Colorado Students And Residents Among First To See Podium At 2008 Democratic National Convention

Students Receive ‘Convention 101’ Lesson from DNC Secretary Alice Germond and DNC Director of Party Affairs Phil McNamara, Participate in Mock Delegate Voting Exercise

In an effort to give back to the community that has been such a gracious host, the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) held a Community Open House at the Pepsi Center today, allowing Denver residents and students to be among the first to see the unveiling of the innovative Convention podium up close and in person.

“When we arrived in Denver more than a year ago, we promised to make this Convention more open and accessible and to ‘bring down the walls’ of the Pepsi Center—and today we delivered on that commitment in a big way,” said DNCC CEO Leah D. Daughtry.  “We’re inviting community members to be the first to see the transformation of the Pepsi Center from sports arena to Convention hall and to see where the opening gavel will drop to kick-off this historic Convention. Taking steps to open both of our incredible Convention venues is our way of saying thank you for all that Denver has done to help make this Convention special.”

Some 1,500 Denver students visited the Convention hall for a special youth program led by Democratic National Committee (DNC) Secretary Alice Germond and DNC Director of Party Affairs, Phil McNamara, who presented a “Convention 101” lesson on the historical significance of political conventions and the role they play in the democratic process. Additionally, youth were able to see the Convention hall up-close, sit in the same seats as delegates, take photos of the podium and participate in a mock delegate voting exercise.

“Many students only get to read about the political process in history books,” said DNC Secretary Alice Germond. “But today Colorado youth were able to see and experience a piece of history – and they were among the first to see the Convention hall where we will nominate the next President of the United States.”

Following the youth program, some 5,000 Denver residents attended the Community Open House to view the podium inside the Pepsi Center, where dozens of individuals will speak, including Americans of all walks of life who will share their stories of struggle and the hope Barack Obama’s message of change has inspired in them. The Pepsi Center podium will also feature Democratic leaders, such as Michelle Obama, Senator Hillary Clinton, former Virginia Governor Mark Warner and Barack Obama’s vice presidential nominee.

Three weeks ago, the DNCC opened the ticketing process for the Community Open House to the public on a first-come, first-served basis on DemConvention.com. In less than 24 hours, all 5,000 tickets were snapped up by Colorado community members.

The Convention’s innovative podium design features more than 8,000 square feet of video projection space and three 103-inch HD displays – the largest Plasma HDTVs currently available – prominently placed on the Convention podium.  The screens will project the images and personal stories of Americans who are powering Barack Obama’s campaign for change, Democratic leaders who echo his vision for America and diverse faces and voices from each state and territory.

The podium will also be home to “America’s Town Hall,” an interactive dialogue to bring more people into the Convention. From Monday through Wednesday of Convention week, the Convention program will feature a nightly segment in which elected leaders, national policy experts and other Convention speakers will respond to voters on topics including how to change politics as usual, fix our economy, make America safer and restore our nation’s standing in the world. Through Wednesday, August 27, voters are able to submit their questions online at www.DemConvention.com/townhall.