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August 25, 2008
The DNC: A Hairy Place to Be
Posted: 04:46 PM ET
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Howard Dean, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, opens the Democratic National Convention in Denver today.
Howard Dean, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, opens the Democratic National Convention in Denver today.

Jack Gray
AC360° Associate Producer

To borrow from an old line: There is nothing like a calm afternoon in Denver. And this is nothing like a calm afternoon in Denver. Like moths to a flame, delegates, politicians, journalists and demonstrators have descended on the Colorado capital in full force. Inside the fortified security perimeter, on the second floor of the CNN Grill, which I’m sure you’ve seen by now, Anderson and our team are preparing for this evening’s coverage. We’re focused on two key events: ailing Senator Edward Kennedy’s tentative, highly anticipated, appearance—a guaranteed DNC showstopper if there ever was one—and Michelle Obama’s speech. And in between research, discussion and eating granola bars we ponder whether angry Hillary Clinton supporters will attempt to bring the convention to its knees through procedural chaos later in the week.

Meantime, as we await the opening gavel, the scene inside and outside of the Pepsi Center is anything but dull. The Secret Service, as well as state and local police are everywhere. And they mean business. I’ve already been screamed at once, but I won’t bore you with that story. Frantic DNC staff and volunteers buzz about like they’ve had too much Sudafed. Delegates mob Anderson wherever we go. I try to wave them away, telling them that Wolf Blitzer is down the hall letting the Florida delegation braid his beard, but they are undeterred. Sam Donaldson and his hair walk by, presumably to interview Joe Biden and his hair. Ah, good times. And it’s only day one.

2 Comments
2 Comments
Annie Kate   August 25th, 2008 10:21 pm ET

Jack

So the delegates are mobbing Anderson? That’s funny – I wonder who they will mob more this week – Anderson or Obama? I just finished watching Senator Kennedy’s speech – it was a great moment. (Yes, I am a diehard Kennedy supporter and would mob them rather than Anderson). So far, Day one is great. I hope all the days are this exciting.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

shatika   August 26th, 2008 5:15 am ET

Last night was a 5 STAR, 2 THUMBS UP!! Victory for the Obama camp.
On probably every hair of strength he had Mr. Kennedy stood in front of a crowd of thousands and poured his heart out for what/who he believes in.
My father had the exact same cancer that he has and I can assure you that it took strength and determination for him to give what he gave.
The american people will probably never see another REAL, Honest, Heart felt delivery and close in DNC history; for to have it follwed up by Mrs. Obama’s genuine, down to earth, back bone speech, gave me chills. I only wish my father were alive to see all that has taken place in our great country with our great people. Last night allowed me to continue to keep on hoping.
Thanks ANDERSON.
You’re the bomb!! you’re cute..plus you’re
a VANDERBILT!!!
TIKA” IN TENNESSEE

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