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US President - D Convention
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Parents |
> United States > U.S. Executive
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Office | President |
Honorific | President - Abbr: President |
Type | Democratic Primary Election |
Filing Deadline | January 20, 2008 - 06:45pm Central |
Polls Open | August 25, 2008 - 07:00pm Central |
Polls Close | August 27, 2008 - 06:00pm Central |
Term Start | January 20, 2009 - 12:00pm |
Term End | January 20, 2013 - 12:00pm |
Contributor | Chronicler |
Last Modified | RBH January 09, 2013 07:23pm |
Data Sources | The roll call was suspended after 13 states, DC, Guam, Democrats Abroad, and American Samoa had voted. The vote when the roll call was suspended is shown here.
Results obtained here: [Link] |
Description |
Overview
The 45th Democratic National Convention was held 8/25-28/2008 in a hockey stadium named Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. As with most national political conventions of recent decades, events were scheduled to provide for committees to meet privately in the mornings, to report in the afternoon with evenings set aside for speakers.
Recap of the 2008 primary season
U.S. Senator [More...]
Overview
The 45th Democratic National Convention was held 8/25-28/2008 in a hockey stadium named Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. As with most national political conventions of recent decades, events were scheduled to provide for committees to meet privately in the mornings, to report in the afternoon with evenings set aside for speakers.
Recap of the 2008 primary season
U.S. Senator Barack Obama of Illinois conducted a masterful campaign in the primaries and managed to win more delegates than the Democratic front-runner, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York, though he received fewer popular votes in the Democratic primaries. It had been the longest primary season since 1984.
Location and Date
DNC Chairman Howard Dean announced on 1/11/2007 that Denver, Colorado, had been chosen as the site of the national convention for 2008. Denver had hosted the Democratic National Convention in 1908, a century earlier. The Pepsi Center (right) was chosen as the location of the sessions the first three days. The Center was constructed in 1997-1999 as the home of the hockey team named the Colorado Avalanche.
The convention was held 8/25-28/2008. It was the latest Democratic National Convention with the sole exception of 1864, which assembled on 8/29/1864. As had been the case beginning with 1936, the party not controlling the White House held its national convention first. The conventions of the challenging party had been held around 7/15 since 1960 (with some exceptions), but the Democrats chose 8/25 to avoid the Olympic games. The two major parties held their national conventions one week apart for the first time since 1956; in most elections years since then, the conventions had been scheduled one month apart.
Preparations
Three main events faced the convention organizers. A group of protesters led by Re-create 68 organized marches to challenge the Democrats for not following through on their campaign promise in 2006 to end the war in Iraq. The protests were generally civil in nature and were kept at a distance from the convention site. Security was also a concern. On the day the convention opened, a group of people was taken into custody for a supposed plot to murder Obama during the convention. Last, the seating arrangements for the convention were not decided until near the time for the convention to open because Obama agreed to allow the full seating of delegations from Florida and Michigan, which had disobeyed party rules in choosing their delegates and had lost their delegates.
Media Coverage
Media coverage of national nominating conventions was reduced in the years since 1990. In 2008, the three major networks (ABC, CBS, and NBC) all decided to broadcast only one hour of the convention each evening. PBS took the lead in convention coverage with its anchor Jim Lehrer. As usual, PBS showed select speeches live and then cut away during other speeches to interview former speakers, hear reports from the floor, or discuss the convention with reporters David Brooks and Mark Shields and presidential historians Michael Beschloss, Richard Norton Smith, and Peniel Joseph.
First Day - 8/25/2008
Howard Dean called the convention to order at 3:00 local time. The first items of business related to the credentials committee and the rules committee. The delegates discussed the proposed platform until the close of the afternoon session. The evening session began at 7:00 local time. Nancy Pelosi, the first female Speaker of the U.S. House, assumed the post as chair of the convention and addressed the delegates. Her speech set forth the accomplishments of the Democratic-controlled Congress. A brief video of former President Carter followed. U.S. Rep. Jesse L. Jackson Jr. IL outlined Obama's legislative record. The band played "Sweet Caroline" as Caroline Kennedy, a key Obama advisor, went to the podium to introduce U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, whose presence was not expected due to his declining health. In his speech, Kennedy quoted his famous convention speech of 1980 and assured the delegates that "the dream lives on." Former U.S. Rep. Jim Leach of Iowa gave his reasons for crossing party lines; his was one of only three speeches of the evening actually written by the speaker rather than by speechwriters. U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill MO was one of the few Democrats who criticized the Republican candidate, saying that he was out of touch with Missouri voters. The last major speaker was Michelle Obama. After being introduced by her older brother, she outlined the story of her life. She showed that her life and Barack Obama's life were typical of many Americans, who face family, educational, and economic challenges every day. At the end of her speech, Barack Obama made a brief appearance to the convention on a large screen.
Democratic Primaries of 2008
44th Democratic National Convention (2004)
Popular Vote of 2008
Electoral Vote of 2008
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Date |
Category |
Headline |
Article |
Contributor |
Dec 30, 2009 04:35pm |
News |
Dems move to sack superdelegates
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Article |
Homegrown Democrat |
Nov 02, 2008 01:00pm |
News |
Obama and Clinton reach common ground
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Article |
COSDem |
Sep 06, 2008 09:00pm |
Blog Entry |
The Bogus Flag Story
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Article |
Karma Policeman |
Sep 06, 2008 01:50pm |
Blog Entry |
Republican Recycling [Dems trash 12,000 flags]
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Article |
PragCon 3.0 |
Aug 29, 2008 01:00pm |
News |
Obama's speech seen by 38 million viewers
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Article |
ArmyDem |
Aug 27, 2008 05:00pm |
Blog Entry |
Bush, RNC Both Heart Greek Columns, Too!
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Article |
ArmyDem |
Aug 27, 2008 02:00pm |
Analysis |
What the Democrats can learn from Republicans
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Article |
Monsieur |
Aug 27, 2008 12:25am |
News |
Hillary Clinton Says Barack Obama "Must Be Our President"
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Article |
Homegrown Democrat |
Aug 26, 2008 09:00pm |
News |
Conventions: On Opening Night, Democrats Draw at Least 22 Million
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Article |
ArmyDem |
Aug 25, 2008 09:10pm |
Speech |
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy's remarks at convention
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Article |
Homegrown Democrat |
Aug 25, 2008 11:00am |
News |
Bill Clinton not happy with convention role
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Article |
J.R. |
Aug 24, 2008 06:00pm |
General |
Sen. Edward Kennedy may go to convention
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Article |
Monsieur |
Aug 24, 2008 09:00am |
News |
Dems give Michigan and Florida full voting rights
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Article |
Scott³ |
Aug 23, 2008 05:00pm |
News |
Young evangelical backs out of convention prayer
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Article |
Brandonius Maximus |
Aug 21, 2008 05:30pm |
News |
Clinton Creates 'whip Team' To Quell Anti-Obama Protests
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Article |
Homegrown Democrat |
Aug 20, 2008 10:00pm |
Poll |
49% Say Hillary Likely to Overshadow Obama at Convention
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Article |
Brandonius Maximus |
Aug 17, 2008 08:00am |
General |
For Convention, Obama’s Image Is All-American
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Article |
Monsieur |
Aug 15, 2008 01:35pm |
News |
Rep.: Half of House Dems may vote Hillary at DNC
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Article |
COSDem |
Aug 14, 2008 06:00pm |
News |
Obama camp says Detroit mayor unwelcome in Denver
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Article |
The Sunset Provision |
Aug 14, 2008 11:25am |
General |
Hillary Clinton's name to be placed in nomination
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Article |
DFWDem |
Aug 14, 2008 12:00am |
News |
Required To Volunteer? Obama Ticket Giveaway Causes Confusion
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Article |
particleman |
Aug 14, 2008 12:00am |
News |
Colorado Democrats Threaten Clinton Delegate's Status
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Article |
particleman |
Aug 13, 2008 12:25pm |
Announcement |
Anti-abortion senator to address Democrats
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Article |
RP |
Aug 13, 2008 01:00am |
News |
Mark Warner will keynote Democratic convention
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Article |
The Sunset Provision |
Aug 12, 2008 05:00pm |
News |
Backers want Clinton nominated at convention
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Article |
Scott³ |
Aug 07, 2008 09:00pm |
Announcement |
BILL CLINTON OFFERED SPEAKING ROLE (Wednesday)
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Article |
COSDem |
Aug 06, 2008 02:00pm |
News |
Backers to salute Hillary Clinton with a parade and rally at DNC
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Article |
The Sunset Provision |
Aug 04, 2008 10:00am |
News |
DNC video crews prep for Ted K tribute
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Article |
The Sunset Provision |
Jul 22, 2008 10:20pm |
News |
City gives DNC host committee pass on gas tax
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Article |
The Sunset Provision |
Jul 09, 2008 01:00pm |
News |
Clinton's Convention Role Being Negotiated
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Article |
The Sunset Provision |
Jul 06, 2008 04:00pm |
Press Release |
Statement From DNC Chairman Dean and Convention CEO Daughtry on New York Times Sunday Story
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Article |
RP |
Jul 06, 2008 12:00am |
News |
Rising Convention Costs and Delays Worry Democrats
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Article |
Monsieur |
Jul 03, 2008 08:45pm |
Speculative |
Obama's campaign considers holding acceptance speech at Invesco Field at Mile High
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Article |
Homegrown Democrat |
Jun 27, 2008 04:30pm |
News |
Obama, Clinton seal their new-found unity with a kiss
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Article |
Homegrown Democrat |
Jun 07, 2008 01:45pm |
Speech |
Text of Hillary Rodham Clinton's speech
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Article |
Homegrown Democrat |
Jun 07, 2008 12:25pm |
News |
Clinton suspends campaign, urges backers to work ‘as hard for Barack Obama as you have for me’
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Article |
Homegrown Democrat |
Jun 05, 2008 08:00pm |
Strategy |
How Obama Did It
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Article |
RP |
May 31, 2008 06:10pm |
News |
Rules and Bylaws Committee: Michigan Decision
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Article |
Homegrown Democrat |
May 31, 2008 05:45pm |
News |
Florida gets half-votes, now to Michigan
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Article |
Homegrown Democrat |
May 26, 2008 12:25pm |
Opinion |
Divided They Stand
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Article |
DFWDem |
May 21, 2008 04:00pm |
News |
Clinton compares the Florida and Michigan fight to civil rights movement
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Article |
RBH |
May 14, 2008 10:00am |
Endorsement |
[Superdelegate] Peterson hints he will support Obama
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Article |
The Oncoming Storm |
May 10, 2008 05:00pm |
News |
For First Time, More Superdelegates Favor Obama
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Article |
Homegrown Democrat |
May 09, 2008 11:00am |
Blog Entry |
How To Fix MIFL [MI and FL Democratic Delegates]
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Article |
Servo |
Mar 27, 2008 12:00pm |
Blog Entry |
Floor Fight, Here We Come
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Article |
particleman |
Mar 25, 2008 12:00pm |
Speculative |
Don’t discount Gore-led ticket
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Article |
particleman |
Mar 08, 2008 07:00pm |
News |
Bill Clinton: A Clinton-Obama ticket would be 'unstoppable'
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Article |
Gerald Farinas |
Mar 05, 2008 10:25pm |
Speculative |
Rep. Lacy Clay Confirms Obama Has 50 New Superdelegates
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Article |
Sarnstrom |
Mar 04, 2008 01:00pm |
Analysis |
Hillary’s Math Problem: Forget tonight. She could win 16 straight and still lose.
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Article |
WesternDem |
Mar 04, 2008 11:00am |
Speculative |
Tom Brokaw Says Obama Has 50 More Superdelegates in His Back Pocket
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Article |
particleman |
Mar 01, 2008 11:00am |
Announcement |
Denver announces permit process for [Dem Nt] Convention
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Article |
Chronicler |
Feb 12, 2008 10:00pm |
Chart |
Superdelegates List - Politico.com
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Article |
Scott³ |
Jan 26, 2008 04:00pm |
News |
Clinton Defies DNC on Florida and Michigan Convention Delegates
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Article |
TX DEM |
Jan 09, 2008 12:00am |
Analysis |
After Clinton win, unpredictability replaces inevitability
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Article |
WA Indy |
May 29, 2007 02:00pm |
News |
No Lip Service: Dems Trade Higher Taxes for Social Programs
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Article |
CBlock941 |
Feb 23, 2007 10:00am |
News |
Vilsack Expected to Drop Out Today
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Article |
User #23 |
Jan 10, 2007 06:00pm |
Announcement |
Dodd to Enter 2008 Presidential Race
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Article |
COSDem |
Nov 26, 2006 08:45am |
Speculative |
Might Hillary feel the pull of Ohio?
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Article |
None Entered |
Sep 14, 2006 03:00pm |
News |
Hynes urges Obama to run for president
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Article |
COSDem |
May 30, 2006 12:00pm |
News |
Durbin: Obama should run for president
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Article |
COSDem |
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