Roll Call Audio

Wednesday's roll call vote was one for the history books.  Below is an audio piece that takes you to the Convention floor during the voting.  This is when Barack Obama was officially named as the Democratic Presidential nominee.  Click below for the story.

Roll Call Piece

- Mallory Thompson

Post-Convention

We're a little behind with some of our pieces, simply because there are only two of us and only 24 hours in a day!  Make sure to check back over the next few days for audio and video from Wednesday and Thursday.

History

A visual spectacle in Denver, Colorado as upwards of 80,000 supporters, delegates, and member of the press pack Invesco Field to witness history as Senator Barack Obama becomes the first African-American to accept the nomination of a major political party.

The move, designed to compliment the democratic ideal of transparency in government and rally support behind Obama, came after three days of events at the Pepsi Center, which is just yards from the football stadium.

The agenda kicked off at about 3pm local time and continued until 8pm when Senator Obama took the stage. Speakers included Former Vice President Al Gore, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, and DNC Chairman Howard Dean. Civil Rights icon John Lewis and Martin Luther King Jr. III spoke as it is the 45th Anniversary of the March on Washington and Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream Speech." Musical performances from Stevie Wonder and Cheryl Crow, fired up the crowd throughout the day. John Legend and Will.i.am performed a live rendition of the now iconic "Yes We Can" song, made famous by an internet video.

With just 68 days until the election Senator Obama went after John McCain and the Republican Party throughout his speech. Topics covered included national security, energy independence, and social justice. Senator Obama drew distinctions between himself and the Arizona Senator while claiming they could find common ground in policy.

Obama spoke as flashbulbs popped around the three-tiered stadium and supporters waved American flags and held "Change" signs. Journalists like Campbell Brown, and Roland Martin from CNN had their own cameras and captured the moment. Following the address streamers and confetti rained down from the sky as the Obama family, and Vice Presidential candidate Senator Joe Biden and his family appeared.

More coverage to follow including audio and video. Check back soon.

- Jesse Regis

Change is in the Air

[caption id="attachment_451" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Invesco Field as guest start arriving for tonight"][/caption]

Tonight is Barack Obama night here in Denver and we just arrived at Invesco Field.  The lines of people are streched all around the stadium, but luckily our press passes allowed us to zip right by.  We're seated in section 133, about 100 yards from the podium.  Because the Broncos colors are red and blue, the stadium looks very natural for a huge political rally.  The stage is surrounded by columns and blue draping.  While events don't start until 3pm Moutain time, people are beginning to pour into the stadium. 

Tonight, we'll see (in order of apperance) Olympian Shawn Johnson, actress and singer Jennifer Hudson, Howard Dean, Gov. Bill Richardson, Sherryl Crowe, will.i.am, Gov. Tim Kaine, Stevie Wonder, former Vice President Al Core, Micheal McDonald, Susan Eisenhower, Sen. Dick Durbin and of course, Barack Obama.

Today is the 45th anniversary of the March on Washington, when Martin Luther King Jr. made his famour"I Have A Dream" speech.  There will be a tribute tonight, with his son, Martin Luther King III, daughter Rev. Bernice King and Rep. John Lewis of Georgia.

One question remains....is Bruce Springsteen coming?  He's a favorite of Barack Obama's and Springsteen's "The Rising" is played constantly on the campaign trail.  The Rocky Mountain News said they have confirmation that he will perform an acoustic set, however, Springsteen's publicist says the rumours are false.  We'll just have to wait and see. 

Obama's speech is tentatively scheduled for 8pm, Mountain time.  Although we have limited Internet access, we'll do our best to bring updates.

- Mallory Thompson

Where was Fenty?

[caption id="attachment_445" align="alignleft" width="276" caption="Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton announces the delegation's vote"][/caption]

When the District of Columbia cast their vote last night, Mayor Fenty was nowhere to be found.  As head of the D.C. Delegation, he had the role of announcing the vote total to the entire convention.  According to the DCist, the mayor showed up ten minutes after D.C.'s roll call. 

Instead of Fenty, Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton made the improptu speech - calling on conventioners to support the D.C. voting rights effort and announcing 33 votes for Barack Obama and 6 votes for Hillary Clinton.  The mayor has been absent for much of the convention, leaving to open schools in the District earlier this week. He is also staying in a separate hotel from his delegation.

To hear full audio from D.C.'s roll call, click below.

D.C.'s Roll Call

- Mallory Thompson

It's Official !!!

 Barack Obama is the official Nominee of the Democratic Party for

President of the United States of America

[caption id="attachment_428" align="alignnone" width="491" caption="Photo by Mallory Thompson"][/caption]

Just moments ago, Hillary Clinton proposed a suspension of the rules, which was seconded overwhelmingly and passed. Senator Barack Obama is now the official nominee of the Democratic Party. WRGW was on the floor just steps away from the New York Delegation when Clinton appeared and made the proposal.

As the nominee, Obama was offered the opportunity to make an acceptance speech.  House Speaker Nancy Pelosi annouced that Senator Obama accepted.  Tomorrow an estimated 80,000 people will pack nearby Invesco Field to witness the most significant speech by a Democratic nominee in nearly 50 years.

- Jesse Regis

Convention Day Three Preview

[caption id="attachment_418" align="alignright" width="300" caption="D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty rallies those gathered for the protest at the Denver Mint"][/caption]

Jesse and I have just arrived at the Pepsi Center and are getting settled into our press filing center for tonight's proceedings.  Today brings one of the most important parts of the convention - roll call.  In just a few hours, the question of party unity will be pushed to the forefront.  Will Hillary supporters actually support Barack Obama?  Hillary told conventioners last night, "No way.  No how.  No McCain."   Most Hillary delegates we have spoken withthis week believe that for the sake of the party, Obama is the only choice.  But, it will be clear when Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi calls for the vote - around 4pm Mountain time.

Later in the evening, we'll hear from Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Harry Reid, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Senator Evan Bayh, Senator Jack Reed, the Honorable Tom Daschle, former President Bill Clinton, Senator John Kerry, Governor Bill Richardson, and Vice Presidential nominee Joe Biden.  Tonight's performance is by Melissa Etheridge. 

This morning was jam packed with events.  We attended the Virginia delegation breakfast where we heard speeches by Virgina Governor Tim Kaine and former DNC Chairman and Chair of the Hillary for President committee Terry McAuliffe.  Mark Warner, the former Virgina Governor and keynote speaker from last night, also dropped in to say hello to delegates.  Warner is actually a GW alumni.  He graduated from GW in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts in political science (and a 4.0 GPA!)

Then, we headed to the D.C. Delegation's rally at the Denver Mint.  The idea for a rally at the mint stems from a decision earlier in the year where the mint rejected D.C.'s plans for a quarter when they included the phrase, "Taxation Without Representation."  

Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton was joined by Mayor Adrian Fenty, members of the D.C. Council and vote supporters from the District and across the country.  Short speeches were made over a megaphone.  The excitement ran high as cars honked their horns in support and cries of "No Taxation, Without Representation" rang out.  The crowd, including delegates, DC Vote supporters and even a Lincoln look-a-like, marched back to their hotel, stopping traffic and garnering a lot of attention. 

- Mallory Thompson

Day 2 - DNC Video Recap

Among the most anticipated events of the election season occurred last night when Senator Hillary Clinton took the stage. The one-time White House hopeful was given the task of uniting the party after a primary that tested the endurance, and tolerance of the American electorate. Within the first few minutes of her speech she declared her unconditional support for Senator Obama, putting some rumors to rest that she was still harboring resentment towards the junior Senator from Illinois. At the same time she thanked the 18 million people who cast their ballot for her, implying that it moved America one step closer towards gender equality.

Former Virginia Governor, presidential candidate, senatorial hopeful, and GW alum Mark Warner took the stage last night for the keynote address, the same slot that thrust Senator Barack Obama into the national spotlight when he gave it at the 2004 convention. He spoke of his roots in business and on the economic conditions of the country. Tying John McCain to George W. Bush, he declared that America cannot move forward with leadership that is "stuck in the past."

While Warner has held political office before he is perceived as the future of the Democratic Party. The fact that he is from Virginia, where Democrats hope to win in November, may have played into the decision to give Warner the keynote spot. He is also considered a contender for the 2012 Presidential race.

- Jesse Regis

Interview on the Floor: Michael Ray Huerta

[caption id="attachment_410" align="alignright" width="194" caption="Delegate Michael Ray Huerta is ready for Hillary"][/caption]

While we were wandering the floor last night, right before keynote former Virgina Governor Mark Warner gave his keynote speech, we bumped into New Mexico Delegate and GW student Michael Ray Huerta.  A former  College Republican, turned Hillary supporter, Michael was hoping Hilliary's speech last night would begin the closure process.  We'll be catching up with him later in the week for an in-depth look at what it means to be a delegate at the convention.  Check out last night's interview below.

Floor Interview with Michael Ray Huerta

- Mallory Thompson

Demanding the Vote

[caption id="attachment_402" align="alignright" width="181" caption="The District of Columbia delegation"][/caption]

Washington D.C.'s delegation brought their biggest issue at home to the floor of the DNC today.  Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton spoke this afternoon about the District's lack of a vote in Congress.  Tomorrow, they've planned a protest, in conjunction with D.C. Vote, at the Denver Mint.  The protest is in response to the mint rejecting the proposed flip side of the D.C. quarter, which included the slogan, "Taxation Without Representation."  D.C.'s quarter will now feature city planner Benjamen Banneker.  We'll bring you protest coverage tomorrow.

Below is an excerpt from Del. Norton's address to the delegates. 

Delegate Norton addresses the DNC

While on stage, Del. Norton shared with her colleagues a video produced by D.C. Vote. 

- Mallory Thompson

Day One at the DNC: Audio Version

[caption id="attachment_398" align="alignleft" width="286" caption="Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife made an appearance on Monday night."][/caption]

The first day of the Democratic Convention gave all those gathered in Denver a little taste of what the week has in store.  From a surprise speech by Senator Ted Kennedy to a short video chat with future nominee Barack Obama, Monday night's events kept the delegates on the edge of their seats.  Check out some of the highlights below!

DNC Night One 

- Mallory Thompson

Day 1 - DNC Recap

Standing alongside her two children and live via satellite husband, Michelle Obama brought the Day 1 festivities to a close. Her speech, designed to introduce her husband to the nation, was humanizing with its theme of family values. It also held a political message by acknowledging the remarkable achievement of Senator Hillary Clinton in a night meant to bring the still divided party together after a bitter primary season. WRGW was on the floor for much of the night that also saw appearances from Senator Ted Kennedy and Former President Jimmy Carter. 

                       - Jesse Regis

Morning Update

[caption id="attachment_389" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Monday night at the Pepsi Center"][/caption]

First of all, thanks to all of you who are following our coverage while we're out here in Denver! 

Right now, Jesse and I are sitting in the Convention Center in downtown Denver.  We're interviewing some GW students this morning before heading to the Pepsi Center a little early.  Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton speaks this afternoon, so we didn't want to miss it.  While we're there, we'll be uploading lots of coverage from last night.

Check back soon!

- Mallory Thompson

Ted Kennedy is IN the Building!

[caption id="attachment_384" align="alignright" width="300" caption="We were almost the only ones to see him arrive!"][/caption]

Jesse and I are at the Pepsi Center for the first night of the DNC.  Right now a video tribute to Senator Ted Kennedy is playing.  We were lucky to grab a couple of rotating floor passes right when we got to the media filing center.  As we were walking past an entrance, they tightened security.  A motercade was there, and who steps out?  Senator Ted Kennedy.  Whether or not he'll speak is still unknown, but he's definitely here!

UPDATE:  Senator Kennedy is speaking now.  He says, "I promise you that next January I will be there."

UPDATE 2:  Sen. Kennedy exits the DNC stage to a recording of "Still the One" by Orleans.

- Mallory Thompson

A quick update...

While Jesse is in the Apple Store getting his computer fixed, I thought I'd give you a bit of background information on the convention and tonight's speakers.

After getting credentials this morning, Jesse and I did a little bit of sightseeing and familiarizing ourselves with downtown Denver.  First we headed to Denver's state capitol, which looks a little bit like DC's dome.  From the step that say "one mile above sea level," you can look out to a park area that is somewhat reminiscent of our national mall. 

As we were leaving the downtown area, protesters were beginning to pour into the designated protest areas.  Yesterday, the reports were for massive protests - with tens of thousands of people - but estimates of turnout were closer to tens of hundreds.  Police are definitely evident all over the downtown area, whether dressed in full riot gear or helping give directions to lost visitors. 

Tonight's event at the Pepsi Center will serve as an opening to the convention week.  The theme, One Nation, will focus on Obama’s life story and his commitment to change.   John Legend will be performing between the convention proceedings and the main speakers.  Tonight's speakers include:  The Honorable Jesse Jackson, Jr., Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg, The Honorable Claire McCaskill, Craig Robinson (the older brother of Michelle Obama), Michelle Obama, Kansas Governor and Vice Presidential hopeful Kathleen Sebelius and a benediction by Don Miller (the author of Christian bestseller, Blue Like Jazz).

- Mallory Thompson

Monday, Monday so good to me.....

Monday Monday, it was all I hoped it would be
Oh Monday morning, Monday morning couldn't guarantee
That Monday evening you would still be here with me.

[caption id="attachment_376" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Delegate Norton at DC's morning breakfast"][/caption]

90 degrees with sunny skies in Downtown Denver. We rose today with the sun, having tossed and turned all night in anticipation of Day 1of the DNC. The mornings are an ideal time to meet up with the newsmakers out here as they are open to the press. This morning, a brief stop to the D.C. delegation breakfast led us to an interview with D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, the would-be congresswoman from the District should it have the right to vote in congress. She spoke to WRGW about the importance of the youth vote, and also briefed us about demonstrations later this week to protest D.C.'s "Taxation Without Representation." We'll have the interview available later in the day.

Currently your fearless reporters are in the Hampton Inn in Downtown sipping coffee along side national

[caption id="attachment_378" align="alignright" width="284" caption="The most coveted item in Denver right now"][/caption]

reporters, having just picked up our credentials, which makes us officially a part of the festivities out here. It was also a major ego boost. Later on today we hope to have a meeting with members of the GW College Democrats, but not before a quick trip to the Apple store downtown. So from me a quick shout out to everyone who says that Apple computers don't crash is in order.

By this afternoon we'll be gamboling through the halls of the Pepsi Center in anticipation of Michelle Obama's address to the nation. Stay tuned.

- Jesse Regis

Denver or BUST!

Jesse and I left DC this morning headed to Denver, probably along with every politically minded and media type in the District.  After a short stop in Houston at George Bush International Airport (which brought loads of comments from the Democratic delegates on our flight), we made it to the Mile High City.  We're staying a little outside of Denver since every hotel in the city was booked long before we even knew WRGW had been credentialed...Although we did get free delicious cookies!  Our shuttle driver recommended we eat dinner at Joe's Crab Shack, visit unsinkable Molly Brown's haunted house, and used phrases like "cotton-pickin'."  Not quite what we were looking for, but entertaining nevertheless. 

Tomorrow we'll have lots of real news for all of you.  A preview for the week...we'll be covering the DC delegation while they protest not having a vote and hopefully track down Mayor Fenty.  We'll be meeting up with lots of GW's College Dems who are in Denver for their annual conference.  We're going to spend some time with a GW student who is a delegate for New Mexico.  And of course, we'll have all the action from the Pepsi Center and at Invesco Field when Barack Obama accepts the party's nomination. 

 Stay tuned for updates!

  - Mallory Thompson

Pre-Convention Briefs

We're less than a week until convention time!  Jesse Regis and myself will be in Denver from August 24th until 29th covering the Democratic Convention and going behind the scenes.  We'll have interviews from delegates, volunteers and of course, a few surprises along the way!

But for now, a few headlines from GW and the metro area over the past two weeks:

• We're mid-Olympics and that means it's time for an Olympic Update of sorts.  Unless you've been living under a rock, you probably know that Olympian Micheal Phelps lives in nearby Baltimore County.  Phelps's history making eight gold medals call for celebration and Baltimore has plans in the works.  The "Phelpstival" could be held over the Labor Day weekend, but no official date has been set.  Marjorie Hampson with the county communications office says they originally envisioned a parade around the county seat that could end at Towson University's more than 11,000-seat Johnny Unitas Stadium, just a few miles from where Phelps grew up in Rodgers Forge. But now she says they're not sure that venue is big enough to contain the crowds who will want to come out to see Phelps.  If you're looking for something to do when you get back on campus, a trip to the Phelpstival might be a good idea.


• Former GW women's basketball players Elisa Aguilar '00 and Anna Montaňana '05 have been representing Spain in the Beijing Olympics. They have helped the team advance to the elimination stage of the 2008 Olympic Games after finishing preliminary round play with a 3-2 record.  According to a GWsports.com press release, Montañana leads Spain and ranks in the top 7 among all players in the Olympics in scoring (14.8 ppg), field goal percentage (51.7 FG%) and steals (2.6 spg) through the five-game preliminary round. She scored 20 points on 9-of-12 shooting in a 74-55 victory over Czech Republic on Aug. 13, and had 13 points, nine rebounds, six steals and four assists in a 79-47 triumph over Mali Sunday.  Aguilar has averaged 5.4 points and 25.8 minutes in five games. She scored eight points in victories against Czech Republic and Mali and in a 67-64 loss to host China on Aug. 9.  Spain plays Russia in a quarterfinal matchup today, with the winner likely to face the United States in the semifinals Thursday, Aug. 21.  The medal games take place Saturday, Aug. 23.


• One more Olympic note - 28 GW graduate students are in attendance at the 2008 games along with their professor, Lisa Delpy Neirotti.  As an associate professor of tourism and sports management, Deply Neirotti has attended 14 consecutive Olympics and this will be the ninth time she has included students to learn about the latest sports marketing and business ideas.  The students will collect survey from spectaors on their spending habits and feelings on customer service.  Delpy Neirotti has attended 14 consecutive Olympics, and this will be the ninth time she has included students.  "The Olympics is a testing ground for new ways of marketing. Students also have the opportunity to meet a lot of key people for future jobs, and it's a great chance for both education and networking," she says.


• If you're living off campus next year, DC's Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs has lots of advice for you.  Their new Collegiate Off-Campus Housing Initiative has a great new blog:  http://thisshouldbeillegal.com  It will help college students in DC know if they're being rented to legally.


• According to the Hatchet, the EMeRG ambulance is finally certified!  GW started the certification process in 1999 and after much red tape, the process is complete.  The ambulance was purchased in 2006 for $7,000 and remained parked on the Virgina campus and next to the Marvin Center.  University Police Chief Deloris Stafford said that the service will be provided free of charge.  This could save hospitalized students anywhere from $500 to $800 if the ride wasn't already covered by their insurance compay.  Also in EMeRG news - their new headquarters will be located in the top floor of the former home of DJ's Fastbreak.


• The AP reported on the Amethyst Initiative, a movement to lower the legal drinking age from 21 to 18.  Over 100 college presidents have joined the movement, saying that a higher drinking age creates a dangerous climate of secretive binge drinking.  Knapp's name isn't on the list, but two local college are represented.  C.D. Mote, Jr., the president of the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University president William Brody have both signed on as a supporters.


• Construction at the CVS is 2000 Penn is scheduled to start soon, depsite the business not opening until February, according to the Hatchet.  The new CVS will be the fifth CVS within a three block radius of campus. 

-Mallory Thompson

Welcome!

We've switched sites on you, so welcome to our new home!  Wordpress offers us much more flexibility, so change your bookmarks.  We'll be putting up lots of our content from last year that Blogger couldn't upload.

Also, we're counting down the days before heading to Denver for the Democratic National Convention.  We're leaving August 24th, so be on the lookout for lots of updates and features!

Happy August!

If you've ever been in DC during the month of August, you know how slow things can be.  Congress leaves town which means the city practically comes to a standstill. Not to mention, it's unbearably hot and muggy and you're forced to fight tourists right and left. So, in honor of the first day of the worst month for Washingtonians, some important (and not so important) campus updates.

• In case you missed it, WRGW is going to the Democratic National Convention in Denver. We'll be going on August 24th and returning on August 29th, so be sure to check back for event coverage during that week!

• President Knapp should be living on campus by the time the fall semester begins. According to University spokesperson Tracy Shario, Knapp's house will be ready by mid-August. If you haven't seen it lately, the old Alumni house has been extended and a large new bay window has been installed. An open house is scheduled for October.

• Restaurant week is almost here! What's that, you ask? Twice a year, DC restaurants, that on a student's budget you probably couldn't afford, offer three course meals for $20.08 for lunch and $35.08 for dinner. Make your reservations now, because the more popular restaurants book-up quickly.

• Cmail is a thing of the past. Welcome GWmail! To switch your email address to the new google-based GWmail, log on to my.gwu.edu and click on the mail option on the left side of your screen. Make sure to update all of your listings because email addresses now end with an @gwmail.gwu.edu. Cmail will forward your email for 6 months, but after that, messages with your old address will be bounced back. Now you can enjoy GChatting with the entire GW community.

• In honor of the summer Olympics, the Vern is sponsoring a sports themed summer film festival. On the Mount Vernon Quad (Eckles Library is the rain location) Remember the Titans will be shown on Wednesday, August 6, at 8:30pm and A Leauge of Their Own will be shown on August 13 at 8pm. On Wednesday, August 20, come to the Mount Vernon pool to cool off with Cool Runnings at 8:30pm.

• August also means that it's almost college football season! Now I know we don't get riled up about these things at GW (especially since we don't have a team), but for those of you who follow it, DC might be turning into a football town. According to a Washington Post article, DC will host the 9th ranked ACC team against Navy at Nationals Park. The inaugural Congressional Bowl will be held on December 20th. There's only one catch - there has to be nine eligible teams in the ACC. Last season, only eight of the twelve teams qualified. Regulations state that teams must win at least six games to be eligible for a bowl game. Fingers crossed!

• If you're stuck in DC this month, there is at least some good news! The District will offer buyers an exemption from the 5.75 percent sales tax for school supplies, clothing, shoes, and accessory items costing $100 or less. The Sales Tax holiday will begin on Saturday, August 2, through Sunday, August 10. A second tax holiday will be in November, beginning the weekend following Thanksgiving.

• UPD is celebrating "National Night Out" with food, music, and the opportunity for community members to speak with police officials from the university and MPD. The 25th annual "National Night Out" is a drug and crime prevention event designed to heighten awareness and strengthen neighborhood spirit. The event will be held on Tuesday, August 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. on the corner of 22nd and F Streets.

• The Princeton Review's annual survey was released this week and GW made four separate lists. As you might recall, GW had the distinction of being the "most politically active" school last year, but American University took over the top slot this year. GW was bumped to second place. As for the other lists, GW placed third in "great college towns," sixth in "dorms like palaces" (although students living in Thurston might disagree!), and 20th in "happiest students."

• Starting today, a local community college is banning tobacco anywhere on campus -- inside or outside. Montgomery College is one of more than 130 campuses nationwide that have gone smoke-free, according to the Washington Post. These schools are most commonly medical schools and community colleges. Montgomery College is the first college in the area to ban tobacco on campus. Most local universities, like GW, do not allow smoking in buildings, including dorms, and require smokers to stand a certain distance from entrances. In 2006, law professor John Banzhaf attempted to eliminate outdoor smoking at GW, but the school just enacted stricter outdoor smoking rules. Banzhaf told the Washington Post that he believes, "Almost certainly within five years, virtually all college campuses will be smoke-free."

- Mallory Thompson