SILVERMAN: DNC is a big party for the media

By Craig Silverman, Special to the Rocky

Published August 28, 2008 at 5:08 p.m.

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What a week in Denver — people-watching and political talking. My mother would have loved it. Was there anything better than the look on the face of Joe Biden’s mom?

For the faithful in the pews at the Pepsi Center, the Democratic Party is like a family. No public backbiting allowed. Keep any disputes private. Put on a happy face for the world to see.

First and foremost, it is about the media. Just like pro sports, there are fans in the stands, but the show is really for the broadcast microphones and cameras. It is political proselytizing to the masses.

Saturday morning, Dan Caplis and I did C-SPAN for most of an hour. It was like our radio show but on TV. So much so that after our jousting, Washington Journal host, Pedro Echevarria, asked if Dan and I are friends. We keep them guessing.

Sunday night was the media party at Elitch’s, and if you didn’t have fun, see a doctor. Free rides, food, and drink thanks to the largess and large checks of the Rocky Mountain News and The Denver Post. Even the carnival contests were free. Give me enough shots at the little hoop and I will win the big Shrek — and Donkey too!

As the spectacular fireworks show wrapped up the festivities, I heard newspaper employees lamenting “There goes my raise (or bonus or job).” Come on Colorado, it’s a measly dollar a day. Keep both papers alive.

Keep hope alive, too. Bubba still has that gift for gab. Now it has rubbed off on Hillary. Forget finding her voice in New Hampshire, Hillary Clinton hit the highest notes of her life in Denver. Let the 2012 campaign begin!

To Michelle Obama, you are beautiful. Your daughters are terrific. Be happy. Love America and it will love you back. I was waiting for the laundry list of things that make you proud. I’m still waiting.

As for the green thing and healthy food, there were some glitches. Lots of walking and biking, but many motorcades and empty buses. The main things to eat at the Pepsi Center were greasy fish and chips, hot dogs, chicken strips and nachos.

But it’s the thought that counts. I think it was a great week in Denver.

Craig Silverman is a lawyer and co-host of KHOW radio’s Caplis & Silverman Show.

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