No Way. No How. No McCain.

Pictured above is a button I got at the convention.

Thanks to the L.A. Times for a compilation of the best lines of the Democratic National Convention. Their full set of "Best and Worsts" is located at http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-bestworst-dnc-2008-pg,0,3794438.photogallery?1

Best and worst of the Democratic National Convention

By Los Angeles Times Staff Writers

Best: Defining one-liners

"If John McCain wants to follow George Bush with more tough talk and bad strategy, that is his choice, but it is not the change we need." -- Barack Obama

"I stand here today at the cross-currents of that history knowing that my piece of the American Dream is a blessing hard won by those who came before me." -- Michelle Obama

"No longer will the eight most dreaded words in the English language be: "The vice president's office is on the phone." -- Joe Biden (alluding to current Vice President Dick Cheney's tenure)

"That campaign generated so much heat, it increased global warming." -- Bill Clinton on the race for delegates between Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama

"It makes perfect sense that George Bush and John McCain will be together next week in the Twin Cities, because these days they're awfully hard to tell apart." -- Hillary Rodham Clinton

"To my supporters, to my champions -- to my sisterhood of the traveling pantsuits -- from the bottom of my heart, thank you." -- Hillary Rodham Clinton

"If I'm not mistaken, Hillary Rodham Clinton rocked the house last night." -- Barack Obama during a surprise visit to the convention

Sphere: Related Content

Convention coverage replay

I am having some heartache that I did not TIVO the convention coverage. I got to see most of the replay on CNN late at night each day but I definitely want to watch parts again. I am really interested to see how Invesco Field looked on TV.

I was excited to see that C-SPAN has video of the speeches on their website at http://c-span.org/

Sphere: Related Content

Convention Recap: Day one photos

Click on the picture below to review pictures from Day 1 of the convention.

Convention Day 1

Sphere: Related Content

Pictures from Convention Eve

I am slowly getting my pictures organized. Here are pictures from the Sunday before the convention. Click on the picture below to see the album.

Democratic Convention Eve

Sphere: Related Content

Gustav keeping delegates in Denver

I was wishing for more fun time in Denver and I got it!

After a trip downtown checking things out for the last time today, I got a message from American Airlines that our flight was canceled and scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday). It appears from other delegates that they are stuck in Denver as well.

One more day of fun in Denver! Heading back downtown tonight for dinner and drinks. Looking for deals on convention trinkets. If you have spotted a good place to get any, drop me a note at jeffstrater at gmail.com Sphere: Related Content

Invesco filling up

Great feeling here. Everyone dancing and having a good time. Texas has
a great location.

--
Sent from Gmail for mobile | mobile.google.com Sphere: Related Content

National Journal article

I was quoted in the following article:

http://www.nationaljournal.com/conventions/co_20080827_7897.php Sphere: Related Content

Follow me on Twitter

About ready to leave for the big last day! I will be twittering about it at http://www.twitter.com/jeffstrater Sphere: Related Content

Hillary signs on Tuesday night

I saw a blog commentary about the Hillary signs that the crowd was waving on Tuesday. An interesting tidbit is that they had a disclaimer on the sign that they were paid by the Obama campaign. Sphere: Related Content

Media

There are bloggers and media everywhere. Here are some shots from the convention floor. Most of the networks have a booth in the suite area of the arena and then a floor platform. You can easily walk up and observe the floor platforms. Here are some of my pictures. I apologize they are small but it makes for easier uploading. I think you can click on them for a larger view.

Sphere: Related Content

Police and protesters

There are police and fire officers everywhere. I really appreciated this and they seem to be good sports.

Since Sunday, I have not seen protesters. There are people trying to hand you things everywhere but I have not seen protesters. I believe the protest area is far from where the delegates are shuttled into the arena.

Sphere: Related Content

Doing more twittering than blogging

I apologize that I have not been blogging that much. My main focus has been entering small messages on my twitter page at http://www.twitter.com/jeffstrater

The convention has been amazing but there has been little time to blog after the convention is over each day. Last night we got home close to 2 a.m. I then watched the replay of CNN news coverage. Our morning kicked off early with the Texas Delegation. Sphere: Related Content

Hillary speech today to delegates

Hillary spoke to delegates today. Barb Rosenberg of Dallas did the
introduction. We were all very proud of Barb and touched by Hillary.

--
Sent from Gmail for mobile | mobile.google.com Sphere: Related Content

On the light rail

Transportation for the convention has been pretty good. It has
required a bit of patience. We ride the light rail to downtown and
then hop on the DNC shuttles. Shuttles also leave from the hotel later
in the day.

Denver has been a great host city! The weather has been great and the
people have been super cool.

Sphere: Related Content

Pelosi booed at Emily's list event

Word on the street is that Speaker Pelosi was booed at a reception
yesterday. If you know the details email me at jeffstrater at
gmail.com

--
Sent from Gmail for mobile | mobile.google.com Sphere: Related Content

Some shots from the convention

Pardon for the short post but in a bit of a hurry to run out the door. Pictures include Michelle O at the LGBT lunch, pictures from my seat at the convention, and pictures with friend Katy Hubenor of Dallas and the area where all the radio stations are hanging out. I had no idea there was so much radio coverage.

Keep up with me on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/jeffstrater




Sphere: Related Content

On the agenda for today

Lunch hosted by Texas members of congress Gonzalez, Cuellar, Rodriguez of Texas. All good guys. I contribute to Ciro Rodriguez! (Henry Cuellar is pictured in this post)

LGBT Caucus right after that. The LGBT events have been the best. Michele Obama gave an incredible speech at the LGBT Delegate and Guests lunch yesterday.

Then Hillary reception for her delegates....

After the reception, back to the Pepsi Center for the convention! Sphere: Related Content

Wednesday Texas Delegation Breakfast

Our speakers today were Paul Begala and Gov. Tom Kaine of Virginia. They were both incredible!

Begala gave one of the best unity speeches I have heard (besides Hillary) and Kaine spoke of his early commitment for Sen. Obama Sphere: Related Content

Play by play action with Twitter

You can read what I am up to on a regular basis at the Democratic Convention at http://www.twitter.com/jeffstrater Sphere: Related Content

Tuesday!

Texas Delegation breakfast will kickoff the day with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (pictured above) of L.A. and some other great speakers. I lost the list! Breakfast is at 7 am so I need stop playing around with the computer. For lunch, I will be going to the Human Rights Campaign/Victory Fund luncheon.

Then, it's convention time and Hillary will be speaking. I can't wait! I am looking forward to the experience. There are several parties we plan to hit after the convention. Should be a fun evening.

Don't forget to check me out on Twitter. I am updating as much as possible from the convention floor at http://twitter.com/jeffstrater

Sphere: Related Content

Pictures for today

The day began at 7 a.m. on Monday with our delegation breakfast and I did not get back to the hotel until 12:30 am after the Texas Gala. It was a good day. It was fun and inspiring. At times I almost teared up and had chills. It's all very cool and amazing. The first picture is of the Texas delegation breakfast. Second shot is of the outside of the Pepsi Center. The next three are from inside the Pepsi Center. The Texas delegation is just below the ABC News booth and the BBC pictured below.



Sphere: Related Content

Keeping in touch

You can track my activities through Twitter at http://twitter.com/jeffstrater

Twitter is a service that allows its users to send and read other users' updates (otherwise known as tweets), which are text-based posts of up to 140 characters in length.

Or you can send me an email on the convention floor at jeffstrater at gmail.com I will try to send you a quick message back. I have my blackberry on me. Sphere: Related Content

Protesters

I spent some time Sunday afternoon checking out the sites around the convention center. Protesters were located and marching down 16th Street and near the State Capital.

Sphere: Related Content

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to speak to Texas Delegation Monday

State delegations will meet each morning for breakfast, credential distribution, and speakers.
Gov. Sebelius of Kansas will be speaking tomorrow to the Texas Delegation. She is a great speaker.

I saw her Saturday night at the National Stonewall Democrats Federation dinner.
The only thing I didn't like is she yelled out "Rock Chalk Jayhawk"... not just once but twice. That's the cheer of Kansas University (what Kansas State grads call Univ. of Kansas). As a Kansas State grad I was just a little peeved! Although I did not grow up in Kansas, I have always had a special place in my heart for the state and the state paid for my fellowship.

Jeff Strater is a pledged delegate for Sen. Clinton from Texas. His blog is at http://jstrater.blogspot.com Jeff can also be reached on the convention floor at jeffstrater at gmail.com

Sphere: Related Content

My blog to be covered by The Cypress Times

The Cypress Times will be publishing some of my coverage of the Democratic Convention. Check them out at http://www.thecypresstimes.com/article.cfm?articleID=18342

From their website.....

TheCypressTimes is the first 100% interactive online multimedia newspaper and Connection Community for Cypress, Texas. The mission of TheCypressTimes is to connect Cypress area residents, community leaders, civic organizations, non-profits, faith-based organizations, and area businesses via an interactive daily communications platform driven by compelling multimedia content. Sphere: Related Content

Open House Pictures of the Pepsi Center

Tom of DemConWatchblog.com sent me this link to pictures of the Pepsi Center open house.

I'll be there tomorrow!!

Here is the link:

http://s242.photobucket.com/albums/ff284/OreoPictures/Pepsi%20Center%20Open%20House/ Sphere: Related Content

On the agenda for Sunday

Picture of Gov. Deval Patrick (D- Massachusetts)

The convention hasn't started yet but I am going to have a crazy day today!

First is a brunch hosted by the National Stonewall Democrats Federation featuring Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.

Then change of hotels to the Texas Delegation Hotel, Red Lion Denver Southeast. I came in on Friday night and have been staying at another hotel.

Will hop on the shuttle with delegates and some friends to the official DNCC opening party at the Colorado Convention Center. Delegates from across the country will be honoring those providing relief and help to victims of Hurricane Katrina.

May do some events after the opening party but have to be up early Monday morning.

Sphere: Related Content

Email from Hillary

Hillary emailed her supporters today with the following:

I want to congratulate Joe Biden on becoming the vice presidential running nominee. Joe is a friend and colleague, a strong experienced leader and a devoted public servant. I look forward to not only seeing him in Denver next week but on the trail as I work to help Barack Obama and Joe Biden along with many other Democratic candidates campaign this fall.
Democrats are going to have a great and unified convention in Denver next week, and I can't wait to be there. I am looking forward to visiting my friends and colleagues from New York, stopping by events like the Emily's List reception, and doing everything I can to champion Barack Obama along the way. Of course, I will also be getting ready for my speech to the convention on Tuesday night. You can see for yourself by following my convention activities on our website at HillaryClinton.com, as well as on social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter.

And I'm very excited to meet Joseph Gerou, a second grade teacher from Kenosha, Wisconsin, who won our contest and will be joining me in Denver. I am looking forward to hearing more from him and so glad he can join me for this historic event.

I can't thank everyone enough for your generous support over the past few weeks. It means so much to me personally to know that I can count on your continued friendship as I work hard to help elect Barack Obama and our other Democratic candidates in 2008. I wish you could all come with me to Denver. So I hope you will do the next best thing and stay tuned. Please keep coming back to the website to see all we are doing. I will be updating you regularly with photos, video, email and more.

This is going to be a week to remember filled with many memorable and exciting moments as Democrats come together. I hope you will join me in celebrating.
Thank you again for your hard work and your generous spirit. Sphere: Related Content

Watching the VP announcement with delegates

Watching the VP announcement at the Renaissance Hotel with members of the Mass and Maryland delegations and attendees of the National Stonewall Democrats Convention.
Late last night I was with delegates from across the country when the news started to break of Biden as VP. It was interesting to hear initial thoughts from both Obama and Clinton delegates.

As a Clinton delegate, I am disappointed that Sen. Clinton is not the VP nominee yet excited to support Biden. I was impressed by Biden's speech today. I also like his record in the senate.

Other notes:

• The altitude is getting to to many people I have been talking to. Or perhaps the late fun some of us had last night!
  


• Staying at the Renaissance Hotel which was recently renovated for the convention. It rocks. From the technology to the design of space, this place is cool. I don't think it will compare to the Texas delegation hotel. The Red Lion Hotel has announced that improvements will be made after the convention. Arrg.
  


• Everyone in Denver seems really nice and excited to welcome delegates. This is a really cool place for a convention. However, it is a little tricky to get around town.
  

Sphere: Related Content

It's almost convention time!

I'm taking a bit of a blog break to finish packing, run errands, wind down some items at work and head to Denver.

I will be arriving Friday evening armed with my complimentary shuttle voucher for my airport to hotel transportation. The first two nights I will be at a nicer hotel. Then its off to exile beginning Monday at the Texas Delegation hotel, Red Lion Denver Southeast. At least it is near the rail line.

Looking forward to sharing the convention experience with you! Sphere: Related Content

Sen. Clinton rallies behind Obama on conference call with national convention delegates

On a conference call last night for her 1800 national delegates, Hillary explained that she is 100% committed to taking back the White House and working hard to elect Sen. Obama as the Democratic Party nominee.

Hillary encouraged her delegates to be focused on the goal to defeat McCain and the republicans this fall. Sounding very upbeat and excited, Hillary spoke of campaigning for Sen. Obama in New Mexico and remarked that she has explained to voters that she has so much more in common with Sen. Obama than McCain.

Hillary commented that she was pleased that her delegates reflect the strength and diversity of the party and thanked everyone for their hard work. She looks forward to seeing everyone in Denver and mentioned a convention reception and other operational items that her remaining staff are working on. The mechanics of when and how delegates would be released was not discussed.

Hillary also provided a summary of the party's platform and was very passionate in describing the core issues of the platform. She was pleased that the platform strongly recognizes the issues of her supporters.

Hillary was joined by Harold Ickes and Tina Flournoy. Ickes and Flournoy answered questions during the question and answer period.

This post also appears on DemConWatchblog.com at http://www.demconwatchblog.com/2008/08/sen-clinton-rallies-behind-obama-on.html Sphere: Related Content

Articles today. Convention just days away.

Can you believe it is less than a week before the Democratic National Convention? I am a little stressed. Leaving Friday evening and have lots to do before I go!

It looks like Denver is getting ready for the craziness. Read in USA Today how they are getting ready: http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-08-18-dem-convention_N.htm

NPR says there are a few snags in getting ready for the convention. Seriously? It's pretty hard to prepare for a city full of people. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93702959

New York Times discusses Hillary and shares a stat with their poll "of convention delegates found that 28 percent preferred Mrs. Clinton for vice president — by far the largest bloc supporting a candidate". Follow this link to go to the article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/19/us/politics/19clinton.html?ref=us

Sphere: Related Content

Delegate's mailbox

I am waiting for something really cool to arrive in my mailbox before the convention but not sure it will happen.

A week or two ago I wrote about things I have received about the convention through email and mail. The mail box has been filling up and I thought I would share with you below some of the items I have been getting. Follow this link to my original posting and check out what I was getting a week ago at http://jstrater.blogspot.com/2008/08/getting-ready-for-convention.html

Here is the latest (both snail mail and email)....

• Invitation to A Salute To America Veterans by the Circle of Friends for American Veterans
• Women's Equalitea event invite
• Union Pacific Whistlestop '08 invite
• CH2M Hill invitation to something that I can't understand what it is
• Oxfam America Reception (addressed using the title "district level delegate")
• An invitation and a bunch of stuff from Americans for Democratic Action
• Invitation from Campaign for America's Future to something in the big tent
• Package of information from Rabbi Michael Lerner with Network of Spiritual Progressives
• City to City Panchanga by NEWSED (?)
• T. Boone Picken's "Pickens Plan" collateral and cd (sent priority mail)
• National Journal Convention Edition
• Letter from the DNCC Security Department
• Letter from Trinity United Methodist Church inviting me to church (with a very nice personalized note from the minister)
• Email from The Common Good and The Hispanic Institute on some programs
• Emailed letter attachment from the DNC National Democratic Ethnic Coordinating Council Co-Covener Jim Zogby (representing East European and Mediterranean ethnicities (Albanian, Arab, Armenian, Bosnian, Croatian, Czech, French Canadian, German, Greek, Hungarian, Iranian, Irish, Italian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Slovak, Slovenian, Turkish, and Ukrainian).
• Several emails from the Texas Democratic Party with various instructions about the convention.
• Coupon for 20% at Hudson News at the airport
• Super Shuttle vouchers

This blog entry also appears at http://www.demconwatchblog.com/2008/08/delegates-mailbox.html Sphere: Related Content

Noteworthy articles

Hillary campaigns for Obama in New Mexico. New Mexico has some great possibilities for pick ups in congress and in their state legislature. Hillary can certainly help out in states she won.
Follow this link to the article: http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-08-17-clinton-NM_N.htm

The New York Times reports "For Convention, Obama’s Image Is All-American" . They note that the message of the convention is being tweaked and the one of the core goals about Obama is to is to stess that “from his background, he has a deep understanding of what American families face.” Read the article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/18/us/politics/18convention.html?ref=politics

Ruben Navarrett a columnist with the San Diego Union-Tribune (and a good guy who was at the Dallas Morning News) writes "Obama must convince America he's one of us". The article is located at http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_10229688 Sphere: Related Content

Couch surfing! Convention crashers!

New York Daily News discusses what the call "convention crashers" in their article "What the desperate will do to see the Democratic Convention". Click on this link to read: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/08/16/2008-08-16_what_the_desperate_will_do_to_see_democr.html

I wonder if the scariest hotels in Denver are booked too? My hotel seems pretty scary from the reviews and it is a delegate assigned hotel for my state delegation.

The New York Daily News article cites a couple websites to find alternatives to hotel rooms including: www.airbedandbreak-fast.com
and http://dncdisruption08.org/rideboard/

And, there is craiglist.com. But, I have been hearing some crazy stories about craigslist lately.

I really do not consider the folks mentioned in the article as "convention crashers". They don't really plan to go to the convention but want to be close to the action. There is certainly lots of things to do if you are not a delegate and you really score if you find a delegate to take you to things. Many invites include events space for guests of delegates.

This story also appears at http://www.demconwatchblog.com

Sphere: Related Content

List of convention speakers

Here are a couple resources about the convention schedule and list of speakers. Pictured are speakers Gov. Marke Warner (former VA governor and US Senate candidate and Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri.

DemConWatch updates as they learn of new speakers:
http://www.demconwatchblog.com/2008/08/convention-speakers-and-agenda.html

The DNCC also post press releases on their site with the schedule:
http://www.demconvention.com/press-releases/page/5

About Gov. Warner's selection as keynote speaker:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-campaign14-2008aug14,0,7983985.story

Sphere: Related Content

Articles to check out

A bike sharing program and 1000 bikes will be available for free around the convention. Just need an ID and a credit card. I plan to try this. http://www.9news.com/seenon9news/article.aspx?storyid=97496&catid=509

Music group Rage Against the Machine to perform in the protest area of the convention:

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iiA5tjPs3zGcbJ9o6RzbDCgANt3gD92IBNH02

Bill Clinton to speak Wednesday night of the convention
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/08/14/politics/horserace/entry4351471.shtml

Mark Warner selected as keynote speaker
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/washingtondc/la-na-campaign14-2008aug14,0,7983985.story

Sphere: Related Content

Who are the delegates?

The DNCC has put out a list of the certified delegates. It's interesting to review who was elected from your state.

Take a look by going to: http://www.demconvention.com/certified-delegates-ec

Sphere: Related Content

Another Clinton delegate in trouble!

Remember Debra Bartoshevich of Wisconsin? She was removed as a Clinton delegate.

Now there is another delegate in trouble...and being intimidated by her state party in my opinion. The Colorado Democratic Party is requested that Sacha Millstone, a Clinton delegate, give up her spot.

What really is really silly about this is that she recieved a letter that said:

"You are hereby directed to come in to the party Headquarters and explain your comments and why you should remain a national delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention in light of these comments."

Read more at http://www.denverpost.com/ci_10170139



I orginally saw this item on DemConWatch at http://www.demconwatchblog.com/2008/08/convention-news-draft-for-tuesday.html Sphere: Related Content

Noteworthy articles

Here are some articles I thought might be of interest:

Convention to have town hall format
The DNCC announces a town hall theme for the convention. There will be an opportunity for you to submit questions and they will be answered from the convention. Click here to read the Chicago Sun Times article http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2008/08/dems_at_convention_to_take_que.html

To submit a question, go to http://www.DemConvention.com/townhall

Themes for each night of the convention
Sadly, the themes will not be funny party themes, but they include the concepts "One Nation", "Renewing America's Promise" and "Securing America's Future". Read more at the Boston Globe Blog at http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/08/every_night_a_t.html

Michelle Obama to kick off prime time coverage with speech
Read the Rocky Mountain News coverage at http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/aug/10/candidates-wife-lead-dem-convention-speakers/ Sphere: Related Content

My interview with DCW

I had a fun time interviewing with Doc Jess of DemConWatchblog.com

Take a look at the interview "From Deep in the Heart of Texas" at the following link:
http://www.demconwatchblog.com/2008/08/from-deep-in-heart-of-texas.html Sphere: Related Content

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt to host event during convention?

There is a rumor reported by the Rocky Mountain News that Jolie and Pitt may host a fundraiser.

I doubt I am on the invite list or have the money to get it... but if Angelina or Brad are reading this, please hook me up.

You can read about this and other happenings by Penny Parker, On the Town Columnist, for the Rocky Mountain News at http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/aug/09/parker-jolie-pitt-may-host-charity-fete-during/

Sphere: Related Content

Getting ready for the convention

As a delegate, many people are asking me if I am ready for the convention yet. The answer is "hell no". However, the convention is right around the corner!

I have so much to do before the convention. Not just convention related items but there is my pesky job and tons of personal stuff to do. I am also booked between now and the convention. Both weekends coming up are full. I have a meeting or event almost every night.

I need to start thinking about the convention, packing, etc. Packing shouldn't be so hard but I will be gone for seven days and definitely need to plot out what I need to take, what needs dry cleaning or needs to be altered (for some reason I need some pants taken up, a suit jacket looked at, etc). Do I need a new tie, belt, socks?? Yeek!

My email in box has been overloaded with convention material, event invitations, Texas delegate messages, Hillary delegate messages, etc. Unfortunately, I have caught myself double booking events and need to make sure everything is on my calendar.

Here are some things that are going on and some items that have ended up in my in box:

*Got a letter from NARAL this week asking to sign their "Pro-Choice Delegate Pledge".

*An email to Texas delegates about transportation, etc. Buying a light rail pass before the deadline for them to be mailed. Transportation instructions say we will have to take light rail part of the time and DNCC shuttles the other.

*Just got my hotel confirmation. Even after submitting credit card information back in June.

*Email about the delegate service project. Texas gets to do landscaping in a state park. Other states get to read books to kids, play bingo with senior citizens, etc. They must assume that Texas are used to the heat outside and can do landscaping. I really wanted to do the service project but it's too close of timing of a caucus I am going to. Might try to do it and bail early.

*Former Texas Comptroller John Sharp sent a letter about the Texas Gala and it is sponsored by Union Pacific. Should be cool. Thanks John.

*I am a total geek and followed directions in an email about the green delegate program to buy carbon offsets for my travel to the convention. I believe that makes me a green delegate and I will get a gift or something for that!

*Received a call from the Democratic Party about a luncheon with Congressman Barney Frank and Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin

*A friend sent me a list of LGBT events and programs. Something going on all the time.

*Received a list of Young Democrats events including their convention kick off happy hour.

*Invitations to various lunches and receptions. Saw the Emily's List event and may go.

*Email from the secretary of the convention with a list of events. I am pretty sure we are getting nothing in print by mail. Several delegates have complained that they want a hard copy packet of information.

*Got some information on preordering the official Texas Delegation photo and the full delegation photo.

That's about all I cant think of now. If I get anything cool, I will let you know! Sphere: Related Content

News stories worth noting

"Many states miss goal for gay inclusion at Dem convention"
http://www.sovo.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=20191

Story on convention housing and some Denver residents making a bit of cash.
"Denver's Convention Housing Bubble" in the Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121816297265023095.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

CNN says "Clinton, Obama still working out kinks"
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/08/08/clinton.obama/ Sphere: Related Content

Hillary campaigns for Sen. Obama

The AP reports "Sen. Hillary Clinton says she is 'proud' to be working for presidential candidate Barack Obama in her first speech since their long stint as opponents in the primary elections. She says he will champion women's causes."

It's great to see Hillary active again!


Sphere: Related Content

Bingo, blogging and the Democratic National Convention

John Wright of the Dallas Voice Instant Tea blog reveals my fundraising scheme for going to the Democratic National Convention. Bingo!

I bumped into John (a writer for the Dallas Voice) a couple weeks ago at gay bingo. I won $1200 that night.

Check out his blog entry at the link below:

http://www.dallasvoice.com/instant-tea/2008/08/07/jeff-strater-to-blog-blow-the-1200-he-recently-won-at-gay-bingo/

Sphere: Related Content

Check out my posts on DemConWatch!

Check out my posts on DemConWatch!

I am a contributer on a blog called DemConWatch. I have enjoyed reading their blog the past few months and it was cool when they asked me to help contribute. It's a great spot for news on the Democratic National Convention.

You can take a look at the posts I have contributed to their site so far by using the link below:

http://www.demconwatchblog.com/search/label/Jeff%20Strater

For their main page:

http://www.demconwatchblog.com/search/label/Jeff%20Strater

Sphere: Related Content

Clinton answers questions on her website today

This week we have heard a great deal from Hillary. Today, her website offered an interesting web chat that gave some insight on what she is up to.

Sen. Clinton's website hosted a web chat located at http://blog.hillaryclinton.com/blog/main/2008/08/07/153910

The full content is on the link above. She commented on issues she is working on, her future, working with Sen. Obama and the Democratic National Convention. Here are the 12 questions she answered:

Question #1: What are you working on now
Question #2: What goals do you have for yourself during the next four years both professionally and personally?
Question #3:
From a high school student: I want to go into law one day as my major what is the best piece of information you can give me? The second one is what wanted you to go into politics?
Questions #4:
I want to say if he does ask you to be his VP you should and you would make a great vice president Mrs. Clinton:)
Question #5: One of the main reasons that I voted for Hillary is her plans for healthcare. Can you make a comment on how healthcare carried out in the next administration?
Question #6: Special thanks to you for your leadership in the birth control issue! What is the prospect for the paid family leave bill the house is taking up?
Question #7 Hey Hillary, My 12 year old daughter and I are sitting here, waiting anxiously, for each reply. Love you!!!!!!
Question #8
As a college student (one of your biggest student supporters; Go Hillary!) I am wondering what you and Senator Obama feel is the best course of action to deal with rising tuition costs and continued cuts to the higher education budget. (It's gotten really bad here in California-thousands of teachers losing their jobs, tuition costs rising, funding disappearing).
Question #9
Are you truly supporting Senator Obama and encouraging your supporters to do the same or are you just saying what you have to?
Question #10
As a college student who is participating in his first presidential election, your candidacy really brought to my attention to and energized me about the great things that can be accomplished through our political process. Now that, unfortunately, your candidacy is over, and since you (reading your biography) were able to accomplish so much during your collegiate years: What would you suggest college-aged Americans do to become more involved in the American politcal system, aside from voting?
Question #11
Good Morning Senator Clinton: Thank you for taking time to chat with your supporters. Is there any possibility of your name being placed in nomination for President at the convention? This would at least give your supporters a voice in the choice for the party's nominee.
Question #12
Hillary, I hope that we will be able to talk with you at the Convention in Denver! Please consider meeting with us -- YOUR supporters! Sphere: Related Content

Signs of unity and signs of Hillary

There are definately signs of unity! And signs of Hillary. There are reports of joint statements and rumors of deals being made. An example of unity was a conference call I was on last night for a few minutes hosted by the Obama campaign. The call included high profile Texas Clinton backers as speakers. The Obama campaign has also announced events headlining Hillary on behalf of Obama.

Hillary may have suspended her campaign and endorsed Sen. Obama, but more than half the delegates at the convention are Clinton delegates. I am hearing from many unhappy Clinton delegates and work needs to be done to smooth things over. Perhaps tension has increased with rumors that Hillary is far from consideration for VP. The core issue for many Clinton delegates is that they want her name put up for a symbolic nomination vote. Here are some articles I thought you would like. Hillary has issued a video and clearly states her support for Sen. Obama and will host an online chat today

Clinton aims to soothe delegates at Dem convention
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iv65dWFozYKp8tdz6Gpjoz3fZZXQD92D69M80

Clinton, Obama Seek to Defuse Talk of Contested Floor Votehttp://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/08/06/clinton_obama_seek_to_defuse_t.html

Clinton wants her delegates heard at convention
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-clinton7-2008aug07,0,6846877.story Sphere: Related Content

Keeping in touch with the folks who elected me

In Texas, to be a district level national delegate you have to go through a series of steps including election at the precinct convention caucus, state senate district convention and state convention. At the last level, I ran against seven great people. Included in those seven was a good friend and it was not fun having to run against him. We even ended up in a runoff together.

While campaigning for the delegate spot, I mentioned to my state delegates that I would set up this blog for them to follow along. Here is a link to an email I sent to the Texas State Convention delegates who elected me:

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs046/1101983354119/archive/1102192676812.html

Sphere: Related Content

Paris Hilton Responds to McCain!

A departure from the Democratic National Convention news ... I wanted to share with you Paris Hilton's video response to John McCain's ad. This is great!

I don't blame her for doing it. I would have been pissed.

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/64ad536a6d Sphere: Related Content

Newsday reporting Clinton backers to march during convention

I'm getting alot of email from Clinton delegates and I am on all the email groups. First time I have heard of the march unless I have missed it.

The article reports that a permit has been filed for the parade.

Here is a link to the article:

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/politics/ny-ushill0807b,0,4885475.story

Sphere: Related Content

Web chat with Hillary tomorrow and getting tickets to the acceptance speech

Check out these two breaking news items:

Hillary's web chat announcement
http://www.demconwatchblog.com/2008/08/web-chat-with-sen-clinton.html

Getting tickets to the convention acceptance speech
http://www.demconwatchblog.com/2008/08/dncc-announces-invesco-ticket.html

I have been invited to contribute on one of my favorite convention news websites, http://www.demconwatchblog.com Check them out when you get a moment. I will be posting a couple items in the very near future. Sphere: Related Content

Interesting news items worth noting

Five news stories I thought I would share with you....

Hillary to do more campaigning for Sen. Obama
According to the Obama campaign, Hillary is heading off to Florida and Las Vegas to campaign on behalf of Sen. Obama. These will be solo appearances.

http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN0535125820080805

McGovern: Demo party convention too scripted
It's not the good old days anymore, but I think there might be some excitement this year that the convention. McGovern thinks we are boring in this short piece. http://www.kxmc.com/News/261615.asp

Hospitality training in Denver
I never thought of Denver as a unfriendly city but convention goers should expect to be enthusiastically greeted. I might be a little crazy after seven days of being enthusiastically greeted!

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2008-08-04-denver-hospitality-training_N.htm

Denver Courts and Jail getting ready for convention

I don't plan on getting arrested but it seems to be pretty good news that things will be taken care of quickly in Denver. I wonder if the same will take place for the republicans?

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/aug/04/denver-courts-jail-gearing-up-for-convention/

Denver brews special beers for the Democratic National Convention (DNC). Drink beer? Yes we can!

The best idea I heard this week. A special beer for the convention. I will give this a try and let you know!
http://www.examiner.com/x-241-
Beer-Examiner~y2008m7d31-Denver-brews-special-beers-for-the-DNC

Sphere: Related Content