Update from Chris Hanson, who is in Denver covering the Democratic National Convention:
It just hit us so smack dab in the face yesterday. And it’s going to sound sappy, but if you were here in Denver, or have ever been to a political convention, you’d know what I mean when I say that the whole point of coming to a political convention is to get fired up about democracy. It’s just one big pep rally. That’s stating the obvious, right? Sounds sentimental perhaps? But I have to say it from my soapbox this morning, and say it loudly and clearly: we are so lucky to live in a country, in a political system, where your opinion, your voice and your vote is protected and respected.
It doesn’t always feel that way, and I don’t think the system is perfect, but we are so fortunate to live in the United States. I don’t know what they put in the Kool-Aid down in Denver, but I drank it. And it’s not all the political rhetoric getting thrown around by the politicians at the Pepsi Center – it’s all the events surrounding the convention. It’s the parties, the panels and the demonstrations on the streets that have me so fired up. I am reminded as we cover this convention that no matter what your cause, no matter what your political affiliation, we have the right to free speech and so much more. And we ought to use it. So pick something to believe in, and do not idle by, hoping this country goes your way. Get political, have an opinion, raise your voice, register to vote and vote - no matter what your cause. Kind of sappy sounding, right? But I’m telling you, being at a political convention will do that to you.
Perhaps it was the speech I heard from Arianna Huffington of the Huffington Post yesterday at the Google Media Big Tent (where all the bloggers hang out). She sat on a panel and spoke about the media’s role in politics. She said it was the job of the media to find the truth and reveal the truth at all cost. And it’s not something that always has to be in the middle. The problem with having a left and a right is that we are brainwashed in this country to believe that the truth may therefore lie in the middle. If one scientist says there is global warming and another says there is not, that does not mean the truth is in the middle. The truth is the truth and we have to find it and reveal it.
Or maybe I’m so inspired this morning by the Human Rights Campaign “Rock to Win” concert that I went to last night at the Fillmore Auditorium, featuring Rufus Wainwright, Cyndi Lauper and Melissa Etheridge. Cyndi Lauper was by far the most entertaining and inspirational performer of the night. She mixed politics and fun through her song selections, and performed an amazing rendition of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going on.” The lyrics never rang more true. (see below) The message of the night was clear: Equal rights for all. Take a stand and vote.
So today we begin day three of the DNC in Denver. Justin is busy editing our material so we can have it up in the Plum TV markets for the live shows over Labor Day weekend. Meanwhile, Jeb and I are running all over the city to get our version of the story.
We’ll be heading back into the Pepsi Center this afternoon for more speeches and a pep rally. Justin is going to head over this evening to cover a Ralph Nader debate with Val Kilmer, Sean Penn and Jello Biafra at the University of Denver Magness Arena. Tomorrow Jeb plans to attend the Barack Obama acceptance speech at Invesco Field while Justin and I head back to Telluride to get our video posted (and get ready for the Telluride Film Festival).
This morning I’m feeling super patriotic. But that tends to happen when you’re surrounded by the energy of a political convention where they serve the blue Kool-Aid.
CH
Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On”
Mother, mother
There's too many of you crying
Brother, brother, brother
There's far too many of you dying
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some lovin' here today - Ya
Father, father
We don't need to escalate
You see, war is not the answer
For only love can conquer hate
You know we've got to find a way
To bring some lovin' here today
Picket lines and picket signs
Don't punish me with brutality
Talk to me, so you can see
Oh, what's going on
What's going on
Ya, what's going on
Ah, what's going on
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