Destination Denver

by Mary F. Patel

The lines at the airport were out the door and down the block at 6 a.m. Sunday morning, as local delegates lined up in front of Frontier Airlines to head off for the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

U.S. Congressman Chaka Fattah , in line with his wife, Channel 10 news anchor Re n ee Chenault-Fattah , and their family, apparently decided that waiting in line was not an option, so after conferring with airport police, he and the family were escorted to the front of the line and checked in. Pays to be a congressman, right?

Nina Tinari Gov. Ed Rendell and Mary Ellen Balchunis of La Salle (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION)

Downtown Denver, pretty as it is, was a zoo, with protesters lining the streets of the 16th Street Mall and SWAT teams in attendance. The protesters focused on the war, and most carried makeshift signs, and banged on drums, pots and pans while chanting. Occasionally some would try to block the mall buses. When they did, the SWAT teams would react quickly, hauling demonstrators into vans.

Onlookers were amused. "I'm so glad to see young people involved in politics," observed one elderly woman who was a DNC volunteer.

Downtown hotels in Denver had been booked for various state delegations a year in advance, and many delegations, including the Pennsylvania one, had to be housed in offshoot hotels miles away. Although there's a light rail that runs from the boondocks into downtown Denver and the Pepsi Center, where the convention is being held, and buses transported delegates from functions to the hotels, some delegates complained profusely about disorganization. It's no secret that the DNC has some financial problems, and the speculation was that Denver came cheap to the party. But that was little comfort to delegates who had to shell out big bucks for cabs when there weren't enough buses Sunday evening.

That night the state of Colorado hosted a big opening party at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre for four state delegations, including Pennsylvania's. Delegates were treated to top-shelf booze at numerous bars and a western barbecue. (It was interesting to note that the party, which was focused on green issues and the environment, was sponsored by a gas company.) Opening act was Sheryl Crow , followed by long speeches from Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter and Robert Kennedy Jr . The closing act was the Dave Matthews Band . After the reception, guests poured into the stadium and enjoyed a spectacular view of the sun setting on red rocks.

Barely awake and coherent, the Pennsylvania delegates convened Monday morning at 7 a.m. at a far-flung Marriott, where most were housed. Breakfast was provided by another corporate sponsor, and Gov. Ed Rendell provided inspirational remarks.

"Forget all about Hillary Clinton ," said Rendell. "We must focus on Barack Obama ."

It was an interesting thing for the governor to say, after his comments Sunday night at a broadcast media tribute to the late Tim Russert . Rendell, who is a frequent guest on CNN, Fox and MSNBC, apparently grew testy over the Hillary Clinton issue, saying the senator had not been treated fairly by the press. The Drudge Report had a field day with his comments in the morning.

The state delegation included numerous elected officials: U.S. Sen. Bob Casey , who spoke at the breakfast (and had to ask the room to be quiet), District Attorney Lynne Abraham , state Auditor General Jack Wagner , city Register of Wills Ron Donatucci , state Rep. Dwight Evans and Mayor Michael Nutter , just to name a few.

Other high-profile delegates included NAACP local President Jerry Mondesire , Nelson Diaz , former Mayor John Street and Councilwoman Marian Tasco , whom Rendell appointed as transportation secretary for the convention.

By 9 a.m. the breakfast was over and delegates had the option of waiting for the 11 a.m. buses, or taking light rail.

The opening day of the convention was packed with activities. One key event was the National Organization of Women and Feminist Majority's EqualiTea, in celebration of Women's Equality Day. The tea featured U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer .

Stonewall, the LGBTQ group, hosted a tea at the Pinnacle Club celebrating diversity and honoring Penn law professor Tobias Wolff . The group had just concluded its annual convention in Denver. The focus was on persuading attendees to work on electing Obama, since many had been Clinton fans. Equality Forum executive director Malcolm Lazin and Democratic fundraiser Marty Sellers dropped in.

Later in the afternoon, Pennsylvania delegates were treated to a cocktail reception and an early dinner at Osteria Marco paid for by Tyco.

This was a good stop, as most were on their way to the Pepsi Center for opening night where the high-profile speakers for the evening were House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , Sen. Ted Kennedy and Michelle Obama .

Wine was heavily circulated and pizzas were in great demand as delegates streamed in.

On the scene was former state Senate candidate Joe Vignola and his son Joe , and — never one to miss a good party — Tom Knox and his wife Linda . Knox said his political consultant, Joe Trippi , was also in Denver. He added that he is gearing up for his '09 run for governor, and said he's prepared to spend double the $11 million he spent last year when he ran unsuccessfully for mayor.

At the Pepsi Center, lines and security checkpoints were not that long, but prime seats were not plentiful for non-delegates, and many had to sit behind the stage or in the nosebleed sections. This made for more complaints about disorganization.

The club level on the second floor was, however, a good place to spot celebrities (who really have little impact on electoral outcomes, but like to come soak up the limelight anyway). Philadelphia Gay News publisher Mark Segal approached Maria Shriver , who was preparing for her uncle Ted Kennedy's tribute.

Segal asked for Shriver's thoughts on gay marriage, and she told him she supports it. Her husband, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger , supports civil unions only. Segal also saw director Spike Lee and asked him the same question. Lee gave no answer.

Roaming the halls were actress Anne Hathaway , and right behind her, actor Alan Cumming , who was the featured celebrity at Planned Parenthood's "Sex, Politics and Cocktails" at the Samba Room.

The highlight of the evening was Michelle Obama. She praised her mother and brother (her father passed away some years ago), and, of course, her husband.

The hot late-night party was a boozefest hosted by Rolling Stone magazine and Bill Maher , who is a total snob. Local delegates headed off to the Coors Center for a bash. Their main function — casting votes — would take place Wednesday, and the whole thing will culminate in Obama's speech tonight.

(rcpatel@aol.com)