so tired

We did it.

Lots of stories. After a nap.

Gearing up

It's amazing to see it all this come together.

The scale of it is enormous.

For example, I spent yesterday figuring out what it'll take to distribute the signs/banners/flags that the 15,000 conventioneers will need.  We determined the order, the numbers and if they've been printed, assembled, and if they've cleared the security barriers.

We have 20,000 to 40,000 signs per night to move, in about 4 waves - all over the course of the 90 minutes of prime-time coverage. Every sign needs to move to the floor as the speaker is being introduced, but *not* before. The effect of 10,000 sign is all being raised at the same time is the goal.

Understanding from where each campaign worker gets their 200-500 signs for their assigned delegation, and how they move through the hall to distribute them (gotta have the right pass!) is how I'll spend today.

I made a spreadsheet. It's pretty sweet.


And now, the hall floor-

The masons at the dnc

Colorado and California are next to each other on the delegate floor.


We 're meant to be here...

G'MORNING

Don't mix up your Biore Pore Strips with your Crest Whitening Strips.
Seriously.

HELP MY WIFE, PLEASE.

I'm heading to Boston on Monday to help Maggie (and a few others) run the Democratic National Convention.

She still needs a few more volunteers. She keeps getting new requests to place people, so there are still good jobs left to be had!

Read this and sign up!

MAKING FRIENDS

Making homemade ice cream is no tougher than making soup. Actually - it's easier.

But when you annouce that dessert is Vanilla Bean Ice Cream made from scratch, it's like like you've told your guests that you invented vanilla bean ice cream.

You can see everyone's opinion of you rise. Just a bit.

TENT REVIVALS ON THE SOUTH LAWN

So, in the last few days, the President has

• Again shunned the NAACP's invitation to speak at their national convention (the first sitting President to decline since Warren G Harding),
  
  
• Used his radio address to advocate for a constitutional amendment institutionalizing discrimination, and
  
  
• Quietly complained to the Republican National Committee that, with convention speakers like Mayor Giuliani, Gov. Schwarzenegger, and Sen. McCain, social conservatives are unhappy with the convention line up.

Is it me or is he worried even his conservative base will stay home on election day?

CODE STILL YELLOW

The Department of Homeland Security held a press conference today to announce that it has no new, credible or specific threats against Boston or New York, but that people in these -- and all -- cities should be on heightened alert for terrorist activities. "Terrorists want to swing the election", is the message.

Now, I know that the Bush administration hates to give up the limelight. I know that in a week where President Bush's top fundraiser is indicted, it must suck for his rival to pick a popular running mate. And I know that it's going to take an outside organization that his father spent years supporting to secure his re-election - as in 2000.

In light of all of this, and as someone who's wife is today working diligently in the Boston Convention Center, I'll answer Secretary Ridge with a quote from the incorrigible Tina Fey;

"Bitch, I couldn't be more alert!"

THE TICKET

"We've got better vision, better ideas, real plans. We've got a better sense of what's happening to America - and we've got better hair," Kerry said, laughing.

This really is going to be fun.