And You May Ask Yourself, How Did We Get Here?

We are going to dedicate this coming week's lead story to the Democratic Convention in Boston (similar coverage of the RNC to follow this August). With so much brouhaha already why are we going to cover this? Well, for one thing, we are not there (like most of you) and frankly we think it is important to stand outside "the bubble" and look in. It's actually pretty exciting when you look at the whole thing. Democracy is a lot of work, but it is also a phonomenal party.

In particular, this year a lot of people feel compelled to participate in this election at a new level. Delegates are nominated in the local precincts of 50 states and go through a process of state elections in order to get to vote at the national convention. About 4500 delegates are officially representing and will be schmoozed and lobbied to vote on a variety of issues that will eventually be adopted as the Democratic platform. Art Alexakis, the lead singer from Everclear (and a very passionate citizen with one heck of a political mind), is a delegate from his home state of Oregon. And while the age of delegates ranges from 18-82 years old, you can bet there will be a large dose of lively debate at Fleet Center. Several candidates such as Dennis Kucinich have a strong presence on the floor of the convention and expect to influence the 2004 Democratic platform. And of course, there will be numerous speeches throughout the process culminating in Kerry's acceptance speech on Thursday.

Ouside of the convention more than 50,000 others will gather in Boston: protesters, media, assorted groups. Not to mention the music, the parties, and more parties (even the press has its own party). All this is guaranteed to provide a week's worth of entertainment and more.

Democracy is a rough and tumble business, but it is our business, so I hope you enjoy the coverage of the people places and events surrounding the conventions.