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



    DENVER, Aug. 22 /EMWNews/ -- 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

http://www.DemConvention.com/townhall.

    About the DNCC:



    The 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee is the official arm

of the Democratic National Committee responsible for planning and

organizing the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver.

http://www.demconvention.com



    Paid for by 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee, Inc.



    Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.