It's been a crazy few days here! Here is a bit of a recap.
Monday morning I was assigned to assist Congresswoman Eleanore Holmes Norton. We left the DC delegation hotel to head for the convention center and riding along with us was former DC Mayor Marion Barry. Cruising through town, I spent the day with E. Holmes and her lovely chief of staff, Gwen. It was quite a thrill to walk along the streets and stand by as countless people, reporters, and fellow politicians greeted the Congresswoman. She is quite a popular lady!
Later Monday night was a "Beer and BBQ" party with the DC, Alaska, and West Virginia delegations. That was a sight to see! Watching the West Virginian delegates, self-professed "black sheep," shaking their tail feathers in their camouflage cargo shorts alongside the mcuh more conservatively dressed DC council members was contrast and diversity in action.
I have many fond memories of my intership in DC, but line-dancing with the DC politicians is seriously my favorite. You can imagine my thrill when the electric slide, the cupid shuffle, and a new one called "the wobble" came on. There is nothing like dancing in line with Eleanore Holmes Norton, Council member Yvette Alexander, and the rest of the DC delegation. They all know the dances by heart, and a party is just not complete without them.
Yesterday kicked off the first official day of the convention. Our team starting hitting radio row, with Senator Paul Strauss being interviewed about DC voting rights. Last night was Michelle Obama's speech – absolutely amazing. Many people had tears in their eyes. She really knows how to work a crowd!
Today I've been busy booking more radio and TV spots for Senator Strauss. As I walk around the arena, I am hearing all of the performers doing their sound checks and preparing the stage. I am getting really excited to see Bill Clinton speak tonight. Unfortunately, Obama's speech tomorrow will not be held in the larger arena because of security risks. Weather has been awful, downpouring on and off these last few days. In fact, yesterday I got caught in the rain with Anderson Cooper of CNN. As I was running through the downpour, I ducked under someone's umbrella for shelter and Anderson had chosen to duck under the same one! I wonder if he likes piña coladas...?
OMG - I just walked by Madeline Albright, the former US Secretary of State!
More updates soon! Enjoy the speeches and tonight's coverage, everyone…
Editor's note: See photos to find Elena's reference to "Monk," played by actor Tony Shalhoub.
