DENVER—Democratic National Convention organizers abruptly delayed a meeting with news media representatives next week, admitting Friday that they weren’t ready. One official said the postponement stemmed from financial and logistical problems.
“We want to be sure that when we host you and other media for this event, we’re prepared with the information you expect us to have so that it is an efficient and productive use of your time,” the Democratic National Convention Committee said in a statement. “Postponing the event allows us to work through outstanding issues and ensure a successful event when media do arrive in Denver.”
The statement from Theodore LeCompte, the DNCC’s director of media logistics, expressed regret and noted “the significant inconvenience this may cause in your travel and logistical planning.”
Hundreds of representatives from television, radio and newspaper organizations were planning to attend the event Thursday at the Pepsi Center, where Democrats will gather Aug. 25-28 to choose their presidential candidate.
LeCompte said the event would be rescheduled at a later date.
A DNCC official who asked not to be identified said the delay was caused by a combination of financial and logistical concerns.
Earlier this month, the Denver 2008 Host Committee canceled 24 individual welcoming events for convention delegates because of a lack of funding. The host committee faces a Monday deadline imposed by the Democratic National Committee for raising $40.6 million. The committee reported last month it had just $25 million in cash.
Instead, organizers decided to have one welcoming event for delegates.
On Thursday, the city angered protest groups by announcing a protest route and schedule that activists say is vague and excludes them from the presence of delegates.
Last week, business leaders demanded more details about convention plans, saying they need to know what events and schedules the city and organizers are planning so they can make their own plans. Convention officials promised more details will be announced in coming weeks.
Denver-based political consultant Katy Atkinson said the most recent delay raises more preparedness questions as the city braces for an expected 50,000 visitors convention week.
“Clearly they’re having some communications problems that could get them in trouble. If they don’t start communicating in Denver, they’re going to really have a problem,” Atkinson said.
Convention organizers have held community meetings across the West to encourage public involvement in the event and assure some that the convention’s impact on daily routines in the city will be minimal.
They also are offering the public an open house tour of the Pepsi Center before the convention begins.
