If you could ask the Democrats any question during the convention, what would it be?
With a video camera at the ready Wednesday on the 16th Street Mall, the Democratic National Convention Committee gave people the opportunity to ask the questions they felt most strongly about.
A variety of speakers and policy experts will answer selected questions live at the convention over three nights during the “America’s Town Hall” segment.
“We are really going after a man-on-the-street, grassroots feel with this,” said DNCC spokeswoman Natalie Wyeth. “It’s a combination of questions of what’s on people’s minds and the issues they are confronting in their own lives.”
The first question of the day echoed into the afternoon.
“How are you going to get out of Iraq?” asked Mike Giller of Denver. “It’s a quagmire like Vietnam.”
About 30 minutes later, Vivian Vigil, a 40-year-old Denver Voice vendor whose husband has been in the National Guard for 23 years, cut right to the chase: “When are you going to catch bin Laden?”
Gay marriage was an issue for some walking along the 16th Street Mall.
“What is your opinion on gay marriage?” asked Sally Martinez, 39, of Denver, who strongly opposes it.
Yvette Rebik, 24, of Denver, who works in public relations, feels differently: “Everyone deserves to be happy,” she said.
The topic on everybody’s minds these days — the economy — made it on camera too.
Grant Poli, a 22-year-old financial representative in Denver, is graduating from college soon and uneasy about his future.
“I’m looking to buy my first home,” he said. “What will you do about the subprime mortgage crisis?”
Media crews were in battleground states across the United States videotaping, but questions can be submitted via text message, e-mail or by video on the DNCC website.
Another topic on people’s minds was the environment.
“Why has the dysfunctional government failed to extend the tax incentive for the solar and wind industry?” asked Joseph Hiller, 31, an investment banker who identified himself as a Republican supporting Obama.
Most were appreciative for the opportunity to pose their questions.
“It really shows that they are keeping the locals in mind,” Rebik said. “Because they are coming into our city.”
