Day two of the Democratic National Convention was Hillary Clinton Day, according to the network television outlets that restricted their coverage to what happened inside Denver's Pepsi Center immediately before, during and after she addressed the delegates.
But the bloggers dispatched to Denver by alternative weeklies told a different story.
Westword's Demver blog kept up a sweaty pace, checking out the cable networks' bases of operations, snapping some shots of funny signs and concocting a list of rules for surviving a convention party. They've even given the "Freewheelin Bikes" a test ride:
You even get your choice of rides: cruisers, automatic-shifters, mountain bikes. I have to say I was severely tempted by the one equipped with a 6-pack holder and bottle opener (these bike guys know what the DNC is really all about), but it had the girly low-crossbar thing and, as I have already said, I'm vain, vain, vain.
The Stranger, out of Seattle, is also back on the post, reporting on Clinton's speech live-blog style and from the floor on their Slog blog.
The deep affection Democrats have for Hillary Clinton (and Bill, who caused all manner of heads to turn when he entered his sky-box) recalled the reception Ted Kennedy received on Monday night. And this, it occurred to me on the floor, may be where Hillary Clinton is heading. The reality is that Kennedy is likely to die soon. Hillary, with her devotion to healthcare and her failed presidential bid and her stature within the party, is the natural heir to Ted Kennedy's Senate role-the champion of needy Americans who tried for the presidency, lost, and returned to the Senate to becomes its leading voice on healthcare and other difficult liberal concerns.
Meanwhile, the New York Press shared a few observations about style, as is their wont.
Michelle walked out on that stage in a form-fitting turquoise dress with a low-cut asymmetrical neckline, as light years from Laura B as Jacqueline was from Mamie Ike. By glamorously coupling the Kennedy Clan with an emphasis on Michelle's role as loving wife and mother (as opposed to the accomplished professional she is), Team Obama is hoping that all those Kennedy/Clinton Democrats will start to see her less like First Lady Fist-Bump and more like the First Lady of Camelot. Once that happens, they bet that much of the resistance older voters have to Obama will start to melt away.
