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THE SERIES

Some of the most compelling figures from the past ten Democratic National Conventions offer their lessons for Barack Obama and Denver in a series that runs daily Monday-Friday, concluding Aug. 22.

DAY 10

Seamus Ahern, Boston 2004

When a U.S. Senate candidate named Barack Obama met a young, Iraq-bound Marine in an Illinois VFW hall, it sparked a friendship still worth talking about.

DAY 9

2000 Green Party presidential nominee Ralph Nader.

Ralph Nader, Los Angeles 2000

The man accused of taking crucial votes away from Al Gore sees things another way: The Democrats have only themselves to blame.

DAY 8

Longtime activist Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Rev. Jesse Jackson, Chicago 1996

While the future holds the possibility of America’s first black president, a longtime activist says struggles of the past led to this moment.

DAY 7

Jerry Brown

Jerry Brown, New York City 1992

A mercurial figure swoops through the crowded lobby of the Beverly Hilton, tugged this way and that by well-heeled conference-goers who've arrived by chauffeured Bentleys and run-of-the-mill Maseratis.

DAY 6

Former Massachusetts governor and 1988 Democratic presidential candidate Michael Dukakis.

Michael Dukakis, Atlanta 1988

Twenty years have passed, but Michael Dukakis still kicks himself — again and again and again.

DAY 5

Walter Mondale, Democratic presidential nominee in 1984.

Walter Mondale, San Francisco 1984

Picking a woman as running mate, making Hail Mary passes, leveling with voters were all good, the 1984 Democratic presidential nominee says, but he could have been more optimistic.

DAY 4

Democratic consultant and speechwriter Bob Shrum

Bob Shrum, New York City 1980

The legendary speechwriter depicts Ted Kennedy’s defiant run against incumbent Jimmy Carter, and tells why concession was late in coming.

DAY 3

Dr. Thomas Freeman, 88, was Barbara Jordan’s professor and debate coach at Texas Southern University. “She had a strong voice, a voice that carried.”

Thomas Freeman, New York City 1976

Barbara Jordan was a powerful, impressive voice of challenge, hope and faith. Her college debate coach helped her find that voice.

DAY 2

Sen. George McGovern in his office in Mitchell, S.D.

George McGovern, Miami Beach 1972

The man who was trounced by President Nixon says the Democratic gathering needs to heal divisions and unite friends to face John McCain.

DAY 1

Tom Hayden, photographed outside his office in Culver City, Calif., is a retired California state senator, prolific writer, blogger and sage to a new generation of street activists. He's still best known by many, however, for his role in the protests during the 1968 Democratic National Convention.

Tom Hayden, Chicago 1968

He's no longer the image of a hairy, scary leader of the New Left. Retired California state senator Tom Hayden is a prolific writer and blogger, but once upon a time, he was the poster boy for political activism at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

INSTALLMENTS

VIDEO

Unconventional Wisdom videos by Judy DeHaas Videographer Judy DeHaas records Seamus Ahern talking about his experiences in 2004.

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