When just approaching the Pepsi Center entrance, it would have been understandable to assume that a riot of some sort has broken out. That's because the number of police officers barricading the gates was far too excessive. Earlier in the day nearly 10,000 protesters marched in the same area protesting the war. However, come evening time the protesters were extraordinarily outnumbered by armed police officers, guests, sightseers, and even venders.
As the final day of the DNC approaches, I am confident that these protesters will continue holding strong in their fight to denounce the president and the war overseas.
The Obama mania brewing from the kickoff of the Democratic National Convention is utterly unavoidable in the Mile High City this week.
At seemingly every corner venders are calling out to pedestrians to purchase their Obama merchandise, while supporters and protesters are chanting their political views. Frantic members of the press could be seen scurrying up and down Spear Street, in hopes of scoring that arena, hall, or dare to even think it - floor pass. Denver locals and members of the press alike all want to catch a glimpse, or even be part of the history being made right before them.
Many locals did whatever they could to obtain a front seat view of the organized chaos outside of the front gate. But they could go no further of course, as every nook and cranny of the Pepsi Center entrances were guarded with secret service officers draped in black from head to toe. But surprisingly, despite their cold exterior, many of them have proven to be quite friendly.
Inside the arena was a vision unimaginable to me prior to my arrival here in Denver. Delegates from every state saturated each floor and escalator, making it impossible not to find yourself in their presence. Members of the press each settled into their designated areas, eager to be the eyes and ears for the rest of the country. Sightings of big wigs like Senator John Kerry and Senator Charles Schumer seemed to be commonplace.
Nearly everyone in attendance succumbed to the excitement and adrenalin of the night itself. But even the most energetic supporter was humbled by the speech of Senator Edward Kennedy. His speech to support Barack Obama brought tears to the eyes of so many faithful Democrats, who were touched by his dedication to the party despite his ailing health.
The other key speaker of the night was none other then the next potential first lady, Michelle Obama. The publicists did not disappoint when it came to drawing in compassion and sympathy before actually bringing her out to speak. Her brother and the showing of a video report of her life both preceded her DNC debut. But no matter how touching they tried to appear, it was certainly hard to follow Senator Kennedy.
With the convention well under way, I now look ahead to the nights to come with almost uncontrollable anticipation. Although my access to credentials may not always be certain, one thing is for sure – the electrifying energy radiating from all of the DNC guests is reason enough to feel as if I am helping shape history.
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An aspiring young journalist, Samantha Manning enrolled as a student at Hofstra University in the fall of 2006, immediately declaring a major in broadcast journalism and a minor in Spanish. Samantha is an intern for Eyewitness News at WABC.
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On the Net:
Convention coverage from Eyewitness News
Barack Obama: http://www.barackobama.com
Democratic National Convention http://www.demconvention.com/
Convention videos from the DNCC http://www.demconvention.com/dncc-video/
