[politics] Live-blogging DNC Day 1

Having missed the DNC speeches live, I will instead ‘live-blog’ the taped version on KQED 9. 

0:01 Looks like they are starting with the town hall session first instead of Pelosi’s speech.

1:03 Who the hell is this guy and why do I care about his Wisconsin upbringing-thank god Jim Lehrer cuts away.

4:30 Notable Obama critic, David Brooks, is on this analysis panel? What the hell. Remember him and the Applebees fiasco? Ugh. Claims Obama has skirted around Obama supporter, Senator Sherrod Brown’s, denunciation of NAFTA and globalization in general. Oh Midwest America, please stop voting so we can stop pandering to you.

8:33 Pelosi introduced via corny video. “Military promises to leave no solider behind; democrats promise to leave no veterans behind.”

12:54 Pelosi give shout out to the gremlins still habituating the Hillary camp.

14:09 Needlessly pounds the gavel. Wow. Did she rehearse her speech at all? This is awful.

17:25 “Same failed policies.” Beating that phrase into our skulls.

18:30 She coerces the audience to join her in repeating “Barack Obama is right; John McCain is wrong.” This is insufferably hackneyed. Sincerity is not her strong point.

24:23 Its over. Finally. David Brooks calls it “cliche” and “generic.” For once, we can agree. Pelosi as first speaker: mistake.

29:23 Jimmy Carter tribute features Katrina victims; paints a vivid picture of the current administrations inability to take care of its own citizens.

36:38 Obama’s sister is speaking. Decent … I suppose. I am way too critical of the speakers.

42:08 Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. is speaking vis a vis Obama speaking at the DNC 2004???? Nah, not charasmatic enough. But a strong, powerful speech nonetheless. Theme of unity.

1:15:42 Caroline Kennedy is on the podium. ‘I’ve never had someone inspire me the way people tell me my father inspired them … but I do now! Barack Obama!’

1:21:02 Video tribute to Ted Kennedy video. Very well done, fit for a Kennedy.

1:30:08 Warm reception to Ted Kennedy’s from the Obama faithful. Healthcare, Iraq, and American goals are talking points.

2:03:36 Token Republican at DNC, former Congressman Jim Leach of Iowa; also works as Dick Cheney’s stunt double. Highlights the historical precedence for bipartisanship.

2:10:44 JFK name dropping!

2:11:05 Repeated quote of the night: “Little is riskier to the national interest than more of the same.”

2:14:57 A very vibrant Senator Claire McCaskill from Missouri at the podium.

2:15:40 “… the people of Missouri. Good hardworking, god loving, family centered, blessed with an abundance of common sense and a tough streak of Harry Truman style independence.” Are you trying to convince us or yourself… The campaign is trying hard to erase that “bitter” comment from the minds of gun totin’ evangelicals.

2:20:25 “There is only one candidate in this race who has supported equal pay for equal work by America’s women and candidate is Barack Obama!” McCaskill is really reaching out to those who have believe they have been slighted by Obama.

2:22:46 Best speech of the night, so far. But Michelle Obama is on deck and here comes a video intro.

2:25:22 Oh my my, there is more than meets the eye. The video also includes anecdotes from the first time Michelle met Barack. Thats schoo schweeet.

2:29:19 Outstanding video, but Michelle’s story needs no gilding. Remarkable.

2:32:10 Michelle’s brother gives a very heartfelt introduction to his sister. As Oregon State basketball coach, he said “Go Beavers!” Beavers.

2:36:47 HUGE ovation for Michelle.

2:37:39 An absolute natural at public speaking. An impassioned speech about hard work, hope, and charity. Smart, chic, attractive, and philanthropic: coolest couple on the planet.

2:53:53 Impeccable. You really wonder what Cindy McCain is thinking when she see’s Michelle operate. Better get a double on this month’s Botox injection.

2:54:52 Jim Lehrer hints at a “special event … through the magic of electronics.” Oooooh!!!! I hope I hope its a giant cyborg Obama wreaking havoc … aww just a video feed from Kansas 

2:56:44 Obama introduces a family he is visiting along the campaign trail, the Gerrado family. Camera fixates on Barack. You cant see any of them. Expect Stewart and Colbert to go after this one.

Aaaaaand CUT. Wow. Note to self: do not live blog the first night of the DNC or the first night of ANY weeklong event for that matter, ever.