Greetings from the Big Tent

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

The center of the blogging universe this week is at 1536 Wynkoop St in Denver.

Everybody from Daily Kos founder Markos Moulitsas to Jane Hamsher of Firedoglake are here at the Big Tent. I've also seen Robert Kennedy Jr., Senator Ken Salazar and even Willie from MSNBC. Not exactly sure why Willie is here... I'm thinking he may be trying to keep his job after his buddy Joe Scarborough blew up this morning.

I'll be heading to the Pepsi Center shortly to do an interview with Sky News and to watch Hillary Clinton tour the podium.

Sen. Clinton's statement today

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

We are hearing alot from Hillary the last couple days and it appears like we may hear more.

Today, Hillary posted the following on her blog:

http://blog.hillaryclinton.com/

"It has been great getting back to work in the Senate for the people of New York. And now that the Senate is in recess, I'm very excited about getting back out on the campaign trail to help elect Barack Obama and grow our Democratic majorities in Congress. With the Democratic convention coming up, the excitement and curiosity is certainly starting to build. I want to assure you that Senator Obama and I are working together to make sure it's a big success. We will ensure that the voices of everyone who participated in this historic process are respected and our party is fully unified heading into the November election. While no decisions have been made yet, I will make sure that we keep you up to date and involved with all of the Convention activity. It means so much to me to know that no matter what the coming months and years bring, you'll be working right by my side. With your help, 2008 is going to be a great year for Democrats. "

Media Walk-Through... Take 2

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

We may never know if the Media Walk-Through originally scheduled in June was delayed because of the Invesco Field switch or a money issue. Today, a day after officially announcing that Barack Obama will make his acceptance speech at Invesco Field, the DNCC finally met with press at the Pepsi Center.

We're seeing reports of what happened around the Internets and will fill you in with some interesting things we've found out.

• General Bloggers who received credentials will get arena hall credentials. This allows them to access a general press area and blogger lounge, a portion of the the upper seating area and the concourses.
  
• A first-come-first-serve section of seats will be reserved within the Hall for bloggers.
• The previously mentioned general press area is in the Denver Nuggets practice court.
• The blogger lounge is in the Nuggets work-out room (we hear it doesn't smell too bad!)
• The boards have been removed from the podium side of the arena and a large temporary podium is in place so sight-lines can be determined.
• There will only be one podium unlike Boston which had two.
• Podium construction will begin at the end of July
• Information on Invesco Field is very scarce and it sounds like some of the media weren't too happy about the lack of information
• All Nuggets and Avalanche banners have been removed.
• Pepsi Center will go dark after the end of Wednesday night's events and will begin the conversion back to a sports arena.
• Thursday night is being described as "A Really Cool Field Trip" for the media.
• Blogs already credentialed will have access to Invesco with the possibility of getting additional credentials for people on the original credentials application.
• No new blogs or media sources will get credentials for Invesco

So General Bloggers aren't guaranteed a seat inside the hall but they can lounge in a weight room! The Big Tent is looking better by the minute!

Al at The Field wants his convention credential back

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

If you haven't followed the story of Al Giordano of The Field and how he's unjustly lost his bloggers' credential, go over to the new location of The Field, and read the latest update. Al has been doing some great blogging this spring, and he deserves to be in Denver.

To quickly summarize, he was awarded a credential for blogging at his first blog, the owners of that blog started to censor him, so he moved to his current blog. But the original blog owners still have the credential, even though the original blog wouldn't come close to qualifying for a credential without the traffic Al brought it.

All the DNCC has to do to fix this is give Al a credential. (They don't even have to take away the old one). This should be an easy one for the DNCC to take care of.

The Big Tent

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

The Big Tent will be the blogosphere's home away from home at the Democratic Convention:

The Big Tent will be the place to be for new media journalists, bloggers, reporters, and non-profit leaders covering the Democratic National Convention in Denver this summer.

We're creating a 9,000 square foot, two-story structure that will house the work space for journalists, bloggers and new media, a Digg Stage with prominent national leaders, as well as a Google Retreat with a YouTube kiosk where you can make your own YouTube videos. The Big Tent will be open throughout the Democratic National Convention, Aug. 25- 28.

In the New Media Lounge, your pass will be a ticket to to enjoy all the benefits of the blogger / new media lounge, including free WiFi, work space, television-coverage, as well as free food and drinks. And you get to hang out with some of the top bloggers, new media journalists, and non-profit leaders in the country.

And in the Public Space, you can participate in panel discussions with top national leaders on a range of hot topics. There will also be workshops on blogging, community organizing, and new technologies.

The Big Tent will host sponsored happy hours each day from 4 to 5, followed by live coverage of every minute of the Democratic National Convention until 9 p.m. each night.

Hosted by Daily Kos and other sites, and sponsored by Google (and more sponsors to come), this will be a great resource and gathering space. As Kos says:

This will be the hangout. I've got convention blogger passes, but other than Obama's acceptance speech, I plan to be at the Big Tent living it up.

The Big Tent

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

The convention blogger gathering/party run by Markos Moulitsas and Progress Now rolled out their new website today.

The Big Tent will be the place to be for new media journalists, bloggers, reporters, and non-profit leaders covering the Democratic National Convention in Denver this summer.

We're creating a 9,000 square foot, two-story structure that will house the work space for journalists, bloggers and new media, a Digg Stage with prominent national leaders, as well as a Google Retreat with a YouTube kiosk where you can make your own YouTube videos. The Big Tent will be open throughout the Democratic National Convention, Aug. 25- 28.

In the New Media Lounge, your pass will be a ticket to to enjoy all the benefits of the blogger / new media lounge, including free WiFi, work space, television-coverage, as well as free food and drinks. And you get to hang out with some of the top bloggers, new media journalists, and non-profit leaders in the country.

And in the Public Space, you can participate in panel discussions with top national leaders on a range of hot topics. There will also be workshops on blogging, community organizing, and new technologies.

The Big Tent will host sponsored happy hours each day from 4 to 5, followed by live coverage of every minute of the Democratic National Convention until 9 p.m. each night. When the Convention ends each day, the Big Tent will still be going with late-night entertainment, including concerts and films. Check back at BigTentDenver.com for additional details as the convention nears.

You will definitely see us there.

DemConWatch has a new address!

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

We held off on doing this until after the nomination was settled but are ready for our big move.

Our new address is:
http://www.demconwatchblog.com
You can still access the site at the old address.

We will now go by the name DemConWatch

Also... starting with this post we are rolling out a new commenting system.
All previous posts will keep the old format and no comments will be lost.

We're going to Denver

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

2008 Democratic Convention Watch is very proud to announce we have been approved to receive credentials to cover the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. But we're not alone:

As part of its continuing commitment to engage a broad spectrum of audiences in new and creative ways, the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) today announced that a record number of blogs have been credentialed as members of the media for the 2008 Democratic National Convention at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colo. These blogs will help ensure that communities across the country are connected to the Convention through the eyes and ears of a growing, diverse group of online voices.

Organizers also announced that blogs credentialed by the DNCC will have access to a dedicated "Blogger Lounge" inside the Pepsi Center, equipped with televisions, technology resources and workspace to facilitate their reporting. All bloggers will have access to the Convention floor, press briefing areas, caucus meetings, filing centers and other auxiliary events open to members of the media.
...
In 2004, the DNCC credentialed about 30 blogs to cover the Convention in Boston - the first Convention to credential bloggers. Recently, the DNCC announced that 55 blogs focused on state and local politics were selected to be members of the DemConvention State Blogger Corps. Altogether, the DNCC will credential more than 120 blogs for the Convention and many more individuals will blog the Convention via credentials issued through the U.S. Congressional Press Galleries. - DNCC

Here's the full list of blogs approved today. Want to know the secret to being first on the list? Have you blog name start with a low number.....

2008 Democratic Convention Watch	http://demconwatch.blogspot.com
43rdStateBlues.com	http://43rdstateblues.com
AFL-CIO NOW Blog	http://blog.aflcio.org
African American Political Pundit	http://aapoliticalpundit.blogspot.com
AMERICAblog.com	http://americablog.com
Asian American Action Fund Blog	http://aaa-fund.com
Badlands Blue	http://badlandsblue.com
Bagnews Notes	http://bagnewsnotes.com
Beliefnet	http://beliefnet.com
Bitch Ph.D.	http://bitchphd.blogspot.com
Blogger News Network	http://bloggernews.net
Blogging For Michigan	http://bloggingformichigan.com
BlogHer	http://blogher.com
Blue Hampshire	http://bluehampshire.com
Blue Indiana	http://blueindiana.net
Blue Jersey	http://bluejersey.com
Blue Mass. Group	http://bluemassgroup.com
BlueGrassRoots	http://bluegrassroots.org
BlueNC.com	http://bluenc.com
BlueOregon	http://blueoregon.com
Buckeye State Blog	http://buckeyestateblog.com
Burnt Orange Report	http://BurntOrangeReport.com
Calitics	http://Calitics.com
Campus Progress	http://campusprogress.org
Celtic Diva's Blue Oasis	http://divasblueoasis.blogspot.com
Change to Win	http://changetowin.org
Colorado Confidential	http://coloradoconfidential.com
Cotton Mouth Blog	http://cottonmouthblog.blogspot.com
CracktheBell.com	http://crackthebell.com
Crooks and Liars	http://crooksandliars.com
culturekitchen	http://culturekitchen.com
Daily Kingfish	http://dailykingfish.com
Daily Kos	http://dailykos.com
Dallas South Blog	http://dallassouthblog.com
DCist.com	http://dcist.com
Democracy Arsenal	http://democracyarsenal.org
Democracy for New Mexico	http://DemocracyForNewMexico.com
Democratic Party of the U.S. Virgin Islands	http://groups.yahoo.com/group/democratvi
Democratic Underground	http://democraticunderground.com
Democrats Abroad Argentina	http://yanquimike.com.ar
DemoOkie	http://DemoOkie.com
Digby's Hullabaloo	http://digbysblog.blogspot.com
Disaboom.com	http://disaboom.com
Doc's Political Parlor	http://politicalparlor.net
DoubleSpeak	http://doublespeakshow.com
Eschaton	http://atrios.blogspot.com
EverydayCitizen.com	http://everydaycitizen.com
Fired Up!	http://firedupmissouri.com
Firedoglake	http://firedoglake.com
Florida Progressive Coalition	http://flaprogressives.org
Future Majority	http://futuremajority.com
Georgia Politics Unfiltered	http://georgiaunfiltered.blogspot.com
Green Mountain Daily	http://greenmountaindaily.com
Grist Magazine	http://grist.org/
Group News Blog	http://groupnewsblog.net
HispanicTips.com	http://hispanictips.com
HorsesAss.org	http://horsesass.org
HummingbirdMinds Blog	http://hummingbirdminds.blogspot.com
iLind.net	http://ilind.net
Indianz.com	http://indianz.com
Jack and Jill Politics	http://jackandjillpolitics.com
Jusiper	http://jusiper.blogspot.com
Keystone Politics	http://keystonepolitics.com
KnoxViews	http://knoxviews.com
Las Vegas Gleaner	http://lasvegasgleaner.com
Left In Alabama	http://leftinalabama.com
Left in the West	http://leftinthewest.com
Michigan Liberal	http://michiganliberal.com
Minnesota Monitor	http://minnesotamonitor.com
MOMocrats	http://momocrats.typepad.com
My Left Nutmeg	http://myleftnutmeg.com
MyDD	http://mydd.com
New Nebraska Network	http://NewNebraska.net
NewsOne.com	http://newsone.com
No Rest for the Awake	http://minagahet.blogspot.com
NorthDecoder.com	http://northdecoder.com
Obsidian Wings	http://obsidianwings.blogs.com
Ohio Daily Blog	http://ohiodailyblog.com
OliverWillis.com	http://oliverwillis.com
Open Left	http://openleft.com
Pam's House Blend	http://pamshouseblend.com
Political Base	http://politicalbase.com
Political Wire	http://politicalwire.com
PoliticalLunch.com	http://PoliticalLunch.com
PolitickerNJ.com	http://politickernj.com
PoliticsOnline	http://politicsonline.com
Pop and Politics	http://popandpolitics.com
Prairie State Blue	http://PrairieStateBlue.com
RaceWire	http://racewire.org
Raising Kaine	http://raisingkaine.com
Raw Story	http://rawstory.com
Rhode Island's Future	http://rifuture.org
Room 8	http://r8ny.com
Rum, Romanism and Rebellion	http://rumromanismrebellion.net
RuralVotes	http://ruralvotes.com/thefield
Scholars & Rogues	http://scholarsandrogues.com
Seeing the Forest	http://seeingtheforest.com
Sepia Mutiny	http://sepiamutiny.com
SquareState.net	http://squarestate.net
Talking Points Memo	http://talkingpointsmemo.com
TalkLeft	http://talkleft.com
Taylor Marsh	http://taylormarsh.com
The Albany Project	http://thealbanyproject.com
The Center for Emerging Media	http://centerforemergingmedia.com
The Iowa Independent	http://iowaindependent.com
The Natchez Blog	http://natchezms.blogspot.com
The Seminal	http://theseminal.com
The UpTake	http://theuptake.org
The Utah Amicus	http://utahamicus.com
The Washington Independent	http://washingtonindependent.com
Think Youth	http://thinkyouth.org
Thought Theater	http://thoughttheater.com
TommyWonk	http://tommywonk.blogspot.com/
Tondee's Tavern	http://tondeestavern.com
Towleroad	http://towleroad.com
Turn Maine Blue	http://turnmaineblue.com
Under The Dome.com	http://underthedome.com
Uppity Wisconsin	http://uppitywis.org
USAmerica Vota '08	http://usamericavota08.blogspot.com
VivirLatino.com	http://vivirlatino.com
West Virginia Blue	http://wvablue.com
What About Our Daughters? Blog	http://whataboutourdaughters.com
Working Life	http://workinglife.org
Zennie's Zeitgeist	http://zennie2005.blogspot.com

Congratulations to all the blogs on the list.

Convention State Blogging Credentials Announced

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

This just came in from the DNCC. Congrats to all of the blogs that got in!

DNC CHAIRMAN GOVERNOR DEAN ANNOUNCES BLOGS SELECTED FOR 2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION 'STATE BLOGGER CORPS'

Party Chairman Notifies Selected Blogs Via Online Video Message

DENVER - As part of the Democratic National Convention Committee's (DNCC) commitment to engaging a broad spectrum of audiences in the 2008 Democratic National Convention experience using new technology and other creative means, Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Howard Dean today announced the blogs selected to participate in the DemConvention State Blogger Corps during the four-day event in August. Governor Dean notified the blogs selected via an online video message available at www.DemConvention.com .

"Similar to the record-breaking voter turnout our Party has seen during the primary season, the demand for these coveted blogger positions is yet another indicator of the tremendous interest in this historic Convention," said Governor Dean. "The Internet has played a critical role in connecting Americans to elected officials and candidates seeking office. The DemConvention State Blogger Corps will continue to foster this dialogue - in all 50 of our states and our territories too - as we head towards this year's historic election and elect a Democrat to the White House."

The DNCC previously announced an expansion of the credentialed blogger pool from past Conventions and the addition of a state blogger credentialing program. As part of the new DemConvention State Blogger Corps, designed for bloggers covering state and local politics, bloggers will receive unparalleled access to state delegations and the floor of the Convention hall. In a truly unprecedented move, the DNCC will seat these bloggers with their respective delegations during the historic four-day event, providing even greater access for local coverage and perspective. Highlights from these blogs will also be featured on www.DemConvention.com

"The members of the DemConvention State Blogger Corps represent a broad spectrum of voices that illustrate the 'big tent' nature of our Party," said DNCC CEO Leah D. Daughtry. "Many of these blogs are vibrant communities, well respected in their home states and committed to ensuring that all voices can be heard in the political process. I'm excited about the roles these bloggers will have in engaging an even broader, more diverse base of people from around the country in conversations not only about the Convention, but about the future of our nation."

More than 400 applications were received from bloggers across the United States and multiple territories. Some of the blogs selected for the State Corps are full-time, professional endeavors while others are the work of individuals, who through their own efforts have become recognized authorities on state and local politics. Bloggers had to submit daily audience information and provide examples of posts that made their blogs stand out as an effective online organizing tool or agent of change, a demonstration of both the reach and impact blogs have had and will continue to have on the 2008 election. The program recognizes the growth of more localized blogs and is in line with Governor Dean's 50-state strategy.

In addition to the State Blogger Corps, the DNCC will soon credential a General Blogger Pool, to include local, state and national political bloggers, as well as niche and video bloggers from across the country. All applicants not selected for the State Blogger Corps are now eligible for selection as part of the General Blogger Pool.

The DemConvention State Blogger Corps is listed below.

STATE - BLOG NAME - BLOG URL
in the lead up to and during the Convention.

ALASKA - Celtic Diva's Blue Oasis - http://divasblueoasis.blogspot.com

ALABAMA- Doc's Political Parlor - http://www.politicalparlor.net

ARKANSAS- Under The Dome.com - http://www.underthedome.com

ARIZONA - Ted Prezelski - Rum, Romanism and Rebellion - http://www.rumromanismrebellion.net

CALIFORNIA - Calitics- http://Calitics.com

COLORADO -SquareState.net - http://squarestate.net

CONNECTICUT -My Left Nutmeg - http://myleftnutmeg.com

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA- DCist.com - http://dcist.com

DELAWARE - TommyWonk - http://tommywonk.blogspot.com/

DEMOCRATS ABROAD - Democrats Abroad Argentina - http://www.yanquimike.com.ar

FLORIDA - Florida Progressive Coalition - http://flaprogressives.org

GEORGIA- Tondee's Tavern - http://www.tondeestavern.com

GUAM - No Rest for the Awake - Minagahet Chamorro - http://minagahet.blogspot.com

HAWAII - iLind.net: Ian Lind Online - http://www.ilind.net

IOWA - The Iowa Independent - http://iowaindependent.com

IDAHO - 43rdStateBlues.com - http://www.43rdstateblues.com

ILLINOIS- Prairie State Blue - http://www.PrairieStateBlue.com

INDIANA- Blue Indiana - http://www.blueindiana.net

KANSAS - EverydayCitizen.com - http://everydaycitizen.com

KENTUCKY - BlueGrassRoots - http://www.bluegrassroots.org

LOUISIANA - Daily Kingfish - http://www.dailykingfish.com

MASSACHUSETTS - Blue Mass. Group - http://www.bluemassgroup.com

MARYLAND - The Center for Emerging Media - http://www.centerforemergingmedia.com

MAINE - Turn Maine Blue - http://www.turnmaineblue.com

MICHIGAN - Blogging For Michigan - http://bloggingformichigan.com

MINNESOTA - Minnesota Monitor - http://minnesotamonitor.com

MISSISSIPPI - The Natchez Blog - http://natchezms.blogspot.com

MISSOURI - Fired Up! LLC - http://www.firedupmissouri.com

MONTANA - Left in the West - http://www.leftinthewest.com

NORTH CAROLINA - BlueNC.com - http://bluenc.com

NORTH DAKOTA - NorthDecoder.com - http://www.northdecoder.com

NEBRASKA - New Nebraska Network - http://www.NewNebraska.net

NEW HAMPSHIRE - Blue Hampshire - http://www.bluehampshire.com

NEW JERSEY - PolitickerNJ.com - http://www.politickernj.com

NEW MEXICO - Democracy for New Mexico - http://www.DemocracyForNewMexico.com

NEVADA - Las Vegas Gleaner - http://www.lasvegasgleaner.com

NEW YORK - Room 8 - http://www.r8ny.com

OHIO - Ohio Daily Blog - http://www.ohiodailyblog.com

OKLAHOMA - DemoOkie - http://www.DemoOkie.com

OREGON - BlueOregon (blog) - http://www.blueoregon.com

PENNSYLVANIA - Keystone Politics - http://www.keystonepolitics.com

PUERTO RICO - Jusiper - http://jusiper.blogspot.com

RHODE ISLAND - Rhode Island's Future - http://www.rifuture.org

SOUTH CAROLINA - CracktheBell.com - http://www.crackthebell.com

SOUTH DAKOTA - Badlands Blue - http://www.badlandsblue.com

TENNESSEE - KnoxViews/TennViews - http://www.knoxviews.com

TEXAS - Burnt Orange Report - http://www.BurntOrangeReport.com

UTAH - The Utah Amicus - http://utahamicus.com

VIRGINIA - Raising Kaine - http://www.raisingkaine.com

VIRGIN ISLANDS - Democratic Party of the US Virgin Islands - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/democratvi

VERMONT - Green Mountain Daily - http://greenmountaindaily.com

WASHINGTON - HorsesAss.org - http://www.horsesass.org

WISCONSIN - Uppity Wisconsin - http://www.uppitywis.org

WEST VIRGINIA - West Virginia Blue - http://www.wvablue.com

WYOMING - Hummingbirdminds blog - http://hummingbirdminds.blogspot.com

We're still waiting for the general blog credentials which will hopefully be announced soon. If your blog isn't on the list you still can get in.

More proof that blogs are valid news sources

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

We've told you about several errors that big media sources have made this primary season. This time The News Tribune of Tacoma points out a problem with the New York Time's superdelegate list.

NYT says superdelegate Mast is for Clinton. Mast disagrees.

Posted by Niki Sullivan @ 10:31:20 am

We ran a story this morning (posted here last night) about Washington state's remaining uncommitted superdelegates and whether their resolve has cracked yet. The answer: No.

But we were puzzled by one bit: The Superdelegate Transparency Project said Sharon Mast is uncommitted. The New York Times says she's a Hillary delegate.

I just got off the phone with Mast. She says she's uncommitted.

"I was surprised when I went to The New York Times site and saw that I was committed," she said. "I have been uncommitted all along in this process."

She said she intends to "remain so until this process completes itself."

I'm always suspicious of passive statements, so I asked how the process will "complete itself." "We have some states left and one more territory," she said.

I asked where she thinks the Times got the idea she was a Clinton supporter: "I have no idea. It doesn't matter. In real life, I know where I'm at, which is uncommitted." - News Tribune

If you're not familiar with the Superdelegate Transparency Project they use our superdelegate lists to compare how superdelegates have endorsed in comparison with their constituents.

Democratic Convention Watch on Politico

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

I'd like to thank Michael Calderone for his great story on superdelegate tracking and his nice words about DCW. I wasn't kidding about hearing from the campaigns. If you're reading this and you have any pull with either the Clinton or Obama campaign email us at dem con watch -at- google groups dot com

So the two began listing all the names they could find through campaign releases or lists supplied to them from the Democratic National Committee.

Now they also use readers’ tips and do their own research to pull together a list of committed superdelegates. Some superdelegates have even commented on the site which way they’re leaning or have assisted the site’s creators in keeping an accurate count.

DemConWatch’s current totals are 245 for Clinton, 221 for Obama — different, of course, than the other news outlets but still falling within the same range as their better-equipped (and -funded) competitors.

And there’s another major difference in how they’ve kept a running superdelegate tally: while individual Democrats chime in with assistance, the two campaigns have been absent from the process.

DCW Widget

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

We've finally figured out how to build a widget that we'll be updating along with our trackers. Click here to get the widget. We've also put a link on the left sidebar.

Let us know if you have any suggestions on how we could make it better.

Bloggers to be seated with their delegations

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

As we get closer to the convention we're starting to get more and more evidence that the DNCC really does plan on including bloggers. We've reported on state blogger credentials before and if you applied for credentials you'll be happy to know you that won't be in the nosebleed seats.

Demonstrating a commitment to unprecedented access for bloggers at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) today announced that bloggers credentialed as part of the DemConvention State Blogger Corps will be seated with their respective delegations in the Pepsi Center during the historic four-day event. The move guarantees bloggers with a focus on state politics a unique vantage point to provide localized coverage of the Convention, to be held from August 25-28 in Denver.

"The Internet is the most significant tool for building democracy since the invention of the printing press," said Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Howard Dean. "New local, national and global communities are being formed which demand two-way communication between people and their leaders and the DemConvention State Blogger Corps will be on the frontlines at the 2008 convention to help facilitate this critical dialogue."

In November, the DNCC announced its blogger credentialing process for 2008, including an expansion of the credentialed blogger pool from prior cycles and the addition of a state blogger credentialing program. Under the DemConvention State Blogger Corps, which is designed for those covering state and local politics, the DNCC is offering the opportunity for one blogger to be credentialed from each of the states and territories. The program, recognizing the growth of more localized blogs and in line with Governor Dean's 50-state strategy, has been open for applications since December.

"Time and again, we talk about our commitment to bring down the walls of the Pepsi Center and engage more people in the Convention experience using new technology and other creative means," said Leah D. Daughtry, CEO of the DNCC. "Granting unprecedented access to our state bloggers shows we are serious about making this an inclusive, accessible event. When our nominee for President of the United States takes the stage, members of the DemConvention State Blogger Corps will witness this historic moment from the best seats in the house - and in turn, be able to offer their dedicated readers back home a first-hand account from the center of that state's action."

To qualify as a state blogger, the applicant's blog must have been in existence six months prior to requesting credentials and have at least 120 politically related blog posts. Bloggers must submit their daily audience and list their authority based on Technorati statistics. Bloggers may also provide examples of posts that make their blog stand out as an effective online organizing tool and/or agent of change.

In addition to the DemConvention State Blogger Corps, the DNCC will also credential a general blogger pool, to include local, state and national political bloggers, as well as niche and video bloggers from across the country.

Applications for blogger credentials will be accepted until April 15, 2008. Individuals selected for either the DemConvention State Blogger Corps or the general blogger pool will be notified in May.

Bloggers interested in applying can find additional information at http://www.demconvention.com/blogger-credentialing-process/ . - DNCC Press Release

MisterSuperDelegate.org

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

We know we've come a long way from the early days in January when we started our Superdelegate Lists. Back then most people didn't know what a superdelegate was. Now it's hard to go anywhere without hearing about them.

Today we received a press release from a mystery DNC member announcing the start of MisterSuperDelegate.org

DNC Member Launches Website Exclusively Covering Superdelegates

“MisterSuperDelegate.org” Debunks Myths, Answers User Questions and

Provides Insight on Nomination Process

For Immediate Release

March 24, 2008 ( Washington , DC ) – MisterSuperDelegate.org is a site authored by an undeclared Superdelegate, and seeks to debunk urban myths about who Superdelegates are and how they are engaging in the nomination.

People have lots of questions about Superdelegates, and on MisterSuperDelegate.orgMisterSuperDelegate.org has a complete series on debunking myths - popular yet incorrect notions about the process.
they can ask and receive unfiltered answers.

MisterSuperDelegate.org – which redirects to the more concise “MrSuper.org” domain – also provides links to news stories and data to support claims made on the site.

Current blog posts address Florida & Michigan elections and the non-viable ideas of a primary or convention just for Superdelegates. The site claims that “There are no undecided Superdelegates – only undeclared ones.”

The site is well worth a visit.

There Are No Undecided Super Delegates

Or at least, there are very few of them. The majority of undeclared Supers are just that - undeclared. It doesn't mean they don't have a clear preference. Keep that in mind when people are talking about the need for the candidates to lobby or not lobby the Supers more often. Because the truth is, it's really not that necessary.

You say Superdelegate, I say Super Delegate

Pet Peeve: the spelling of Super Delegate. I wonder what William Strunk would have to say? I prefer the two-word phrasing "Super Delegate" as opposed to the invented one-word "Superdelegate," because I don't think it's a real word. If anyone knows a reference tool that can verify the appropriate term that would be helpful.

Maybe we should trademark the word superdelegate? We've used it enough as one word... and lots of people consider our blog a reference tool.

And to answer the questions that will inevitably be raised:
1. Yes this is from an actual DNC member
2. No... we will not tell you who it is.

Still 11 states left without applications for convention blogger credentials

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

If you read my story from last month you'll know that there were still several states without any blogger credential applications for the convention.

A little more than a month later there are still 11 states with no applications.

Alabama
Alaska
Hawaii
Idaho
Iowa
Maine
Maryland
Nevada
South Dakota
Texas
West Virginia

If you're a blogger and you want to get into the convention in August this may be your best chance for a ticket. And if your state isn't mentioned in the list above don't worry. Most states only have a couple applications that have been entered.

2008 DemConvention State Blogger Corps (PDF)
Recognizing the growth of more localized blogs, this pool is designed for those covering state and local politics. To qualify as a state blogger, the applicant’s blog must have been in existence six months prior to requesting credentials and have at least 120 politically related blog posts. Bloggers must submit their daily audience and list their authority based on Technorati stats. Bloggers may also provide examples of posts that make their blog stand out as an effective online organizing tool and/or agent of change.

Once the state bloggers have been identified for the DemConvention State Blogger Corps, the applications of those not selected for this program will all be transferred for consideration for the general blogger pool.

If you've been planning on entering your blog but figured you'd wait, your time is running out. The deadline for applications is April 15th and bloggers will be notified in May if they will be getting credentials.

23 States' Blogger credentials haven't been applied for

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

According to the Democratic National Convention Committee's blog as of January 8th there are still 23 states that have no applications filed for blogger credentials. The DNCC will issue credentials to one blogger in each state.

Most surprisingly bordering states that are an easy drive to Denver are mostly open.
5 out of 7 of Colorado's neighbors have had no applications sent in for what may be a once in a lifetime opportunity.

To see a map of which states have no applications click here. States that already have applications are not necessarily out of reach as the final decision won't be made for at least a couple months.

For anyone interested you can get more information from the DNCC

2008 DemConvention State Blogger Corps
Recognizing the growth of more localized blogs, this pool is designed for those covering state and local politics. To qualify as a state blogger, the applicant’s blog must have been in existence six months prior to requesting credentials and have at least 120 politically related blog posts. Bloggers must submit their daily audience and list their authority based on Technorati stats. Bloggers may also provide examples of posts that make their blog stand out as an effective online organizing tool and/or agent of change.

Once the state bloggers have been identified for the DemConvention State Blogger Corps, the applications of those not selected for this program will all be transferred for consideration for the general blogger pool.

Update from Matt: And don't forget, if you want to follow the drive to find a blogger from Guam to cover the convention, check out Guam Loves Jason Rosenberg.

Application process now open for convention bloggers

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

The DNCC has opened the application process for bloggers to obtain credentials for the Democratic National Convention. You can get more info and apply for credentials here
or at the DNCC Blog

DNCC CEO Leah Daughtry answered some great questions from bloggers at RootsCamp about who can apply, volunteering, lodging and many other things.



Thanks to TakeBackTheHouse from SquareState and guamlovesjasonrosenberg.blogspot.com

And if you're not one of the lucky few who are chosen as a delegate or get press credentials and find yourself in Denver you can still be a part of the action. You can join Progress Now Action and Markos Moulitsas at ProgressCon 2008 a short walk from the convention sites.

Podrazik profile on DNCC blog

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

Jason Rosenberg has been profiling various staff members of the DNCC, and today he turns his attention to Director of Media Operations Wally Podrazik:

For the ninth Convention running, it will be Wally Podrazik – with bullhorn in hand – leading the media though this first glimpse inside the home of the Democratic National Convention.

When Wally isn’t doing media logistics for the DNCC, he is busy writing books. In fact, he’s written ten books over the years, including “Watching TV: Six Decades of American Television” (a season by season story of TV). Wally, a Chicago native, also has written extensively on the greatest band of all time, The Beatles.
...
Q: We’ve got to ask: What drives you to keep coming back?
A: I love the role the convention plays in the process. This is the launching pad, the beginning of the final run to Election Day. And working with the media organizations is particularly satisfying. Every four years there have been leaps in technology that they’re eager to show off. More important, this is an event that brings out some of the best in journalists. Even as they gripe about preordained outcomes, they’re still here because THEY recognize this as an important event.
...
Q: Of the nine Conventions you’ve worked for, is it possible to identify a favorite Convention moment?
A: When the speakers connect with the crowd, it’s magic. President Clinton. Rev. Jackson. I can still picture the face of a young woman during the acceptance speech of Geraldine Ferraro as the vice presidential nominee (1984, San Francisco). I happened to look over and saw a joyful tear in her eye. For her, this was more than a speech, it was a moment of great pride, hope, and excitement. After all the business of the logistics of a convention, what ultimately matters is providing a stage, a platform, an opportunity, that allows people to feel invested and a part of our democratic process. It’s a terrific feeling.

Along with Jackson's speech, I'll throw some other moments that I was in the hall for: The overnight repainting of the podium from blue to Jimmy Carter's campaign color of Green before his speech; Ted Kennedy's speech in 1980; Gary Hart's speech in 1984; Mike Dukakis' entrance into the hall to Neil Diamond's "[Coming to] America", and the Clinton walk from Macy's to Madison Square Garden on New York in 1992. Great pageantry, although not always ultimately succeeding in November.

DNCC starts a blog

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

The official blog of the Democratic Convention is now online. There are already a bunch of good posts up - make sure to check them out.

DNC Announces Convention Leadership Team

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

DNC Chairman Howard Dean has announced the six members of the senior leadership team for the 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC):

Leah Daughtry, CEO
Peggy Cusack, Chief of Staff
Susana Carbajal, General Counsel
Jenni Engebretsen, Deputy CEO for Public Affairs
Sky Gallegos, Deputy CEO for Intergovernmental Relations
Cameron Moody, Deputy CEO for Operations
Jim McMullen, Deputy CEO for Administration and Finance

You can see the press release for all of their backgrounds. Daughtry and Moody were on the Technical Advisory Committee that helped advise Dean on the convention choice. I would highlight Cameron Moody's resume:

Cameron Moody has more than 18 years of experience in project management, strategic planning, special event logistics, and transportation systems.... Moody was Deputy CEO for Operations for the 2004 Democratic National Convention Committee where he oversaw the planning and implementation of Security, Transportation and Housing. In this role, he interfaced with the Boston Host Committee, Secret Service, Boston Police, Boston Conventions and Visitors Bureau, Boston Fire Dept., Boston Police, State Dept. of Transportation and a host of other agencies and corporate entities. Moody also served as Deputy Director of Operations for the 2004 and 2000 Democratic National Conventions and Deputy Director of Transportation for the 1996 Democratic National Convention. Cameron also worked on the 2002, 2000 and 1996 Olympics and the 1997 Denver Summit of the Eight (G-8 Economic Summit).

Readers of this blog know that it's the logistics that interest me, and Moody has the right background.

But when will Wally Podrazik's hiring be announced?

One other note. Some in the blogosphere are unhappy with the choice of Jenni Engebretsen because she comes from the RIAA. You can see the reasons at Boing Boing and Daily Kos.