Democratic National Convention

Behind the Scenes at the DNC: Reporting from the Skybox

August 28th, 2008 at 2:12 pm by Jim Shella under Jim Shella's Political Blog

Here’s another behind the scenes look from our Chief Photographer Steve Sweitzer.  Today we give you a look inside the skybox we use for our live shots.  As you will see, we fit into a tight space.


Oxley on the Spot

August 28th, 2008 at 1:38 pm by Jim Shella under Jim Shella's Political Blog

Lieutenant Governor candidate Dennie Oxley got the privilege of announcing Indiana’s vote in the Roll Call of States last night but the behind-the-scenes activity was much more interesting than Oxley’s actual presentation.

Oxley prepared a written speech.  Then Indiana was told that Illinois (just before Indiana) would be the last state to make a presentation, because Illinois would yield to New York which would put Barack Obama over the top.  Protests ensued, vigorous protests. 

About a minute before the moment of truth, Indiana got the word that it was back on.  By then Oxley had discarded his speech.  After a brief search he decided to ad lib the whole thing.


Good Mood

August 28th, 2008 at 1:31 pm by Jim Shella under Jim Shella's Political Blog

The Indiana Delegation breakfast at the Democratic National Convention this morning was a light-hearted affair.

Congressman Brad Ellsworth told a story of how, when he made his first speech on the floor of Congress, he misspoke saying, “I want to spank the Congressman from Minnesota.”  He says that sort of thing doesn’t go over well in Indiana.

Andre Carson told delegates to call him if they have problems.  He said, “I have a 21 month old so don’t call after 8.  But call me.”

Finally, Lieutenant Governor candidate Dennie Oxley went after Governor Mitch Daniels.  “When he comes to southern Indiana, he talks like me,” said Oxley.  “That accent comes and goes.  Mine stays the same.”


Joe Voted!

August 27th, 2008 at 7:09 pm by Jim Shella under Jim Shella's Political Blog

4 of the 85 Indiana delegates to the Democratic National Convention were absent for the roll call vote on Barack Obama’s nomination this evening.  The Indiana total was 75 for Obama, 6 for Hillary Clinton.

Joe Andrew, the former Democratic National Chairman who followed a dramatic May first superdelegate endorsement of Obama by failing to vote in the Indiana Primary, was not among the no-shows.


Behind the Scenes at the DNC:

August 27th, 2008 at 4:39 pm by Jim Shella under Jim Shella's Political Blog

While we’re here in Denver, our Chief Photographer Steve Sweitzer is shooting some behind the scenes features for WISHTV.com. The following clip shows how we get our stories from the convention in Denver back to viewers in Indianapolis.


Democratic Parties

August 27th, 2008 at 2:39 pm by Jim Shella under Jim Shella's Political Blog

The social scene is a big part of any national political convention and this week’s gathering in Denver is no different.  That’s why some in the Indiana delegation to the Democratic National Convention questioned the reason why Chairman Dan Parker missed this morning’s breakfast meeting.

Parker says he was legitimately ill and says the altitude may be a factor. 

For others in search of a fast cure there is a bar in the corner at the Indiana breakfast meetings stocked with screwdrivers and bloody Marys.  For the record, it doesn’t get much business.


Convention Style

August 27th, 2008 at 2:27 pm by Jim Shella under Jim Shella's Political Blog

The fashions here at the Democratic National Convention in Denver range from stylish to outlandish but two members of the Indiana delegation stand out for other reasons.

David Sanders appeared on the floor of the convention last night wearing tattered work gloves.  Sanders says he wore the gloves while taking part in an archaeological dig in Israel and the leader of the dig insisted that he wear them at the convention.  I wonder what I can talk him into?

Bill Crawford shows up everyday in a monochromatic outfit.  Everything matches, the shoes, the pants, the shirt, and the Obama ‘08 cap that tops it off every day.  Monday was white, Tuesday was orange, today is blue.


Threat Response

August 25th, 2008 at 10:27 pm by Jim Shella under Jim Shella's Political Blog

There’s word tonight of a foiled threat to assassinate Barack Obama in Denver. 

The existence of a threat helps explain all the visible security here.  When you come to national conventions you expect to see police and guns but this is different with roving golf carts carrying police officers, Chevy Suburbans with 5 and 6 SWAT team members hanging on the sides circling the convention hall, and sharpshooters on nearby buildings.

The perimeters around the Pepsi Center are bigger than I remember at previous conventions, too.


Personal Appeal

August 25th, 2008 at 2:32 pm by Jim Shella under Jim Shella's Political Blog

You will hear many reasons to vote for Barack Obama if you watch the Democratic National Convention this week.

Congressman Baron Hill addressed the Indiana Delegation here in Denver today and got emotional at one point. 

Hill shared how his son-in-law, Josh Hamilton, died of cancer just over a month ago and how Barack Obama took time out to make a personal phone call to Hamilton about a week before he passed away.  Hill says Obama told Hamilton to keep fighting and said the phone call is evidence of the kind of person Obama really is.