Jeff Mazur's blog

Scenes from the afternoon and evening at Invesco Field, as Democrats prepared to nominate Barack Obama and Obama accepted that nomination.

Taken a few moments ago at Denver International Airport...

Gold medal American gymnast Shawn Johnson makes her way through the airport to catch a flight to Los Angeles. ­

Scenes from Wednesday night at the DNCC, where Bill Clinton and Joe Biden took the stage...

This morning at the Missouri delegation breakfast, delegates heard from Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Jay Nixon as well as Congressman Emanuel Cleaver. 

Nixon addressed attendees by talking about what a great year it has already been, as he has "retired" a Republican Governor in Matt Blunt, a Republican Treasurer in Sarah Steelman, and is poised to retire a "George Bush, John McCain supporting Congressman" in Kenny Hulshof.  

Nixon went on to tell a now-familiar story about how he got his start in public service while he was a child in the home of his two public servant parents.  Nixon then reiterated a much touched-upon theme of the week, by seizing on the importance of this election and of electing Barack Obama.­

At Wednesday's DNCC Missouri delegation breakfast, three members of the Carnahan family addressed the delegates and special guests...

Congressman Russ Carnahan reminds the delegation of the importance of the 2008, and how winning this year will allow Democrats to break out of a forty year long stretch of Democratic Presidential difficulties.

Secretary of State Robin Carnahan compares the work to be done by an Obama administration to the long list of things to be done on the farm-- lots of things to be fixed.

Senator Jean Carnahan concludes her speech by noting that the courage it take to fight and win in 2008 is the same courage it takes to help our fellow man and make the world a better place.

"No way, no how, no McCain."  --Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton reaches the podium, as viewed from the Missouri delegation.­

Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer reminds us...

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The podium area on the convention floor is growing so packed, as are the aisles and delegation seating areas, that convention Staff and fire marshals have actually closed off access from the concourse into the floor area at several spots, including at the Missouri delegation section entrances.

Many appear excited to be as close as possible as Hillary Clinton uses her Tuesday night speaking spot for a full-throated and vehement reminder to delegates of the importance of electing Barack Obama.

At about 8:19pm Mountain Daylight Time yesterday, in the heart of
DNCC prime-time, Senator Claire McCaskill took the Pepsi Center stage
after being introduced to the ­capacity crowd by her children.  Below
are a few photos from the convention floor.

House Armed Services Chairman and Missouri legend Representative Ike Skelton was the keynote speaker at Tuesday's delegation breakfast.  

Skelton spoke of the historic nature of this convention, and he should know: he informed those assembled that he attended his first Democratic National Convention in 1940.  He went on to implore the Democrats in the room to continue the hard work and perseverence that had brought them to this point.  Skelton urged, forcefully:

"Do NOt underestimate your own importance in Missouri or in the nation."