Floor, Fleet, Backstage, Podium

Floor, Fleet, Backstage, Podium

While bloggers, such as TalkLeft, DailyKos, and Instipundit are blogging from blogger row, I'm sitting right behind the delegate seating area in the DNCC Technology Support Desk. We have the convention streaming on one of our HP Tablets and I'm full from a free staff dinner.

TalkLeft has posted pictures of the "1st Amendment Zone" (AKA the Protest Pen or as some protesters have called it "Gitmo Boston.") Seeing the area in person, it really is small and beams of the old overpass prevent large signs and the use of tall banners. The netting surrounding the area makes it seem enclosed and sealed off from the public but this is not the case, the public can walk through the area (I would highly recommend not walking through there as a delegate.)

The FleetCenter has poised some interesting challenges for our network, in the first couple days the Boston Globe hired a local computer security expert to crack into our wireless network. He didn't get very far as the system he accessed was a plant. Those who do use our wireless network need our approval and the approval of the communications department before we allow them on the network. Over at the Wonkette, she is discussing the various fashions of the security. Secret Service has various levels of dress (from Grey BDU's to suits). One thing I have had to deal with the most is the entry of computer equipment into Fleet. The morning deliveries have caused me to become friends with the uniformed USSS agents working our delivery gate. While TalkLeft and Wonkette claim the security is extremely tight, trust me I have had to work with it on a daily basis. Yes, we do have a Dunkin Donuts and a McDonald's inside North Station. In the two weeks working here I have only had to suffer the cardio-clogging delights of MickeyD's once.

In our old help desk location we have a front row seat for meeting the politicians as they are rushed out of the building by USSS. Hillary and Bill (William shook Bill's hand), Jimmy Carter, Teresa Heinz Kerry stopped her security detail and said hi to our support office, Glen Close (who we barely gave a second thought due to all of the key politicians), Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico (if anyone knows his personal photographer please leave a comment), Governor Grey Davis (and Sharon Davis), Dick Gephardt and Vermont governor Howard Dean.

Wonkette also asked the question "How would one score at Boston?" May I recommend the always rocking Democratic Governors Association "Rock the Wharf?" (Which went 'till 2am and cost me twenty-eight dollars in cab fair) My compliments to New Mexico who by far has been the nicest staff to interact with. Tonight, one could possibly score at the Black Eye Peas concert or at Felt in Downtown Boston.

Working my second DNC has been challenging at times. The Los Angeles Convention Center provided a large amount of space for the media to set up and for them to file their reports. Grassroots organizations could set up booths and visiting delegates could walk up and down the building, allowing for greater interaction between the press and the delegates. Staples was also great as we could navigate throughout the building quickly and easily. I'm in total agreement that the FleetCenter has its share of logistical challenges both in the set-up, the structure, and the deployment of technology. I would love to discuss additional information regarding logistics and also office politics but I would still like to remain in the party's good graces.

One funny thing that happed to me today was at the Democratic GAIN training. During a lecture from Clinton's former National Security Advisor, I was so tired that I actually fell asleep. Luckily a delegate woke me up as she left for the convention so I wouldn’t be late for the show.

So as Maya Angelo reads a poem on the stage, MDLU will take a brake and may resume with an end of evening post.

(Please be advised that the information in this post is for personal diary purposes only, any or all reproduction in print and/or electronic form must be approved during the duration of July 26 - 29th)