Obama To Come

By Kid Reporter Jack Greenberg

Tonight, Barack Obama, in front of a  crowd of 75,000 people,at Invesco Field, on the 4th and  final night of the Democratic National Convention, will officially accept the nomination to be the Democratic nominees for President. His historic acceptance is happening on the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I've Got a Dream Speech." 

Obama is the first President since John F. Kennedy to give his acceptance speech in an alternative arena to where the first 3 days of convention were held. Says Obama's campaign: "We are opening up the convention to America."

Unlike most conventions, this one will include thousands of regular people and not just press, delegates and special guests. 

Pam Haynes, an African American citizen from California, summed up the importance of this night to her and thousands of others as she recalledher childhood.

"I saw on my TV black children not being allowed into schools with white children," she said. "There were bulldogs, protesters, and more.  I never thought that in my lifetime that a black man could possibly be the President of The United States.  I thought it would happen, but when my grandkids were my age." 

The convention officially got under way about 6 p.m. Mountain Time. Olympic Gold Medal gymnast Shawn Johnson led the growing crowd in The Pledge of Allegiance. Academy Award Winner and American Idol Contestant Jennifer Hudson gave a rendition of The National Anthem.   

Many speakers will come up before Obama speaks later tonight, including, but not limited to, Speaker of The House Nancy Pelosi, Former Vice President and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize Al Gore, and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper. 

So stay with Scholastic News for the remainder of The 2008 Democratic National Convention with Kid Reporters Jack Greenberg and Ashlyn Stewart and stay with Scholastic for The 2008 Republican National Convention with Jack Greenberg,  Micheal Geheren, Daysha Peterson, and Ben and AAron Silberman.  So stay with the fun!

Photo: Kid Reporters Jack Greenberg and Ashlyn Stewart work in their seats at Invesco Field in Denver, Colorado, while waiting for the night’s historic event: the acceptance speech of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. Photo by Suzanne Freeman

Michelle Obama's Proud Brother

By Jojo and Brock Domann

Michelle Obama's mother taught her and her brother Craig Robinson to be good hosts, but also good guests. Always leave a place in better shape than you found it, she said. With that spirit in mind, Michelle and Craig headlined a Delegate Service Day in Denver, Colorado, on Wednesday. They brought the Obama children, Malia and Sasha, their mom, and many, many members of the Biden family to Curtis Park to pack care packages for the troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Craig, who is 6'7" (he says he is 6'6" by the end of the day) talked to us about what he learned from his mom and how much he loves coaching basketball. He is head coach at Oregon State University. He said he would be working with his sister on the campaign, but still had to work full time as a coach.

He also told us that he loved doing community service, especially putting together care packages. The entire family was in on the process, filling boxes with Skittles, ring pops, DVDs, socks, deodorant, and Slim Jims. What did he think he would like best if he had one of the care packages? After much hemming and hawing, he agreed with us: Skittles!

We asked him why this particular service.

"We're trying to support the troops in our little way by sending them things that we think they'd like to get that they can't get over there," he said.  "So we got all of our friends and family and people in the community together to do what we can.

It was a beautiful day in the park for it. The early morning air was cool, the sun was just beginning to warm everything up and dry up the dew on the park's grass. It didn't start to get hot until the motorcade of cars with all the family members left. That is, all the family members, but Craig. He stayed behind to see that everything was finished up right.

Craig Robinson, brother to Michelle Obama, talks to Kid Reporters Brock Domann (left) and Jojo Domann at an event in Denver, Colorado, on August 27, 2008. Photo by Teddi Domann

Number 42 Takes The Stage

By Kid Reporter Jack Greenberg

Today,on the 3rd Day of The 2008 Democratic Convention, after speeches by senators,congressman, and military stars, someone else took the stage.  Welcomed by roaring applause and a sea of American Flags, Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, came before his fellow Democrats to bring forth his party after months of battle between the Hillary and Barack camps.

President Clinton appeared, calm, cool, collected, yet determined.  He opened up by reflecting on the past 7 months, admitting that his candidate [Hillary Clinton, his wife) did not win.  But then, cheerfully he pledged his support to Barack Obama.  He also gave his support to Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden.  He stated that Obama's pick of Joe Biden was "A Hit Out of The Park." 

"I love Joe Biden, and America will too," he said.

But, like many other speeches of the day, he attached Republican candidate John McCain.  He openly compared the senator to soon to be ex-president George W. Bush.  He stated how it would be 4 more years just like the past 8. 

After more discussion on several subjects, such as the military, the environment, and even the economy, Clinton called upon Democrats to do what he, Hillary, and daughter Chelsea have chosen to do and support Barack Obama for President.  And with that, the former president concluded his speech, just after the 20 minute mark.  Short for the often long winded former President.

PHOTO: President Bill Clinton takes the stage at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Suzanne Freeman

DNC First Floor Experience

By: Ashlyn Stewart

The DNC 2008 convention floor was a whirl-wind of motion, noise, and votes.  Being a part of it was like being sucked into the middle of a hurricane!!! 

I spoke briefly with the Governor of New Mexico, Bill Richardson, and had a chance to talk with one of Hawaii's senators: Daniel Inouye.  When asked how proud he was of his former classmate Barack Obama, he said, "We are so proud...Hawaii will finally have a president!"|

After talking to Mr. Inouye, I walked over to Deleware's delegation and asked delegate Lizzie Jergens what she thought of Obama's decision of picking Joe Biden.  She was simply ecstatic!

My final interview was with Alaska's delegation  Gary Waid.  He said that Obama can both handle being president for the next four years, AND the next eight!

Hopefully the next few hours bring more chances to talk with delegates, more interviews, and a few chances to sit down!

PHOTO: Kid Reporter Ashlyn Stewart interviews Hawaiian senator Daniel Inouye on the floor of the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado, on August 27, 2008. Photo by DENNIS BRACK/BLACK STAR

Day Two: Leading up to Clinton night

By Rylee Domann

After a long day of school today, my brother Jojo and I drove down to the Democratic national convention in Denver, Colorado. Today was a lot easier than yesterday (my first day) because I knew my way around better.

Our first task was to locate Suzanne Freeman and Janey Ranlett, our editor and photographer. Logistics here are nuts! You can only get so close by car, then you have to walk to a gate where only certain people can get in. THEN you have to go through the real security.

After finding Suzanne and Janey on a street corner near the first security check point, we walked about a quarter of a mile and went through an iron gate in a tall iron fence. We showed the guards our credentials and were allowed into the outer security area.

Then we walk into the really long security line with hundreds and hundreds of people in it. This was to go through the real security, which is much like what you go through at an airport: first they put your bags through the scanner, then you walk through the medal detector, and finally you grab your bag and walk out into the hot dry air.

After another long walk across a parking lot we entered the cool air conditioned Pepsi Center, where we get caught up in the crowd of people interviewing and scrambling. A corespondent from the David Letterman show was interviewing people and drawing a crowd.  I interviewed Nickelodeon character Pick Boy, who  who goes around and slimes people. He didn't have any slime with him. Probably couldn't get it through security. We had to take drinks of water from our water bottles to get through security. I don't think he would have taken a drink of slime!

My brother  Jojo was able to interview a 16 year old girl who has been to four democratic national conventions starting in 1996! She was only four when she went to her first convention. Her mom has been a delegate for years, so she gets to go with her.

Her name is Heather Rubin and she was very knowledgeable  person o talk to.

Trying to find out way out the other side of the Pepsi Center so we could get to the NBC tents, we squeezed onto tightly packed escalators that took us up to the halls outside the auditorium.

While wandering the halls we ran into congressman Denise Kucinich of Ohio. "What issue will deliver Ohio for Obama,"  I asked him. Kucinich stressed the importance of economy, education and jobs. I felt like a real reporter talking to him.

Now that this blog post is done, Jojo and I are heading into the Pepsi Center again to hear Hillary Clinton speak.

PHOTO: Ohio Representative Dennis Kucinich talks to Kid Reporter Rylee Domann at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado, on August 27, 2008. Photo by Janey Ranlett.

A Meal Among Delegates

By Kid Reporter Jack Greenberg

Food has always been able to bring people together.  Even in election times.  That's what happens at delegate breakfasts.  At the Sheraton Denver hotel, on the lower floor, the California Delegates gathered for a meal, and for buisness.  The agenda:Pastries, Coffee, and Governors speaking to the delegates from California. 

The event kicked off with an introduction by Art Torres, Chairman of The California Democratic Party.  Many big name speakers appeared on this 2nd Day of This Convention.  Ted Strickland, Governor of Ohio, a major swing state in the election, told Scholastic News what Democrats would need to do to win this important state.  It all boils down to "Jobs, Jobs, Jobs," he said. 

Lt. Governor of California John Garamandi talked to me about the results of the convention. He said Democrats were going to get a great candidate and first lady.

Much of the talk in the banquet hall was about how to unite the party.  Hillary Clinton did receive 18 million votes. Not everyone is happy that she will not be included in a traditional roll call of votes on Wednesday night. Many want those 18 million votes recorded for history. 

Another Hillary supporter Robert Comacho, 37, said Obama has some work to do in the Hispanic community. not all of them may be happy with thee new nominee.

Despite some unruly behavior by attorney and activist Gloria Allred who came to the breakfast wearing a gag, praise of Obama was subject of all the speeches. Obama signs and pins were everywhere.

While Democrats may have to worry about unity early in the general election, at least they don't have to worry about their ballots being innacurate.  Secretary of State
Debra Bowen, did away with  California's computer voting machines and went back to fill-in-the hole voting cards much like we have to do on tests in school. That way, everyone knows how to do it and there are no mistakes.

Check back later to see what happens with tomorrow night's the Roll Call on the 3rd Night of The Convention and read Scholastic News coverage by me, Jack Greenberg, and my colleagues Ashlyn Stewart, JoJo, Brock, and Rylee Domann!

My First Day at the DNC

By Brock Domann

I am writing this blog post from inside the NBC media tent where there are hundreds of computers and 5 TV each on a different channel. The NBC media tent is where reporters and producers write their stories and make plans for what they will report. It's the headquarters for all NBC media outlets

Today I went to the general  press tent where the Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, Politico and many more publications have set up shop. The people there showed us around and gave us commemorative pins. It was interesting.,

On of my favorite things to do was the "Oxygen Bar." This "bar" allowed anyone to hook up to 92 percent pure oxygen that was mixed with different "flavors." My favoirte aroma was lavender. This free service was provided by OxygenInc. for the many media who are effected by the high altitude. Denver is called the Mile High City because it is 5,000 feet above sea level. The air is thinner here.

Today, I saw Dan Rather and Andrea Mitchell who were very busy preparing to report live from the convention floor. Rylee and I were able to take a picture with Dan despite the fact that he was quickly walking  to the Pepsi Center for an appointment.

We also saw how NBC produces two of their TV shows. We got to go into the production truck and meet one of the producers who was giving direction to the camera people inside the convention center. He was also speaking to the producers of the NBC and MSNBC shows in New York City through a headset.

It is pretty exciting to see all the media in this small area and what they have to do to produce the news. It's a lot of work!

PHOTO: Rylee and Brock Domann breathe deep at the Oxygen bar in the press center at the Democratic National Convention on Monday, August 5, 2008. Photo by Teddi Domann

Family night at the DNC

By Rylee Domann

Michelle Obama told the story of her family's life today in her headliner speech at the Democratic National Convention. She talked about her father who died of complications from MS in 1991. She talked about how her dad worked really hard to support their family. She also shared the story about how her dad would always tell her, "You can see the character of a man by his sportsmanship." That's certainly something I can relate to. I hear my dad saying it all the time, too.

She also talked about how she and her brother grew up together supporgting each other in the pursuit of their dreams. I have two brothers myself: Brock and Jojo Domann ,who are both Scholastic News Reporters too. I hope we can have the same kind of close relationship with my brothers like she has with hers. (Her brother Craig Robinson introduced her.)

She mentioned how she met Barack Obama met at a law firm 19 years ago, and how she deeply loves him, and how family is really important to her.

At the end of her speech, she was joined on stage by her two daughters. Barack Obama then appeared on a video screen for a brief family reunion. The youngest daughter, Sasha, who is 7, said, "What city are you in, Daddy?" Answer: Kansas City. Obama is campaigning through key swing states on his way to Denver for his speech on acceptance on Thursday night.

On a more political note: she gave an early shout out to Hillary Clinton and the 18 million votes she received in the primaries. "That's 18 million cracks in the glass ceiling," she said, taking a line from Clinton's campaign speech while still a candidate. It was an important moment to help win over Clinton supporters who are still feeling some pain from a tough primary campaign.

(Photo: Sasha Obama, 7, daughter of Democratic presidential candidate, Senator Barack Obama, blows a kiss to her dad, while he addresses the gathering via-satellite at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Monday, Aug. 25, 2008. Looking on are Michelle Obama, left, wife of the Democratic presidential candidate, and daughter Malia, 10. Credit: AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Our Tour of the Media Set-up

By Rylee Domann

Today,  15,oo0 media members have joined together at the Democratic Convention in Denver Colorado. My brother Brock and I are two of them.

Today we toured the Pepsi Center and got a behind-the-scene look at NBC's media set-up. We were able to wander around the back halls and basement of the center to see where all the real work takes place.

We also got to step out into the audience to watch some of the speeches. It was so cool!

One thing I noticed were the millions of wires, computers, and hardworking people that it takes to make all this happen. We learned a lot of really cool stuff we can't tell you because it's "TOP SECRET" media information.

We watched the producers of NBC direct all the TV shots from a tiny NBC trailer in a parking lot. Let me tell you... they work very hard!

We are working out of the NBC media tent, where there is a "ginormus" screen suspended from the ceiling, and plenty of T.V.'s. When I say "ginormous" I mean the size of a wall. A big wall. The really neat thing about the screen is that there is a back to it. It's a reverse view of what you see in the front.

There is a general media tent too and we toured there as well, collecting commemorative pins from all the media organizations. 

One thing neat about the press center, is that it is in a tent built with wooden floors on a parking lot. It was built around trees and bushes, so it's like the outside is inside. Desks and computers were set up right next to trees. The trees are even beginning to loose their leaves.

We  feel very priveleged to have this oppurtunity and were glad to get to share our experiences with you.

Tuning out now to hear the Michelle Obama Speech. More of that later.

We're Finally Here!

By Rylee and Brock Domann

Hello scholastic readers this is Rylee and Brock here in Denver Colorado for the Democratic National Convention (DNC). We had some major struggles getting to the NBC compound. First, we had to find Suzanne Freeman, who was wandering the crazy streets of downtown Denver in the 91 degree weather.

Eventually  we  found her. Our next obstacle was finding a parking space. After 10-15 minutes of searching we found a spot! It took us about 20 minutes to find the entrance to the Pepsi Center area where security was screening for credentials. We didn't have any yet.

A runner for NBC had to bring us the credentials. It was at least 1/2 mile walk for him! 

Finally we were inside the security fence, but we weren't done yet! We still had to walk all the way to the NBC compound, which is a white tent in the parking lot of the Pepsi Center. Right next to where we parked, except we couldn't come in that way!

When we arrived  a sense of relief fell over us. Now we are blogging to you and breathing in this wonderful place and amazing experience (and drinking a lot of cool sodas since it was so hot!)

Oh, yeah. We ran into the legendary Dan Rather, former anchor of CBS, who was kind enough to stop for a picture. We also had our pictures taken with an elephant and a donkey on Segways. Funny!!!!

PHOTO: Dan Rather with Kid Reporters Rylee (left) and Brock Domann at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorardo, on Monday, August 25, 2008. Photo by Suzanne Freeman