Day One- A Walk in the Park…or Maybe the Zoo
Posted by jbhirsch on August 26, 2008
Brian Williams and Me waiting in the first security checkpoint outside the Pepsi Center.
Monday, August 25th, 2008
This Disney World consists of Secret Service agents, SWAT teams and bomb squads. High level security, credentials and large metal gates. Day one of the convention proved to be nothing short of hectic.
Security over the weekend was a nightmare, and so it was a relief to arrive at the Pepsi Center and have a short line at the first security checkpoint.
As I was patiently waiting for the Secret Service to check my Press Credentials, I noticed a tall familiar man in line in front of me. Even NBC Nightly News Anchor Brian Williams needed to wait in the security line. Of course I approached Mr. Williams, introduced myself, and even posed for a photo op! What a great way to start my morning.
After security checkpoint two, I finally made it to the media pavilion, where I have been and will be working for the convention. Although I will not disclose who I am working for, I will tell you that it is a major NY paper.
The intricacies of my day are too numerous to describe, but what I will tell you is that I have never witnessed an event like this in my life. Inside the perimeter of the Pepsi Center, pavilions are filled with journalists crunching to meet deadlines from around the country. Productions crews are stationed around the entrance filming stand ups and packs. All the while, delegates and special guests file into the arena, eager to be a part of convention history.
By mid-afternoon, the perimeter was flowing with people constantly and the convention was in full swing. My co-worker and I spotted Reverend Al Sharpton from a distance, and made a quick move to chat with him. Not long after our rendezvous with the Reverend, the evening speeches began and the madness only escalated.
The tribute to Ted Kennedy, his surprise appearance, and Michelle Obama’s heartfelt speech about her husband capped off the first day of excitement here at the Pepsi Center. The show wasn’t over yet though, and these Democrats don’t end their day without an after-party or two.
After leaving the pavilion area long after Michelle Obama’s speech ended, I made my way over to a midnight breakfast party, hosted by Congressman Larson from Connecticut. Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd made an appearance, and I was elated to chat with him about the election and Barack Obama. Meeting Dodd was a goal of mine for this convention, and I was excited to hear his views on how the Presidential campaign is going for Obama. Although his comments were off the record, I will say he has a great perspective on the election as whole, even at 1 AM.
After leaving the party, I had been awake for 21 hours and felt as though it was time for some sleep. The energy in downtown Denver was vibrant and the message of change permeated through the air. I went to sleep knowing that in just a few short hours, more people would pour through those gates and present me with more opportunities than I could even wish for.
There are so many details I haven’t even touched on…check back later for more details on my first day and some of my adventures thus far during day two!
