The Chronicle-Telegram

Bill Bogner   Alternate Delegate for Hillary Clinton.

 

Friday, 8/29/2008, 9:49 p.m.

Arrived home early this evening. I was hoping to write one more note after last evening’s festivities, but I arrived back to my hotel room late and hungry. Due to so many of the 50,000 (?) conferees flying out of Denver today, they had advised us to allow four hours prior to departure to leave our hotel and get to the airport. I left about 7:30 a.m. for a noon flight, and the lines were not bad at all.

About last night…I will never forget such an historical event!  We were told to leave our hotel and board the shuttle buses for Invesco Field no later than 2:00 pm to avoid long security lines in getting in. I left on the 1:30 p.m. shuttle, and was seated on the 50 yard line with the Ohio delegation a bit after 2:00 p.m. Delegates were given a special entrance so it was easy access. But, I did hear that later in the afternoon people were waiting in lines one hour or more. 

By the time Sen. Obama was introduced, most of the stadium was filled. I would guess about 80,000 were in the stands.  Nice evening, temperature very comfortable. The crowd was very excited when he came on stage, flags waving, very loud. It was a real site to see! He finally was able to start his speech, which lasted about 45 minutes.

He hit on many of the "talking points" that the party has been saying throughout the convention regarding Senator McCain carrying on the same tired policies of the Bush Administration, that being a decorated soldier was great, but there were things that McCain "…just does not get."   He laid out his "platform" or agenda for what he would do if elected which was closely aligned to what is troubling America today (economy, gas prices, child care/education, health care, jobs, etc.). I thought it was very carefully stated so that most Americans would understand. How to pay for it all might not have been clear to me though, but I suppose the inference is that if the Iraq War was "ended responsibly," then there would money from that. 

There were times that I felt that he was taking some tough stances and showing some force or strength. It was good to see. 

The evening ended with his family and the Bidens coming out on stage together along with a spectacular burst of fireworks and confetti. With the flags waving it was quite a site to see. Being there was just awesome and something I will never forget! 

__________

Thursday, 8/28/2008, 1:04 p.m.

Roll call on Wednesday afternoon brought about an interesting surprise before Ohio could even vote. Illinois deferred their vote to New York, Hillary Clinton was then brought to the microphone. She called for a change in the voting rules and by affirmation declared only one candidate for president…that of Barack Obama. It was voted and accepted; a classy move on her part and lifted the party to unity.

"Yes We Can!" is an optimistic and vocal expression heard so frequently. 

Melissa Ethridge sang a collection of patriotic verses which set a nice tone for the rest of the evening. Madeline Albright, former Secretary of State, gave an insightful talk about the current troubled world situation and how the current Bush Administration has made numerous tactical errors, the loss of international friends, etc. 

Former President Bill Clinton, the great orator, received a rousing flag-waving ovation.  To put the media and all others at ease, he strongly declared his support for the Barack Obama/Joe Biden ticket.  He declared early that Hillary supports Barack, and "so does he and 18 million voters". "Barack Obama is ready to be President!" he declared. President Clinton got to the many issues facing America and the middle class family, and got in many hits against the Republican party and John McCain. Being a good and courageous soldier is not enough, one needs to be a wise leader too. Sen. John Kerry followed, and did not mince his words regarding the smear tactics that the Republican party has used in the past and will continue to use due to their lack of substance. 

The evening then belonged to Sen. Joe Bidden, the VP candidate. He, too, laid out some strong words and arguments as to why Sen. McCain and his policies will not be good for the struggling American family. On a personal note, his life story was conveyed in the introduction by his son Beau Bidden, the tragedy of losing his first wife and young daughter in a car crash one month after being elected to the Senate. The entire Biden family came on stage at the end. Then, in a surprise to all of us, Barack Obama appeared on stage to congratulate his running mate on a well-delivered speech. 

This morning, the large Ohio Delegation met for breakfast as we usually do for announcements and speeches. But, today, most of the meeting was devoted to a tribute to Stephanie Tubbs Jones. A video celebrating her life, her friends and the many Ohio candidates that she supported was given (few dry eyes in the place). 

Today will draw to a close a memorable week for me! We board the shuttle buses around 2:00 pm to Invesco Field for the final day/night of this convention. The Program begins at 4:00 pm with Senator Barack Obama accepting the nomination and speech probably beginning around 8:00 pm here with an anticipated crowd of 70,000. It will be a night to remember! 

Farewell from Denver! And, please vote for the candidates that will turn around America with its increasing diversity, needs and restore its leadership in the world….that is Barack Obama and Joe Biden! America needs them!

__________

Wednesday, 8/27/2008, 4:32 p.m.

Did the bingo and served lunch at the Sunset Park Senior Center late this morning. About 30 delegates from Ohio went and gave back to about 160 seniors. They were so appreciative, it is always good to give back. On the walk there, we were told that the DNC has also donated funds to replace a good number of school playgrounds in Denver, and noticed many tagged trees were replaced by various state delegations along the 16th Street Mall. City has many huge potted flowers everywhere. I guess what is a bit unnerving is seeing so many armed policemen and sharpshooters along the roof tops. 

Just returned from a ticketed reception held by Sen. Hillary Clinton for her delegates. Huge crowd, the "love-fest" was meant, I believe, to again give her an opportunity to release her delegates, which she stated, and to emphasize the need for party unity.  Several times, she stated her support for Sen. Obama and even stated that she cast her delegate ballot for him this morning. In our delegation this morning, the Ohio delegates were asked again to recommit to a candidate giving us Hillary delegates the opportunity to switch to Senator Obama (which I did). I am sure that there will be some delegates that will "hang-on" and not switch over to Sen. Obama, at least not here.  They are few. Ultimately, they have to decide… do they support the Democratic party candidate or do they want four more years of Bush policies? The roll call happens tonight. 

I am so grateful for the opportunity to be here! 

__________

Wednesday, 8/27/2008, 11:30 a.m.

Again, got five hours of sleep last night! Starbucks does the trick! Wow…. what a night! After having delegation meetings in the morning, attended a veterans caucus in the early afternoon, box lunch, I then headed over to the Pepsi Center about 2:30 p.m. and stayed there until it ended at 9:30 p.m. last night. My credentials (which all delegates get each day between 8-10) allow me entrance to a shuttle bus, convention center, and into the Pepsi Center. Tight security always. There are about 185 Ohio delegates, 24 like me are alternates.

Last night, our page got me onto the floor with the entire Ohio delegation for about 4 hours, 5:30 p.m., until it ended. I was in the very first row, crowd moving constantly in front, CNN news team (which I know from my constant viewing…) on the floor less than 30 feet away, Katie Kouric and CBS not far away, constant movement, intense, but so much fun.

Movie stars roamed right in front of me last night were Kim Delaney, Josh Lucas (my wife’s second hunk), and Spike Lee.

Saw many "rah-rah" speakers… Dennis Kucinch (Ohio Rep., Cleveland) was terrific… this pint size man really rallied the crowd early on with his "Wake Up America" fiery speech. Our governor, Ted Strickland, was a prime time presenter who impressed me commenting on the economic needs of Ohio and how this administration has failed our state. He too, cited the fact that Ohio will be a key state in this election which is being stated so often here. (Many of the Ohio delegates that I have talked with "feel" the pressure on us and that we have our work cut out for us in selling this election. We must focus on the economic and middle class issues for Ohio… child care, health care, economy, jobs, incubating new businesses, etc.

No time for FEAR, it is all about the future for Ohio and America. There is heartfelt discussion here on race and how it plays out in many of our states, especially for Ohio. It is a discussion that must happen, we need to go beyond it and accept America with diversity.) Guess I got a bit carried away here…

Keynoter last night was Hillary who was superb! She was humble, yet gracious to the winner. She made it very clear that Barack Obama is her candidate and we must support him.  A message that was sincere for the sake of unity. We cannot win without a unified party, and it is. This morning, I signed a document expressing my commitment now to Barack Obama which is what happens in all state delegations prior to the roll call at the convention tonight.

I have to cut it short since I have to leave for the Sunset Senior Center to help with bingo and lunch for the seniors here in Denver. Delegates are asked to give at least 2 hours for community service as a give back to Denver. More later….what an experience!

__________

Tuesday, 8/26/2008, 12:59 p.m.

Some observations on the opening of the convention yesterday: Heavy security everywhere in Denver. We had to go through a TAS tent like at airport security. Every shuttle bus and hotel have armed policemen. Many corners have a collection of policemen in riot gear. Some protesters seen on Sunday.

People of Denver are so nice and helpful. They have welcomed all of us and glad we are here to appreciate their city and beautiful state.

I have been told that there are over 30,000 member of the press corps here from around the world. Yesterday, I was interviewed by a reporter from a Swiss newspaper.

When outside, you learn to drink water frequently and always have a bottle with you. Can get dehydrated very easily.

Their relatively new Rapid Transit Denver system is very efficient and well used.

At the opening day….truly an extraordinary event, something I will never forget! I arrived at the Pepsi Center (where the Denver Nuggets play) a bit after 3 p.m.; sat there until 9 p.m., so six hours of sitting, listening and enjoying the event of my lifetime. I am such a "political junkie"! The set or staging was the biggest I have ever seen; very patriotic as you would expect, stars and stripes very vibrantly displayed in moving and interesting graphics. I heard the reports of the Platform Committee and the Rules Committee. Not many would find this interesting I suppose.

The opening singer was John Legend, who sang "If You’re Out There" supported by a snappy 20 piece band and vocals. The hall was just so full of energy and excitement as the speakers were introduced. The theme "One Nation" transcended itself in all presentations, and woven in was an expression of faith and support for Senator Obama, the nominee. Sen. Sherrod Brown narrated a Q&A session entitled "America’s Town Hall" where a panel responded to questions from typical American citizens. Nancy Pelosi stressed an America that works for everyone.

Jimmy Carter and his wife received a very moving standing ovation after his taped narration of the Hurricane Katrina problems that still exists in New Orleans and our government’s failed response. Jessie Jackson Jr. was also an impressive speaker supporting Senator Obama.  But, the most moving part of the evening was seeing Sen. Ted Kennedy and his typical passionate delivery of a new frontier once again for Americans.  He was introduced by Caroline Kennedy; a loving display of what both men, Uncle Teddy and Barack Obama mean to her and to this country. 

In the end, the night belonged to Michelle Obama. "Listen to our hopes, not our fears…." was part of her inspirational message to us and to all Americans. Too many fear race, I think it is time for Ohioans and Americans to look beyond the color of their skin and look at the values that Michelle and Barack Obama possess.  Neither of them grew up with much, but they certainly were given much by their families.

They have HOPE for America, and for all Americans. Michelle was genuine, sweet and wholesome! Most of our eyes were wet at the end, especially when both of her precious daughters came out on stage. What an ending! 

__________

Monday, 8/25/2008, 12:06 p.m.

Arrived yesterday afternoon.

A lot of buzz and excitement by the Ohio entourage regarding Barack Obama and his selection of a running mate, Joe Biden. Most thought it was a winning selection for the ticket. While about half of the Ohio delegates are still committed to Hillary Clinton, there is a feeling that many will support Sen. Obama when Sen. Clinton releases her delegates, probably on Wednesday. As for me, I will definitely support him!

Last evening we attended a reception and "Green Sunday Concert" at The Red Rocks, an open amphitheater built into the rocks with so much natural beauty. Sheryl Crow opened with a selection of songs including her inspirational song for the campaign, "Change Will Do You Good." The country/blue grass group, Sugarland, wowed acrowd estimated at about 8,000 or so with their unique style and music. I thought they were terrific!

The Dave Mathews Band ended the evening with their unique guitars and style. In between the musical groups, elected Colorado leaders and Bobby Kennedy Jr. appeared on stage for a few minutes to discuss their views in making and keeping our environment green.

Today, a rousing breakfast was held for the delegation. Ohio’s political leaders (Gov. Strickland, Sen. Brown, etc.) spoke about the November election, what we can and should do, and the impact of this election not only on us but on our grandchildren. The convention opens at 4:00 pm today, Michele Obama will be the featured speaker.

This is an experience of a lifetime for me!

 __________

Sunday, 08/24/2008

About Bill Bogner

Age: 66

Family: Married to Kathleen Bogner, a retired teacher/administrator from Midview Schools, with two grown children, three grandsons and one granddaughter.

Born and raised in Bellevue, Ohio, in a family of 11 children. Few in the family ever graduated from college.

Education: A bachelor’s degree in elementary education and masters and educational specialist degrees in school administration, all from Bowling Green State University.

Work: Presently a part-time federal programs consultant for the Ohio Department of Education working with No Child Left Behind program. A former teacher and administrator in Sheffield-Sheffield Lake Schools, Woodmore Schools and Fremont Schools in Sandusky County and Elyria Schools. Retired from Elyria in 1996.

Politics: A lifelong Democrat with a deep interest in politics and what government can do to assist people with opportunities to make their lives better.

 

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