Poised for the thwack of a gavel that officially will open the Democratic National Convention, party leaders in Denver today outlined a four-day affair that they say will focus on national security and economic well-being.
Democratic leaders “will put out a very strong message of economic and national security for our country,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said at an opening press conference, flanked by convention co-chairs: Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius; Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin; and Texas state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte.
From getting soldiers out of Iraq and improving U.S. efforts against terrorism to health care and the creation of better jobs, “Americans want answers,” Pelosi said.
“That’s what they will have from Democrats.”
The convention officially begins Monday. Hundreds of delegates and dignitaries are arriving downtown. Hundreds of police, some in riot gear, were monitoring robust rallies in Civic Center as the co-chairs addressed an international gathering of journalists.
“It’s appropriate” that women are co-chairing the event, Pelosi said inside the Denver’s Convention Center a few blocks away.
“Women have the most to win, the most to gain with the election of Barack Obama, and the most to lose with the election of John McCain,” she said, casting national security as a prerequisite for new efforts to improve health care and other matters closer to home.
By selecting Delaware Sen. Joe Biden as his running mate, presumptive nominee Barack Obama will benefit on domestic issues as well as international affairs, she said. Leaders around the world “know Joe Biden and respect him.”
Meanwhile around the nation, house parties, block parties and service projects are planned to coincide with official presentation of Obama’s candidacy for president in Denver, Sebelius said.
“Part of what we do as Americans is come together and serve those who are more in need,” she said.
To help launch these projects, special facilities have been set up in Denver to enable each delegate to telephone home and send at least one text message per day home in an effort to involve Americans, Sebelius said.
The goal, she said, “is starting the hard work that has to go on between Tuesday and Election Day.”
Bruce Finley: 303-954-1700 or bfinley@denverpost.com
