun away."
Obama also favors improving access to public lands for hunting, camping and fishing, Schweitzer said, contrary to the Bush administration's efforts to limit public access."

Those key points are great for Montana voters to swing Dem. The Obama spokesman quoted just after got it right, IMO. Schweitzer was trying to discourage votes from McCain, not Obama. I'll send him a smack-upside-the-head email straight away about doing it better, though.

Parent

: Actually, if you want to read the real (none / 0) (#137)
by FemB4dem on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:31:30 AM EST

right wing papers in MT, try the ones from Kalispell and Hamilton. The Gazette hasn't been all that bad lately, and endorsed Tester over Burns, IIRC, and its coverage during the primaries of Obama was absolutely glowing. The Gazette quoted the Gov and he never denied he said this:
"If guns are your primary issue, you're probably not going to like either of these guys," Schweitzer said during an telephone press conference put on by the Obama campaign.
I agree Schweitzer was trying to discourage votes from McCain, but they are Dem votes because he has zero sway over actual Repubs. The best he could do was say don't vote for McCain if you can't vote for Obama, vote for Barr instead. Hardly a ringing endorsement.
Just curious, are you in Missoula?

Parent

Uh, oh (none / 0) (#95)
by tlkextra on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:33:09 AM EST

I see another TV Ad

Parent

Schweitzer also once said that he would likely (none / 0) (#98)
by tigercourse on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:35:23 AM EST

vote for Romney over any of the possible Democratic nominees.

Parent

Yep. When will Eastern dems figure out (5.00 / 2) (#106)
by FemB4dem on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:45:20 AM EST

they will never run well in states where Western dems do? Speaking of Mitt, I had to laugh at Schweitzer's comment tonight downplaying his role as a convention speaker:

"If you look at the list, you can see that anyone who's ever shot a gopher's got a speaking engagement here," he said.

Everyone but Mitt, that is, assuming a gopher is a "varmint."

Seriously, Obama's "western strategy" is a joke. He should concentrate on states back east and in the midwest. One wonders why his campaign doesn't see that now.

Parent

The party needs to be more effective (5.00 / 1) (#125)
by tnjen on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:08:02 AM EST

...on getting out that they won't take away people's guns. That would go a long way towards helping in both the South and West. Hillary said it right in PA (and IIRC so did Obama) when she spoke of gun policies that offered solutions to different problems. IOW, we need policies that help with gangs and crime in cities and policies geared towards rural areas and hunters. I don't think I'm stating it exactly (it's been a while) but I hope I'm clear enough.

That said, I think we need to establish this fact in the offseason as well as in the campaign season. Get the message out that 'no, we won't take your guns but yes we're going to make it harder for criminals to obtain them.' Republicans have set the belief but we have to break it.

Parent

Won't work in the West. (5.00 / 1) (#146)
by FemB4dem on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:45:14 AM EST

Unless s/he has a passing grade from the NRA, no politician can win in the Rocky Mountain states in a two-person election. Why do you think Jon Tester spent so much time, in his first Senate term (with the help of Max Baucus), trying to pass a bill to allow fully assembled and loaded guns to be carried into national parks? Do you really think Jon thinks that's an important piece of legislation we can't live without?

The reality is, Obama can't win in Montana (neither could Hillary), unless a serious third party candidate siphers off enough votes ala Perot in 1992. IMO, the same is true for NV and NM. You Colorado folks should speak for your state, but I have to say I've seen no evidence that the gun issue won't be the ultimate downfall of Obama there as well.

Parent

: Wow, that bad? (none / 0) (#166)
by tnjen on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:32:15 AM EST

It's hard to believe the South is more moderate on guns than the West (I do believe you, btw). Do you think it's the organizational power of the NRA itself? We have a gun culture but not so much of an NRA culture. There are NRA members, of course, but the organization's ratings don't hold the kind of sway you describe.

Parent

I believe we all (none / 0) (#153)
by Eleanor A on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:58:15 AM EST

have Tom Schaller to thank for this. To think the so-called 'wise heads' in Washington bought the codswallop he's been dishing out on this for the last couple of years.

(In a nutshell: Write off all Southern states, save Florida, since it doesn't count somehow, despite its very Southern profile in the top half of the state; sing Kumbaya and hope you can win states like NV and CO, despite the gun-loving folks out thataway; repeat this nonsense a bunch of times and hope you can get people to believe it...)

waves to eleanora

Parent

But seriously (5.00 / 0) (#59)
by Emma on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:03:18 AM EST

Is there a real reason he's in Montana?

I just really want to know. But if there's no real answer, than I guess I'm out of luck.

Parent

Seriously, (5.00 / 1) (#71)
by SueBonnetSue on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:10:04 AM EST

Obama's campaign thinks they can win Montana and they think every electoral vote matters. So he's campaigning there. That's what an Obama spokesman said on the news tonight.

Parent

: Well, okay (5.00 / 1) (#82)
by Emma on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:18:59 AM EST

There's just something deeply wrong about that.

Parent

He won it in the (none / 0) (#69)
by txpolitico67 on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:09:54 AM EST

primary? That could be a big reason.

Parent

Because Montana is sort of (none / 0) (#74)
by FemB4dem on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:10:54 AM EST

on the way to Colorado from Chicago? Seriously, he's supposedly in Billings to talk to veterans, but it's a closed event, and the last I looked, the location hasn't even been announced. I'm wondering if he's not here to tell his volunteers in person that he's closing down the Montana operation and will be moving them elsewhere. At least that would be a smart move.

Parent

I'm Actually Glad He's Not There (5.00 / 1) (#16)
by JimWash08 on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:42:00 PM EST

The Democratic Party is made up of thousands of good people who've played a HUGE part in his success, and they need a chance to speak too. Of course, Hillary, Bill and their supporters in the DNC need to speak too.

They should all be able to speak without the media fawning over Obama and stealing their much-deserved thunder away.

Obama will always be the media's golden child, from the looks of it, and he will have an entire stadium of supporters and media folk to welcome him on Thursday.

I think this convention set-up is just about right.

I think it would have been cool for him to show up (5.00 / 2) (#18)
by bjorn on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:42:19 PM EST

on the stage after her speech and do the hold the hands in the air thingie...it would have been a great surprise. He is the change candidate, he does not need to stay away because it is "tradition." I am not upset he is not there, just saying it would have been a very cool moment to have him come out after her speech, no one knowing ahead of time he would be there.

People would have screamed... (none / 0) (#45)
by Addison on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:55:57 PM EST

...that he wasn't even letting Hillary have her one small moment had he done that. You know that.

Parent

: That's true (5.00 / 1) (#72)
by txpolitico67 on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:10:47 AM EST

Let Hillary have her night. Obama will have his. Then they can put all this to bed and let the chips fall where they may.

Parent

He's trying to show how above the fray he is (5.00 / 2) (#20)
by SueBonnetSue on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:45:25 PM EST

Or something like that. Some lofty reason why he's not there.

Obama's campaign seems to always do the wrong thing. They are politically tone deaf. The BEST thing Obama could do is to ask the Clinton's for advice. But he won't. He's above that too.

Sigh.......................

Wedding ritual (5.00 / 4) (#25)
by Stellaaa on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:47:29 PM EST

it's the same where the bride cannot show up till the ceremony.

Obama (5.00 / 2) (#30)
by JThomas on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:49:05 PM EST

called both Hillary and Bill Clinton immediately after the speech to offer congrats and thanks for her wonderful performance.

Hillary and Bill will be on stage at Invesco..you can count on that.
Like someone said, this speech makes democrats ready to charge thru the wall to defeat the GOP.

There is a hunger in democrats that will not be denied this time around. No way,No how, No McCain.

No way, No how, No McCain (5.00 / 1) (#48)
by shoephone on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:57:10 PM EST

That was a great line too. She had so many of them.

I don't remember the protocol from all the earlier conventions of my lifetime but I didn't mind at all Obama not being there.

Parent

I doubt they will be onstage (5.00 / 4) (#49)
by MichaelGale on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:57:43 PM EST

with Obama that night. I really doubt he will allow that.

Parent

Apparently Bill will not (none / 0) (#84)
by FemB4dem on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:20:52 AM EST

even attend the coronation at Invesco.

Parent

: He was told not to (5.00 / 1) (#109)
by JavaCityPal on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:51:10 AM EST

He would take too much attention away from Obama. Carville spoke to the subject today.
If Obama invites him, I bet he would show up, tho.

Parent
: That seems only fitting ... (none / 0) (#102)
by Inky on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:39:56 AM EST

given that Obama chose not to attend Hillary's speech. Who (aside from me) wants to see awkward reaction shots anyway?

Parent
: See I think this is another case of (none / 0) (#147)
by sociallybanned on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:48:46 AM EST

creative/creating news. They are making it out like Bill is the jerk and I don't frankly buy that. I think he's more pist off with irresponsible reporting in other words, creating news when there isn't anything there. Since, Huffpo is there, I'm sure there is plenty of overreactive news and creative news.

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tradition and all (5.00 / 6) (#44)
by Monda on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:55:22 PM EST

... so that doesn't bother me.

Let me just say that I was in tears tonight from the very beginning. The video, the speech, the whole nine yards. I wish to God she weren't this good tonight. I wish I didn't hear the girl being interviewed afterwards. At that point I had taken a hold of myself and be "pleased" with 18 million cracks in the ceiling. But then, the lady spoke and choked up and the roof came down.
A pox on that house (DNC). I was not in this election for Hillary per se, like she asked, but because I knew that tenacious, brave, articulate, smart, strong woman would have taken the marine's wishes and made them true. Obama? I don't believe he can, for all the signs out there at the convention.

Bitter ex-democrat here, not voting for McCain, but Obama has two months!

It would be fun (5.00 / 1) (#50)
by Stellaaa on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:58:47 PM EST

to compose a Maureen Dowd column about this speech.

that would be funny (5.00 / 2) (#62)
by DandyTIger on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:05:25 AM EST

you know, that would be really funny exercises for creative writing classes. Kind of like those exercises to write really bad story intros.

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I don't see motive... (5.00 / 1) (#131)
by Stellaaa on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:17:30 AM EST

I don't see psychology...

"Hillary and Bill plotted for this moment, this moment where they would cloyingly try to capture sympathy, thinking that America, would forget their lurking menace. Bill, whispering to the widow of the murdered Arkansas Democratic Party chair. While Hillary and Chelsea... (wait it sounds like a thriller)

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: Oh no. I will hold you responsible (none / 0) (#160)
by Cream City on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:13:21 AM EST

for this new spin on the Vincent Foster meme, Steve M. Aaaarrrrrggghhhhh.

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Okay, I'll start! "It was a dark and stormy (5.00 / 2) (#122)
by Cream City on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:04:45 AM EST

night in Denver. And it was all Hillary Clinton's fault. And Bill's too.
He sat in the darkened audience.
She took the convention by storm.
Therefore, it was a dark and stormy night in Denver. . . .

There's a MoDo lede, incredibly stupid and nasty and entirely inconsequential in terms of the future of this great country as well as the world.

Take it from there, folks.

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: Happy Brithday Cream City (5.00 / 1) (#167)
by Jeralyn on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:49:07 AM EST

And I will always remember your coining the phrase "blog clogger." Have a great day and thanks for reading and participating in the disucssions here.

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Joe Biden needs to step down. (5.00 / 1) (#61)
by LatinoVoter on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:05:21 AM EST

He needs to bypass his speech and say he is withdrawing for the good of the country.

First (5.00 / 1) (#66)
by Ga6thDem on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:07:45 AM EST

of all, it plays right into the he's "just like Paris Hilton meme". All this undercuts any economic message the party has been trying to get out there. I mean how serious is a party about the economic struggles in this country when they are shelling out a few extra million so "the one" can have his speech in a stadium when the convention center would have been just fine.

The whole stadium thing is not smart.

It seems that any good will Hillary put forth tonight can easily be destroyed once Dean, Pelosi et al start to get involved.

Well, now you all made me really feel old (5.00 / 9) (#83)
by Cream City on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:20:32 AM EST

as if it wasn't bad enough that today is my birthday. (Yep, Women's Equality Day -- and btw, happy birthday to Geraldine Ferraro, too.)

I'm the only one old enough to know and remember that potential nominees never come to conventions until the acceptance speech? No one else has read every darned book there is on past Dem conventions to know about waiting for the call in the nearby hotel, blah blah? Yikes.

And of course, that's only since 1932 -- first time the nominee ever came to make an acceptance speech at the convention at all. Not that I'm that old. But I sure feel like it now, reading this thread. . . .

Happy Birthday (5.00 / 1) (#90)
by dissenter on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:25:09 AM EST

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Happy Birthday (5.00 / 2) (#107)
by eleanora on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:49:28 AM EST

and Happy Women's Equality Day! We may have not gotten our candidate this year, but she's paved the way for next time. One good thing, they (MSM, Repubs, fauxgressives, etc) took her seriously enough to fight with everything they had. Painful and stupid, but better than being patted on the head and pushed to the side.

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Happy Birthday!!! (5.00 / 2) (#111)
by JavaCityPal on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:52:29 AM EST

....and, many more...

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Happy B-day! :) (5.00 / 2) (#112)
by Monda on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:52:41 AM EST

We thought we would do away with some traditions this year, like the all male tradition for POTUS, but it turned out differently. We at least kept one tradition, that of the nominee showing up at the end, but at the same time some things are changing, slowly but surely ... like not letting the delegates vote for the nominee they were sent to vote for.

Anyway, Happy B-Day :)!

PS: Frankly, I don't give a damn ... about Obama not being in Denver tonight.

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What a Great Day (none / 0) (#121)
by Jane in CA on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:03:32 AM EST

to be born on, and what a legacy to live up to!

Hope the coming year is the best ever for you :)

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Happy...Birthday (none / 0) (#133)
by Stellaaa on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:20:03 AM EST

and many many more.

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Hey, (none / 0) (#140)
by JThomas on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:36:35 AM EST

Happy Birthday!!

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Happy Birthday! (none / 0) (#143)
by Oje on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:44:05 AM EST

You are not older, you are wiser.

My interest in blogs is flagging, but part of the reason I still visit talkleft is to find your (Cream City's) posts!

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: Nawwww. C'mon, I've told you before (none / 0) (#162)
by Cream City on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:15:05 AM EST

that I look for yours. Don't let your interest flag, Oje. I miss your take on so much of this!

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She could be me (5.00 / 6) (#87)
by dianem on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:22:09 AM EST

Well, me with a very dark tan and a perm. But the rest is pretty much how I feel. I could cry so easily, but I don't want to cry. I feel bad for her, and for me, but mostly for the people who won't benefit from having Clinton as their leader. She did good. She spoke for all of us.

Commenters point out it's tradition (5.00 / 2) (#88)
by hellskitchen on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:22:28 AM EST

or the nominee not to appear at the convention until the final day.

It's also tradition for delegates to vote for their candidate on the first ballot (open vote) at the convention.

So I agree, if one tradition can be canned, so can another.

Bill Clinton made a brief appearance ... (5.00 / 1) (#99)
by Robot Porter on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:36:10 AM EST

early in the week at the '92 convention, breaking with tradition.

It was very effective.

In town, as I recall -- but (none / 0) (#123)
by Cream City on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:06:09 AM EST

at the convention itself?

<scurries back to bookshelf full of tomes on political arcana>

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He appeared on the floor ... (5.00 / 2) (#136)
by Robot Porter on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:30:49 AM EST

after the roll call vote. (Yeah, they had a roll call vote.) As I recall, he made a very brief statement.

The networks made a big deal about the whole thing, covering his trip from the hotel to the convention, and talking about how this broke with tradition.

It was one of the masterstrokes in that very well run convention. And built excitement for Clinton's speech.

As you may recall, the rap on Clinton at that time was that he was effective in interviews, one-on-one and at "Town Hall" type events, but he couldn't do the big speeches.

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Thanks -- after the roll-call vote (5.00 / 2) (#157)
by Cream City on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:10:53 AM EST

though, and so the day before the acceptance speech? Got it -- that helps me go look for the contemporary sources. You just contributed to my notes for that week in a class on American history. :-)

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: Can I just tell you (5.00 / 3) (#163)
by dissenter on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:18:07 AM EST

If I had kids, I would make them take your class. You are a credit to the education system in case nobody tells you this often enough.

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This may not directly respond to your question (none / 0) (#13)
by DemForever on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:37:29 PM EST

but I don't think nominees usually show up in the first couple of day. I think it can it lead to some awkward standing trying to figure out what you should be doing until you give your speech.

: I see that point.. (none / 0) (#14)
by TheRealFrank on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:40:02 PM EST

And I'm certainly not going for any conspiracy theories on why he isn't there, or any such nonsense.
I just would have loved to have seen him react warmly to Hillary's speech. I think it would have been powerful.
But, you can't have everything (where would you put it)?

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I think the better question... (none / 0) (#36)
by Addison on Tue Aug 26, 2008 at 11:51:55 PM EST

...is why would the media call it that? I mean, neo-classical architecture is the traditional political architecture of the United States. To frame it as an "ancient greek temple" is dumb, and potentially just a McCain talking point picked up by Reuters, imo.

Note: I can't find any pictures of the stage, but I did see news footage earlier today of it. No golden statues of Zeus to be seen...

: off topic (none / 0) (#76)
by Jeralyn on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:12:49 AM EST

stop.

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the house parties are a bit strange (none / 0) (#55)
by DandyTIger on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:00:52 AM EST

It seems like usually the candidates are sequestered away practicing the speech.

What was that house party like I wonder. Would it have been awkward for someone in the house to say Hillary's speech was the greatest political speech they've heard in a long time, and that sure will be tough to top. :-)

: Hillary gave TEH GREATEST SPEECH EVAH! (none / 0) (#92)
by FoxholeAtheist on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:27:11 AM EST

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Bad news for Obama if McCain picks a woman VP (none / 0) (#97)
by Saul on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:34:58 AM EST

I know there is no substitute for Hilary but just to spite Obama many angered Hilary supporters would vote for republican not for McCain but because of the woman VP.

McCain would run an ad saying:

Obama shuns women but I don't.

Just that alone would hurt Obama very significantly.

: You didn't just say that... (none / 0) (#114)
by FoxholeAtheist on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:55:26 AM EST

just to spite Obama many angered Hilary supporters would vote for republican...(emphasis added)
That sounds really, really bad. Do you think other demographic groups vote out of spite? Maybe it came out differently than you intended.

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: picking a woman? O my (none / 0) (#151)
by sociallybanned on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:52:45 AM EST

I would die if he picks Joe Lieberman. Half of Obama supporters and half of Clinton supporters or more voted for Gore/Lieberman. Can you imagine? I truly would feel like I am in Alice's wonderland.

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Why Isn't Sen. Barack Obama in Denver? (none / 0) (#104)
by Ennis on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:40:29 AM EST

Because he's in Montana.

The nominee is hardly ever seen at the convention until the acceptance speech. However, he did make a nice appearance by video last night.

yes, I updated to acknowledge that (none / 0) (#115)
by Jeralyn on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:55:41 AM EST

But Colorado is a swing state and spending the week here would have been a great opportunity for him, not just with Hillary supporters but independents and Republicans who don't like McCain.

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Nitpickery (none / 0) (#118)
by Ennis on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:02:02 AM EST

The whole convention was designed to sway Colorado, and he's there in every way but physical. There's nothing more to accomplish there right now that he won't do on Thursday.

Maybe he was supporting a local candidate or attending a fundraiser. Given the acumen he demonstrated in the primaries, I think he knows best where to be and when.

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Less than nitpickery (none / 0) (#126)
by Ennis on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:08:04 AM EST

.

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Obama is doing fine (none / 0) (#154)
by Ennis on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:00:31 AM EST

He has held the average lead in polls ever since he won the nomination, and he's trending up again. And the polls don't reflect new voters and Obama's ground game. He's probably doing 10% better than polls reflect.

There's no reason to expect the national vote to be significantly wider than it has been in the past several elections, but Obama is going to swing 3 or more red states blue with his ground game. That's one reason why he's in Montana.

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: downward trend and not upward on the polls (none / 0) (#164)
by sociallybanned on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:18:22 AM EST

TL had blogged on this "Biden Bounce". Even his supporters are starting to feel, it's not going to be a Democrat win. From radical supporters to sites like Huffpo will be just 2/3rds to blame.

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: Wishful thinking (none / 0) (#170)
by Ennis on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 09:22:45 AM EST

by people that did not get the message in Hillary's speech.

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Agreed, he could have hung out (none / 0) (#120)
by FoxholeAtheist on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:03:08 AM EST

without attending the convention i.e. in other parts of CO.

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: You should send a resume to Obama (none / 0) (#128)
by Ennis on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:09:49 AM EST

He's always looking for more expertise.

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This would be a good year for him to break (none / 0) (#117)
by SoCalLiberal on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:59:09 AM EST

the tradition. I feel for that delegate. She's very brave to say what she said. I have a feeling that the debates may wind up making or breaking this thing for either candidate.

Obama's absence (none / 0) (#130)
by Ellis on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:16:46 AM EST

I'm going to go way out on a limb here and suggest that if Obama were at the convention, you'd be complaining that he was 1) trying to poach the attention due Hillary and 2) presumptuous to be going against tradition, when he should be practicing the most important speech of his life.

Clinton's speech tonight was a rousing success. I think it was proper for her to have had the hall to herself without the distraction of Obama's presence. I can't believe for a second that she had any problem with his absence.

Sometimes there really isn't anything worth complaining about. Rarely, perhaps, but sometimes.

Misattribution (none / 0) (#145)
by Ellis on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:44:57 AM EST

I think you've mistaken "Ellis" for "Ennis."

Sorry, for the confusion.

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: Forgiveness? (5.00 / 1) (#155)
by Ellis on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 02:03:49 AM EST

Forgive you? For such a heinous transgression against all that is good and decent in the world?
OK. You're forgiven.

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Jeralyn will vote (none / 0) (#141)
by Duckman GR on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 01:39:16 AM EST

for Obama in November, but boy, you really aren't helping any with your postings.

: Duckman is right about that (none / 0) (#173)
by Angry Black Guy on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:06:22 PM EST

"Jeralyn will vote for Obama in November, but boy, you really aren't helping any with your postings."
Christ man I am glad someone other just came out and said it.
She'll vote for him but she sure as heck isn't happy about it. Every post seems to dwell on what Obama has screwed up and what not.
Newsflash people: A black guy named Hussein is trying to be president of a country full of people that, for the most part, don't look at all like him.
You want him plugging away on the minute details and he's still trying to convince a farmer in Kentucky somewhere that he is not a muslim terrorist space alien.
Cut the man some slack and let him work. Regardless of what anyone says, he ran one of the most brilliant political primaries in history and raised more cash than anyone ever.
That gives you some benefit of the doubt room in my book.
It's bad when The Corner and Talk Left are consistently making identical points. Hey folks, we're not supposed to be doing their jobs for them.
Criticism is good. Thinly veiled hatred, not so much.
Either get on or get off the train. We want you on. Obama and his folks will work to keep you on. But if you are going to be on, BE ON.

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I was telling my wife the same thing (none / 0) (#171)
by Dadler on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 10:17:37 AM EST

That it's a tradition, but one that he should have been smart enough to shatter this year. He should be walking the floor, meeting people, and offering himself up to the convention as no other nominee has. Instead it's the same tired convention act. Again, another symbolic (and beyond that) opportunity lost. I just don't like it, he shoud've been there all week, shaking hands, meeting ordinary folk, working the room like a champ. I don't get it.

I have no problem with his not being in Denver (none / 0) (#172)
by Christy1947 on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 11:49:13 AM EST

on tuesday. If he really wanted to allow Hillary supporters to do their thing on the night she gave her speech, it's one way to avoid a splitting of the spotlight so that can happen. I'm sure there are some who will criticize him for doing that because for a few he is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't, but what he did do is give the free-est spot he could so hers could celebrate without somebody trying to dilute it with speculation about what he is up to, augmented by some sort of video.

If Obama showed up (none / 0) (#174)
by Angry Black Guy on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 12:08:28 PM EST

and stole any thunder from Hillary or Bill he'd be toast. The Clinton folks would never forgive him.

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: But they paste him for not being there as well. (none / 0) (#175)
by Christy1947 on Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 03:04:07 PM EST

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Why Isn't Sen. Barack Obama in Denver? | 135 comments (135 topical)

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