DC goes Denver

Posted: Monday, August 25, 2008 4:48 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Democrats

From NBC's Katie Primm
There are hundreds of DC insiders wandering the streets of Denver today before attending the first night of the convention -- senators, governors, delegates, and even Abe Lincoln. Well, a Lincoln impersonator with a full beard and stovepipe hat to complete the costume.

Honest Abe, like many visitors this week, had a cause to push -- a voting voice in Congress. Washington, D.C., does not have a voting member in Congress. DC's non-voting representative in the House, Eleanor Holmes Norton, will be giving one of Tuesday afternoon's speeches asking again for the District to be granted that vote.

There are four other non-voting members of Congress -- America Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. D.C. has been allowed three votes in the Electoral College since 1961 with the passage of the 23rd amendment.

Streets of swag
Obama '08 buttons and shirts may be collectors' items years from now for convention attendees, but there is no shortage of them on street corners this week in downtown Denver. Vendors have set up tables and carts all around the perimeter of the Pepsi Center hoping to sell their wares.

Obama paraphernalia is a popular seller and the most cost-effective. Hillary Clinton merchandise is being sold at most stands for double the cost.

And the DNC doesn't have a monopoly on the goods either. Most vendors are stocked with elephants and McCain buttons as well. However, some vendors showed off those stashes from under their tables and only bring them out upon request in a town now occupied by Democrats.

EMAIL THIS

Comments

The Republicans ruined our country. They should be ashamed of themselves. The Republicans should not be allowed to vote until they get it, and apologize for it.

Greg R., Spokane, WA (Sent Monday, August 25, 2008 4:31 PM)

Nice to see the Brown Shirts have found a home in the Democratic party. This from a Democrat whose party's congressional approval rating is 9%.

A. Dolf (Sent Monday, August 25, 2008 5:05 PM)

I would hate to be a declared Repubic in Denver this week. Go Obam/Biden

Dand1212 (Sent Monday, August 25, 2008 5:07 PM)

And the DNC doesn't have a monopoly on the goods either. Most vendors are stocked with elephants and McCain buttons as well. However, some vendors showed off those stashes from under their tables and only bring them out upon request in a town now occupied by Democrats.
______________

Conraband

DAT (Sent Monday, August 25, 2008 5:08 PM)

Obama collectables will go the way of Beanie Babies and Cabbage Patch dolls. You'll be able to pick them up at garage sales.

American Girl (Sent Monday, August 25, 2008 5:09 PM)

== There are hundreds of DC insiders wandering the streets of Denver today ==

The poor dears must be terrified. This is fly over country for them. The only reason they're in this neighborhood is if they're 8 miles up and just going out to LA to appear on Bill Maher's show.

Mr. Bill (Sent Monday, August 25, 2008 5:11 PM)

Somebody is scared. And they smell like Rebubics. Having fun and loving it must drive you sourdoughs crazy. Good

Dand1212 (Sent Monday, August 25, 2008 5:28 PM)

I think MSNBC should move the location of its Hardball show in Denver. It is becoming nothing more than a three ring circus. A small group of people shouting in the backgroud is not deserving nor representative of national audience. Please focus on the issues. I have changed the channel off of MSNBC - it's impossible to hear with all that noise in the background. As a former Hillary supporter, it's also offensive and I for one will not watch the media make a mountain out of a mole hill and stir the pot. Shameful Chris Matthews and MSNBC.

Russ N. (Sent Monday, August 25, 2008 5:36 PM)

It's a shame that DC doesn't get a vote in the House at least. If nothing else, their rep should be added to MD. It's only right.

My feeling is, if you pay taxes to the US, you should vote.

http://www.rodneyhopper.com

Rodney Hopper, Waxahachie, TX (Sent Monday, August 25, 2008 5:47 PM)

Any report on the flag pin sales?

nuanced (Sent Monday, August 25, 2008 6:06 PM)

American girl-

McCain collectables will be treasured for years by Nazi memorabilia collectors.

Scooter (Sent Monday, August 25, 2008 6:29 PM)

So why isn't the mainstream media covering or even talking about for that matter the lawsuite that was filed by a member of the democratic party in PA in which he alleges senator Obama used forged documents to prove US citizenship and also alleges senator Obama is not a US citizen? If this is in any way true the DNC cannot nominate Senator Obama to run for President meaning senator Clinton should be the nominee. The roll call must go on from start to finish and absolutely under no circumstance should senator Clinton agree to any deal to show party unity if the lawsuite and its allegations turn out to be true. To view this case and the documents go to obamacrimes.com. I hope someone in senator Clintons camp finds out about this before its too late.

Tom Buffalo New York (Sent Monday, August 25, 2008 6:36 PM)

Why do the republicans keep saying the Dem. Congress has a public approval rating of 9% when they barely have a majority. The republican constituent of this congress had the clear majority for the past 12 years. And is a large enough part of this Congress to continue reaping havoc. The republican party has damaged this nation like the Forrestal was damaged in 1967 and John McCain isn't even in the pilot seat yet.

Dwaine, Colorado Springs, CO. (Sent Monday, August 25, 2008 6:41 PM)

Someone needs to have a serious talk with Morning Joe. It seems all his objectivity has gone out the window. I have been forced to turn to CNN several times today, because of all the Obama bashing he has been doing the entire day. I get up at 3:00 in the morning to watch his show usually. Most days although he is opinionated you can still get a balance because of the many guests and lively discussions. Today it seems Joe has an agenda that is truly bias in nature.

Wanda West, Tacoma.WA (Sent Monday, August 25, 2008 7:48 PM)

Sherlock Holmes;
I tried to post this earlier, but nothing posted. I read your post, and would like to ask if you have ever heard of Bill Casey? No, how about Zell Miller? No bells-what about Sam Nunn? Or the late Henry 'Scoop' Jackson? All pro-life Democrats. While it is true that many pro-lifers were driven from the party, many of us refuse to be intimidated. Thus, I will remain a Democrat. Having held party office, I can tell you that I have the same rights as every American when I go into the voting booth-to vote for the candidate of my choice. I DO, however, continue to try to change the policies of the party. It has become marginalized by the same interest groups that dictate policy, and devolve membership. People like yourself.

Donna, Lincroft, NJ (Sent Monday, August 25, 2008 7:54 PM)

SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):

Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private) Remember me?

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=1291431