Democratic Convention in Denver in '08
by Torrey H. Brinkley
The Democrats rally in Denver, Colorado in the hot summer of '08. Politicians and their handlers bring a message of change to the mountain west, noting that this country represents more than just fancy elitist cities, with businessmen in 3-piece suits, cultural snobbery, majestic operas and artistic masterpieces. There are tall jagged mountains, harsh weather extremes, people working the soil, and rugged outdoorsmen. All this and more serves as a buffer "between" the powerful east coast interests and the glitz & glamor of the west coast experience.
Does this reflect today's scenario for the 2008 Democrats planning strategy for the fall election or was it the 1908 convention that chose to come to Denver, which only had 1/10 of its current population?
...Much of Denver's beautiful all-brick downtown district was built up in the period surounding the turn of the 20th century, with stately mansions and impressive government buildings on the major streets.
...Now, as we are fresh into the 21st century, we see another makeover of impressive high- rise towers for business and condo dwellers, nestled among our new sports and arts palaces, all in that same downtown Denver footprint. City leaders are also striving to move away the panhanders and give a fresh coat of paint for all the host of visitors to see.
Note some of the other eery similarities between these gatherings, some 100 years apart:
1) The Dems were putting forth a very eloquent and dynamic candidate in both eras: William Jennings Bryan and Barak Hussein Obama. Although Bryan was considered the most eloquent & dynamic orator of his time, historians note that he was not well-versed nor studied in any particular issue.
2) Each of the candidates seemed to be popular with the masses, with Bryan being called the Populist candidate, fighting against the wealthy East coast businessmen, & decrying the gold standard, while pushing for the silver interests & smaller businessmen to be heard. Obama has brought out scores of youthful supporters to huge crowds around the country, attacking big oil and big business. Yet, not all voters seem to be convinced, not in 1908, nor today.
3) Their speeches seem to be somewhat controversial. Bryan will be remembered in history as one opposing evolution ( the Scopes Monkey trial), while Obama has to keep dancing between words of his pastor, his wife and properly finding himself.
4) A religious tone had entered the debate. Bryan was almost considered a fiery preacher, while Obama has had to fire his pastor (Jeremiah Wright).
5) Democrats had suffered defeats in previous elections....and were hoping for better luck this time. Bryan was a nominee 2 times before. Recently, liberals have been very bitter about George Bush's last 2 election victories.
6) There were recent dramatic breakthroughs in technology. The automobile was very new to the transportation scene in 1908. So many other new inventions were coming on board (the radio and then the airplane, etc.).
...The world's scientific & technological advances today come at such a rapid pace. Even the thousands of miles of wiring necessary for setting up Denver's Pepsi Center is staggering, while individual folk with cell phones and i-Phones can personally shoot messages & photos around the world in seconds.
7) Candidates were from the midwest. Williams Jennings Bryan, Illinois born, actually stayed home during the 1908 convention because he wanted to do some farming back in Iowa. Obama is from Illinois, and earlier tried to help poor urban folk organize, so as not to lose labor jobs.
8) War had been fresh in people's minds to start the conventions. The Spanish American War took place in 1898, while the 9-11-2001 attack on New York City has spawned offensives in the Middle East (Afghanistan & Iraq) that America still fights right up to Convention gavel time.
9) There were some difficulties with Mexico back in 1908: violence, banditos, territorial issues, and shootings. Now, 100 years later, the USA still has major issues still to be resolved with Mexico (illegal immigration, drug trafficking, & people-smuggling).
10) The future of our country is somewhat in doubt, even with all its strength, glory and history. --Back in 1908, the USA was just 40 years removed from its bloody, divisive Civil War. We were just moving into the Industrial Age.
--Now in 2008, we look back some 40 years after the nasty, unruly Chicago Democractic Convention, bitterness of our Vietnam War participation, and the assasination of Bobby Kennedy.
Today we wonder how to confront the Islamic revolutionary movements, plus China's thrust into the global economy, and India's challenges in technology and science.Will this be a turning point election year for the USA, and will the Denver Convention be a time to remember?
Back in 1908 the only rowdy moments were caused by some occasional panhandlers and pickpockets. In 2008, scores of protesters plan to be in our city hoping their voices will be heard and controversy stirred.
The vote that came in after the 1908 convention did not produce a victory for Bryan or the Democrats.
-The popular Republican President, Teddy Roosevelt, had pushed for William H.Taft to be his successor......but that result spelled doom for the Republican party, soon quickly divided.
-Taft had really wanted to become Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (and he soon got his wish), after serving as U.S. President 1908-12.
-The Democrats finally gained the Presidency in 1912 with Woodrow Wilson, the progressive candidate, but our country was soon drawn in to World War I. Wilson preached peace, but he underestimated the sin and violence of mankind.
My father was proud of Williams Jennings Bryan, and for 40 years supported the college (in Tennesse) that bore his name. Interestingly, Bryan was later famous for speaking on the Chatauqua Circuit, where speakers and musicians fanned across the country in large open-air tents. One of the only remaining auditorium/tents for this association is in Boulder, CO, where we today can go and hear/see concerts and lecturers. Undoubtedly, Bryan spoke eloquently to the crowds here in Boulder 100 years ago, without the aid of microphones or any electronic aids.
In contrast, when Barak Obama gives his acceptance speech in the Denver Bronco's outdoor stadium, the acoustic challenges, Secret Service protection, parking & traffic nightmares, crowd control, and media coverage of the event is already giving planners severe headaches and potential ulcers.
And all this is just for political show!
