AirTalk Blog

Reaction To Biden And Clinton Speeches; The Wrecking Crew

Thursday is the final day that AirTalk broadcasts live from the Democratic Convention in Denver. Larry will provide analysis of the speeches by Senator Joe Biden and former President Bill Clinton. Then, he will talk about the African American vote in this historic election, and how significant is the youth vote?

Then, Thomas Frank wrote “What’s the Matter with Kansas,” and in his new book, he excoriates an administration that has turned public policy and government responsibilities into a private sector bidding war. He joins Patt Morrison to talk about “The Wrecking Crew.”

From Kitty Felde: Reporter’s Notebook: Wed night

I’ve covered a lot of Conventions. I’ve covered a lot of protests. By comparison, Denver has been extremely low key and quiet. There have been arrests — about a hundred mostly young people were arrested on Monday night outside the hotel that houses the California delegation. It was unclear exactly what they wanted. One young man who participated in the protest said it was “organic.”

But Wednesday night, more than a thousand people marched to the Pepsi Center to protest the war organized by Iraq Veterans Against the War. Most had attended the free Rage Against the Machine concert earlier in the afternoon. Most were under 30. They carried signs reading, “Fund Them Home” and bright orange tee shirts and bandanas reading “Guantanamo Cell Tour.” A bike group joined the protest, chanting “Less Oil, More Bikes” as they rode down Blake Street. The Denver Police wasted no time, arriving on horseback, bicycle, and marching down the street in riot gear to block the entrance to the Pepsi Center. The city of Denver received 50 million dollars for security. Much of it has gone for overtime. But you can also spot the brand new riot gear — shin and knee guards that look like Star Wars costumes and minivans with running boards where a dozen or so police ride hanging on the outside of the car. I asked some of the protestors what they wanted. “For all the troops to come home. Now.” They weren’t satisfied with the Democratic Nominee Barack Obama’s promise to bring the troops home. And they also wanted all troops out of Afghanistan. And worried about possible war with Iraq. The demonstration was peaceful.

Denver Riot Police (Photo: Kitty Felde)

There were also several dozen protestors outside the hotel where Barack Obama is rumored to be staying. They lined the sidewalk, using chalk to write anti-abortion messages.

Anti-Abortion Protestors (Photo: Kitty Felde)

Meanwhile, inside the Pepsi Center, the funny hats and silly souvenirs are starting to sprout.

New York Delegates (Photo: Kitty Felde)

And finally, the heat seems to be lifting, leaving Denver with a beautiful sunset to end the day.

Denver Sunset (Photo: Kitty Felde)

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• August 27, 2008 4:56 PM by Jackie Oclaray
• Comments (9)
• Categories: Politics/Public Affairs