Who is going to be in Boston for the Democratic Convention?

[Skinner]

The admins are trying to figure out what -- if anything -- DU is going to be doing at the convention. I've gotta admit, we're totally clueless on this.

I have never been to a convention before, so I don't really know what to expect. I would like to hear from some people who've been to conventions before to give us some idea of how it works. It's clear that we're not going to be able to have any DU presence in the Fleet Center, which is the venue for the Convention. But we're wondering if perhaps we could hand out buttons or maybe host a DU party at a local bar.

If we decide to host a party, the big questions are 1) when we should do it, and 2) whether anyone is going to be there. We're competing with the convention itself, so we have a feeling people aren't going to want to go to a party when they could be watching all the events at the convention. Perhaps a happy hour would be better? Or a late-night event? I know lobbyists and politicians and other organizations often host parties, so it's clear that this sort of thing can be done. But I'd like to hear from some folks who have some experience with this sort of thing.

And, if we did have a party, would any of you come?

Also, what's the deal with getting into the convention? Presumably we couldn't go into the Fleet Center unless we could get some sort of credentials or tickets or something. Any guidance would be great.

And one last thing: We were thinking that maybe we should have some sort of DU "home base" somewhere near the convention, where members knew we could be found every day at a certain time. Maybe a hotel lobby or a bar or a coffee shop or something. Or even a parking spot with a good central location where we could put up our DU banner, play some tunes, and hang out. Anyone have any ideas?

Any help would be appreciated. We're completely clueless. :)

Thanks.

Skinner
DU Admin

[LynneSin]

1. Any chance you guys will make it up to the Republican convention

BTW, make sure you take Cutout George with you to the Democratic Convention. I'm sure he wants to go :D

[Skinner]

2. We don't know about the GOP convention yet.

Right now we're focusing on Boston. And we'll try to bring George with us.

[ed_vadem]

69. Lynne, why should they go to NYC????

are you going there instead of to Boston?????

All resources should be used to get more Democrats to join DU.

Going to NYC will just find rethuglikans and protestors, nether one of which DU needs for added membership

I will be hanging out with the VA delegation in Boston and they are in the Commonwealth Hotel near Fenway

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

81. We don't want protestors joining DU?

Why the heck not, if they're opposed to Republicans, they'll love it here...

[GCP]

3. A happy hour would be great - but please not the Peoples' Republic

in Cambridge. Matt and Will seem to like it, but it's not an easy pub to get together in, you can't sit at tables and talk, which I prefer.

BTW I'm having a DU BBQ on the 31st - about 30 miles outside Boston, all are welcome!

[billybob537]

62. I'm in Chelmsford. Where are you? n/t

[GCP]

65. Ashland, n/t

[matcom]

4. couple of things to keep in mind

if you are coming up to Boston to stay in a hotel, good luck. they are booked

half of the roads are going to be shut down.

taxis may be hard to find as they are already putting extras on the road for convention goers.

plenty of bars to have a party but best to do it outside of town (Cambridge, Newton, etc...)

not sure about the convention itself. i know protests/gatherings/etc.. will likely be FAR away from the building.

i live 20 miles west and even I am not sure i'm going into town that week.

good luck. let us know what you decide.

[stellanoir]

5. Just a thought. . .If I was so inclined. . .

I'd hang out at the Four Seasons Hotel on the night before or the first night of the convention, because I'm quite sure droves of operatives will be staying there. However, the traffic's going to be nightmarish as the officials intend on shutting down I 93 during the convention.

[meegbear]

6. Good luck ...

Bring up a map of the Fleet Center. See those roads. ALL of them will be shut down after 4pm. The main thing is to try to stay south or west of Boston to minimize traffic issues. This morning they announced they may not allow any bags or any sort on the subway system that week, so it may really get hairy.

You could try to get a place in Cambridge. There are 2 hotels near the CambridgeSide Galleria (shopping mal). This is about 1/2 mile away from the Fleet Center - Hotel Marlowe and Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston.

As for places to hang, take yer pick. The People's Republic is good, but far from the site and can be bad for parking. Most places will be Dem friendly, but getting there will be a bigger problem than finding them,

[SCDem]

7. I'll be there

I'm a delegate for South Carolina and will be in Boston Sunday the 25 the through the 30th.

A happy hour would be good... a stop before heading over to the Convention maybe. Supposedly the place to be to get in the drawing for guest passes is early in the morning (7 to 7:30amish at the Boston Copley Marriott.... it is open to everyone not just delegates and that is where they will be doing a drawing for passes). I've heard that there are not that many extra this year so it will be left to the states to distribute them out. I know SC is staying at the Marriott I don't know where all the other states are and if there are multiple drawings... you might want to call your own state democratic party and ask.

A DU hang out would be a good thing!

[geniph]

30. Yay! Another DU delegate!

I thought I was the only one! I'll be there with the Washington State delegation. Look for a small woman with red hair down to her hips - that'd be me (and I'm definitely the only one in our delegation - I think I'm the only redhead).

[SCDem]

47. I'll hope to see ya there

[geniph]

52. I'm easy to spot...

...look for the long red hair!

hope we can meet each other!

[ChickMagic]

33. I am soooo jealous!

It was my first time at state, so I learned a whole lot about campaigning for national. Maybe one day...

[SCDem]

48. This was my first time at state too

And I had no idea what a big to-do it was. But I was so lucky because in my district I am active in my county democratic party and the Deaniacs (me) are kind of trying to activate the base a little more so any way there were a lot of people there that I have begun to work with in the county democratic party and they voted for me plus I helped hand out the ballots and said when putting the ticket in their hand.... remember (my last name) at the top of your ticket! I see now why in elections they don't allow campaigning such a # of feet from the polling place.

Good luck in the future!

[ChickMagic]

58. Thanks!

I learned a whole lot watching successful campaigners. I'm involved in Election Protection, so I'm going to be meeting everyone coming out of the polling place on Election Day. Hopefully, they'll get to know me better.

Congratulations on your success! Remember me while you're there - I'll at least be there in spirit!

[Kathy in Cambridge]

8. I live in Cambridge-I may flee the city like a lot of locals

Boston is going to be a nightmare to get around in-they are even shutting down part of the subway.

There are lots of good Irish pubs that are conducive to parties and have seating for large groups. In Cambridge, there's the Field, the Druid, and the Phoenix. In Davis Sq. Somerville, there's the Burren, which has a large back room where they usually have bands on weekends.

There's also the Asgard on Mass Ave in Central Sq which has large tables and great beer.

[Loonman]

13. Asgard's Guinness is crap though

They don't clean their draught pipes at all in that place.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

27. They have good martinis-my drink of choice

;-)

[NightTrain]

9. I might be able to drive up there on a day trip...

...but anything beyond that wouldn't be financially feasible for me at this time. I can well imagine what they'd ask for a hotel room (assuming that I could find one)! :scared:

[sniffa]

10. i'LL be around

and excited to meet any DUers from outta town. i think the hue & cry over the traffic woes is overbLown. granted, i take the troLLey into work so i'm a bit biased.

[midnight armadillo]

11. I'll be working in Boston & Cambridge

BU in the morning, MIT in the afternoon. I'll be driving (I normally take the commuter rail) due to the mess of extra people on the train and the fact that I should be driving in early enough to avoid the massive traffic backups that are expected as all of 93 gets routed to 90. :grr: :mad:
Boston Beerworks has a place right around the corner from the convention center, but I suggest selecting someplace a little further away to avoid massive crowds and security. I don't know too many bars in that area, but the 21st Amendment next to the Statehouse isn't bad if memory serves, and there's a bunch near Quincy Market that might serve too. Hey, how about THE GREEN DRAGON TAVERN - the site of the planning of the American Revolution and a favorite of the Sons of Liberty :-)

:beer: :dem: :beer:

[Kathy in Cambridge]

14. Financial District Bars will probably be quiet

there are a few good ones down around Broad and Batterymarch. I also love Foley's on Kingston St behind Downtown Crossing.

[1gobluedem]

12. My mother will be there...

...as a delegate from Michigan! We're so proud of her!

[WilliamPitt]

15. HEAR YE HEAR YE

I live pretty much in downtown Boston, right near Boylston street. My place is neither big enough to host a large party, nor close enough to the convention site to serve as a good home-base. That having been said, I am planning to have parties, gatherings, what have you.

I think you'll have little luck getting into the convention itself, but a lot of the show will be outside anyway. Sad truth of modern conventions: With the platform already decided, with the candidates already nailed down, nothing much happens at conventions except women-chasing/men-chasing, drinking, eating, lather, rinse, repeat. Not saing that ain't fun, but if you're looking for democracy in the raw, it won't be seen inside the Fleet. It'll be outside.

Skinner, PM me and I will give you my telephone numbers. I think I could be helpful coordinating with you about the where's, the what's and the hows. I know this town like the back of my hand.

[outinforce]

16. Have You Thought About?

Have you been in touch with anyone at the DNC about getting some sort of recognition by the Party?

I think that given all you guys have done, and the interest that DU has sparked in the grass-roots, that the folks at the DNC might be interested in at least giving you guys a clue ot two or three.

They might be able, for instance, to suggest how to get access to the Fleed Center (I'm sure it is very difficult, so it would help to get some sort of backing from the DNC).

I don't have any names, but I do know that the DNC is located right here in DC.

Hope this helps.

[Skinner]

18. LOL

I am pretty sure that the DNC doesn't really want to have anything to do with us. If there are any DNC staffers reading this, you are welcome to chime in and explain that I am wrong. But I get the sense they don't really have much interest in being associated riff-raff like us.

[LynneSin]

19. Oh Skinner, you're not riff-raff....

Earlg is, but you're not

:loveya:

[outinforce]

22. Im Not Quite Sure

I'm not quite sure I understand why the DNC would want nothing to do with DU.

I don't think you guys (or the many folks who post here) are riff-raff at all.

I am sorry, though, if my suggestion offended you in any way.

[Skinner]

23. No, your suggestion didn't offend me at all.

I apologize if my response appeared rude. That was not my intention. I appreciate your suggestion, and perhaps I should just pick up the phone and ask for credentials.

I guess I just don't really get the sense that they want to associate with us. I do not think we are riff-raff either.

[KoKo]

67. Skinner makes a point. Here in NC we "progressive" Dems are fighting

like hell to get recognition. They don't want to know us here either. But for DNC to ignore Democratic Undergound seems the lowest. But, sadly my experience in becomeing "poltical and a precinct delegate" is that you have to do your own work to get in. They will accept you if you push but they aren't looking for you, and even when you push you gotta push hard.

Skinner I hope you pick up that phone. There's nothing better than seeing a DU banner somewhere in that convention. Kucinich has pushed his way in with his petitions, just signed one last weekend and NC Dem Convention. DU needs to get inside Fleet Hall...

Well...you probably won't see this post..maybe I should try PM'ing..

[RetroLounge]

17. Can we all crash on Will Pitt's living room floor?

RL

[sniffa]

21. it's a dirt fLoor

[WilliamPitt]

26. ...with roaches and thumbtacks everywhere

[never cry wolf]

38. Damn, just like home!

I am sooo there!

[RetroLounge]

54. No doubt. Sounds like my old place...

RL

[tavalon]

64. Perfect!

Just thumbtack the roaches down in strategic and interesting places. No more renegade thumbtacks or roaches! LOL

[Shakespeare]

20. You guys may be able to get credentials, because...

...they're giving invites to several high-profile bloggers. DU certainly qualifies as high-profile, so I'd definitely call the DNC to check into it.

[Skinner]

24. I kinda think they would have contacted us

if they had any intention of giving us credentials. We are high profile, but I get the sense that we're not the right kind of high profile.

[never cry wolf]

39. You ARE the base

Don't sell yourself short Skinner. You provide an extremely valuable service! This is the absolutely BEST place to be informed. We NEED an activist presence!

The current pukes running (ruining) our great nation are radicals, The dems need to answer with a response.

Anyway, it don't hurt to ask, does it?

[Skinner]

50. You are correct.

There is no harm in asking.

[Elidor]

60. That would be short-sighted on their part

So you're probably right, but think about it. You guys are riding the Wave: MoveOn, Dean's campaign, the ads on Atrios and others - I'd think anyone with grassroots internet experience would find some people keen on talking to them. If they turn you down, it's only a low-level staffer with no vision. It doesn't hurt to ask.

I admire humility, but you're taking it too far. You have something to contribute, even if they only want small talk. Hell, it's just a big schmaltz and schmooze. Networking. It doesn't hurt to ask.

[mopinko]

25. pinkobuttons would like to go

i just assume that it would be crazy to do. but i think that DU absolutely belongs at the convention, and you ought to contact the dnc. absolutely.

[Amaya]

28. I'd like to go

BUT I don't have a clue where to stay? Or how to get around? Any suggestions? Anyone? Clueless here.

[SarahB]

37. I have a final on the 29th, so...

I'm out unless there's something on the 30th or 31st. :(

[geniph]

29. I will be there, with the Washington delegation

I'm an alternate delegate for Washington State, and damned excited about it. You bet I'd come to a DU party! I'd think a restaurant near the Fleet Center would be the best locale.

You could probably apply for press credentials. They're also doing a special thing where they're permitting some access to bloggers. Check www.dems2004.com for information. Last resort, you could always volunteer to work the convention.

The Washington state delegation will be at the Radisson downtown. If you're going, I hope you already have your rooms reserved - damn near everything anywhere near downtown is booked solid.

I think most convention business wraps up at normal business hours, so the conventioneers can get on with the more serious business of receptions and parties. ;-)

I would LOVE to meet you folks and any other DU'ers who'll be in Boston for the Convention.

[geniph]

36. Oops, wrong URL

sorry, the official convention website is www.dems2004.org. There's information there about applying for credentials.

and on edit...oh crap, the period for applying for press credentials has passed. However, I'd still contact the convention office about possibly obtaining credentials. Failing that, talk a credentialed person into smuggling their own credential out to let you in...I've heard there's quite a brisk business in smuggled credentials. ;-)

[David Zephyr]

42. Congrats.

:toast:

[geniph]

61. Thanks!

I'm pretty jazzed about it. It was quite a coup to win the election; I'm basically an unknown, and there was some heavy competition, including long-term, well-known activists within the district. I beat out some party regulars who were very upset that a "new" person won. I had no idea how stiff the competition was going to be, or I'd never have had the guts to run in the first place.

[curse10]

31. I'd come to a party- hell, I'd host!

why spend big bucks on liquor at a bar or hotel (and you know they are going to jack up prices) when we could have more fun at someone's home and spend a lot less money!

[Ksec]

32. Let me be the first to admit I havent the slightest urge

to go there. Now if I could bypass the traffic and the hotel shortage and the booked up flights and the money it would cost ..Id be glad to go.

[Kat45]

34. I live outside Boston so I'll be in the area

But the way they're going to close roads and such, it will be extremely difficult to get into the city that week.

[sniffa]

46. mass transit

the trains are stiLL running.

[HEyHEY]

35. NOT ME!

Wish I was though

[dpbrown]

40. I'm going to Boston

I'm a national delegate for Kucinich from Minnesota.

I've never been to a national convention before, however.

The Fleet Center "hard zone" is 3.5 miles, and the subway station at the Fleet Center will be closed.

The DNC is arranging transportation to parties of some sort when convention activities complete, as I understand.

The Boston Social Forum, which will occur the weekend prior to the Convention, might be a good place to glean some more information about possibilities:
http://www.bostonsocialforum.org/news.php

Hope to see everyone in Boston, in a bar or wherever.

:toast:

Dan Brown
Saint Paul, Minnesota

[geniph]

51. Yay! DU delegate #3!

I knew I couldn't be the only one!

Congratulations, Dan! and :hi:

[dpbrown]

53. Congratulations, and see you in Boston!

:toast:

Dan Brown
Saint Paul, Minnesota

[MikeG]

41. What if you're a No. 1 Fan of the man from Tennessee?

Should you go to Boston?

[KoKo]

76. Hey Mike....one of my favorite songs...and am still a # 1 fan of that man

from Tennesee...:D

[Crewleader]

43. Now if this was only July of last year...

I would of had you all down at the beach in Cape Cod...oh darn!

You'll be in my thoughts and how wonderful for you all to be together, making some good history for democracy friends! Moving forward to change this government as we know it and be for the people!:thumbsup:

Very Proud And Be Careful!!!:hi:

[elcondor]

44. I am going to be an intern

I don't know a lot of details yet; but I know I'm going to be constantly busy except for the weekend immediately before the convention. If there's a party then and it doesn't conflict with any plans I might have, I would be happy to come!

I'm not sure what questions I can answer, Skinner, but PM me if you have any general questions about credientials. (I don't know how much you know, so I don't want to explain basics if you already know them.)

[Justice]

45. I am in Boston

My office basically looks out at the Fleet Center.

The city will be crazy. I advise some non obvious places as the hot spots will be jammed. There are some restaurants in the back bay (near will) that have private rooms if we had that many people - and they are not too pricey. Vinny Testa's is one.

[molly]

49. I would LOVE to be there

I have a couple of major issues to solve before I can say definitely. I have never been to a major convention before.

[DebJ]

55. What's the date again? We'd like to go.

[jonnyblitz]

56. I will avoid Boston like the plague that week. n/t

[LynneSin]

57. Just don't avoid NYC for the repuke convention

:P

[americanstranger]

59. TBTM will be there....

more details on that in the next week or so...

-as

[WindRavenX]

63. I might be going

Coming from Oregon is a problem...but I MIGHT go. I was assigned to transportation...

[newsguyatl]

66. i'm going to try to get in through work

and if you guys have a party, hell YES i'd come!

[ed_vadem]

68. Skinner, I have been at 5 conventions , 1 as a delegate

I think DU would be VERY welcome in Boston.

YOu just need to plan ahead and get enough contacts to vouch for you. I suspect you have plenty of them.

Yes it will cost some $$$$. Your are in the category of special interest group and there are hundreds of similar groups

You need to get hotel rooms, and some space to hang out in. Try to get a hotel with a good wifi system.

You need buttons to give out, that is you advertising vehicle to folks without a current membership.

Of course to get any type of guest passes you will need to provide ID and voter registration data to anyone who asks for it.

I will be glad to help and will work with my VA delegation.

You need to have a reception and dont be shy about charging $25-$50 but provide some snacks and beverages plus DU name tags.

I look forward to meeting the admions in person

I hope all of you come!

Ed Herlihy
Reston VA Democrat

[Sven77]

70. stay at my house

I live in worcester, about an hour away from Boston. Send me a private message if you need a place to crash. Plenty of room here in the crack house, my landlord is into the green party. All we talk about is politics. DSL and cable TV available.

[goodhue]

71. I'll be there as national delegate.

Also, plan to attend Boston Social Forum beforehand.
http://www.bostonsocialforum.org/news.php

[geniph]

82. From which state, goodhue?

DU delegate #4, hooray!

:toast:

[Ramsey]

72. I'll be there with Emily's List

I'll be there Sunday though Wednesday morning, so if you're haivng a party, please do it one of those nights!!

Can't help you with a home base, I'm at some B&B in Cambridge.

[MaineDem]

75. Hi Ramsey

:hi:

I would have liked to be there. I lost the election for delegate and now I'm glad because I'm saving the money. It was over $200 a night for the hotel room.

Have a geat time! Emily's List is fantastic!

[LeftofU]

73. Saving up for New York.

This ends now!

[JohnKleeb]

74. official I cant go

[mom cat]

77. Open Party in Jamaica Plain... The JP People's Party

July 25th from 5 to 10pm outside the Stony Brook T Station on the Ornge line (towards Forest Hills). All are welcome so come and enjoy! Come early and take in the Boston Social Forum.

[Penndems]

78. Skinner, I was at the '96 Convention in Chicago

as a Convention Aide. We were the folks who checked credentials, helped with security sweeps and escorted VIPs. (I still have my laminated map of the United Center and three-day credentials! ;))

Everything is, needless to say, coordinated by the DNC. DU would have to check with them regarding any staff credentials. They won't let ANYONE IN who doesn't have their papers in order.

You can expect about 30,000 people to be in Boston (the size of a small city), and 15,000 of them will be press. The makeup of the other 15,000 includes delegates (of course!), vendors (buttons, tee shirts, souvenirs, etc.), security (including police officers), convention aides, staffers, caterers, wait staff (for VIPs) and telecommunications personnel. Security is going to be extra-tight this year, so getting into the Fleet Center without the proper creds will be impossible.

As far as hotel and party rooms: These need to be booked WELL IN ADVANCE. The delegates have already started booking their rooms (and, if not, they should be). The DNC notifies them as to which hotel each state's delegates are assigned to. Every hotel in the Boston area will be sold out, so the sooner the DU staff gets their reservations in, the better. Ditto for the party -- reserve the room NOW. As far as notifying folks about the DU shindig, the best way would be to post the time, date and location here on DU (obviously, LOL!) or make up flyers for distribution to each state delegation.

The atmosphere at the convention will be chaotic. It's like being at a family reunion where all your relatives are Democrats. The press is all over the place, interviewing delegates. There are parties and hospitality suites in every hotel. Special interests groups will also have parties for the delegates (the tobacco industry had a HUGE get-together for the Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia contingencies). Each state has its own hospitality suite, where delegates can stop, catch their breath, grab a bite, and schmooze with their state party officials, their state elected officials and, quite possibly, Senator Kerry and his pick for Veep. It's an extremely exciting experience overall!

The daytime hours are when the nuts-and-bolts of the Democratic Party platform are hammered out and the parliamentary procedures take place. The viewing public doesn't see this on television because, quite frankly, it's not that exciting, but it's actually what the convention's about (besides nominating the candidates). The "planks" that make up the Democratic Party platform are introduced by the DNC hierarchy and voted on by the delegates. During prime time is when the keynote speaker gives his/her address the first night, and various other Democratic Party "stars" give the nomination speeches on the second and third nights. The second night is also when the nomination roll call of states is undertaken by the Secretary of the DNC. (CSPAN covers the conventions gavel-to-gavel; the networks broadcast only during prime time.)

The host state and Presidential nominees' delegations are front and center on the convention floor (Massachusetts in both instances), as well as the Veep nominee's home state delegation. All other delegations are usually determined by the number of delegates (say, California and New York) and by states who have Democratic governors (Pennsylvania, Arizona, Michigan and Virginia, for instance).

Overall, it's an experience no one who attends will EVER forget. I know I'll miss seeing and talking to JFK, Jr. there, as I did in Chicago in 1996. :(

(on edit: typo)

[Scooter24]

79. Skinner...

If you need any help organizing a party or reception, don't hesitate to ask. I have organized many large parties at various venues from back yards to ballrooms and nightclubs, so I do have a pretty good understanding of the logistics involved. Email me if you have any questions...

[MissMillie]

80. I would love to be part of a DU party

I'm in MA and would love to get together with other DUers during the convention.

Maybe we could reserve a function room at some restaurant or bar and ask them to provide us w/ a TV.

I think it would be wise to stay out of Boston proper though.