Politics, positioning and partying is the name of the game at the Democratic National Convention this week.
Santa Monica Daily Press columnist Dr. Lara Brown is spending the week in the thick of it. Here, she’ll give readers on the Left Coast a taste of the Beantown scene.
Saturday’s arrival: The airport was papered with welcome delegate signs saying: “Boston 2004: Nothing Conventional About It.” We were greeted by rosy-cheeked volunteers holding signs pointing us towards the special delegate taxi lines — it would appear that not all Democrats are equal — which carried us off to our hotels in rapid fashion.
The California Delegation is staying at the Westin Copley (pronounced COP-ly) Place hotel, across from beautiful Trinity Church and the Boston Library. Inside the lobby, which was abuzz with delegates, elected officials and party leaders, we were met with complimentary New England clam chowder and lemonade. Security is tight: Room keys and identifications are required in order to ascend the elevators. Last night, rest was the main priority given that the only real party was a media-sponsored event and several of us heard that the food they had ordered was not worth the trouble of a ticket. The party is just getting started.
Sunday starters: The California Delegation held their early evening welcoming reception at the Franklin Park Zoo. It was a tented affair aglow with vibrant hues and a diverse crowd. Most delegates were a bit hesitant to try the grilled squid satay and the coconut-carrot puree soup, which was served in plastic shot glasses. That being said, the rest of the Asian-French fusion food was tasty and fulfilling. There was a lot of excited banter and most couldn’t wait to get to the next party — which if you haven’t been to a Convention — that is all you ever talk about at the party you are at because no one ever has tickets for all the parties and everyone is simply trying to improve their status by getting an invited to the next event. Some VIPs in attendance: California Democratic Party Chairman Art Torres, Los Angeles Councilmembers Antonio Villaraigosa and Wendy Greuel, Boston Mayor Tom Menino, and former Democratic governors Gray Davis (Calif.) and Michael Dukakis (Mass.).
Another notable party... a private dinner hosted by Los Angeles City Council President Alex Padilla and Boston City Council President Michael Flaherty at Grill 23. In a back room that seated about 50, there was a mix of California and Massachusetts elected officials, delegates, and business representatives from each state. Enjoying some of the best food in Boston — crab cakes, seared ahi tuna, and flourless chocolate cake. Conversation ranged from comparing the Sox-Yankees rivalry to the Giants-Dodger competition to the differences in the geography between San Francisco and Boston. We were briefly graced by the presence of U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein who came in and spoke a few words, and introduced her charming husband Dick Blum. Some other VIPs in attendance: Los Angeles Councilmembers Bernard Parks, Antonio Villaraigosa, Wendy Greuel, Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgaldillo and San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrrera.
Late night was the Blue Dog Coalition (Conservative Democrats) event at the Roxbury Nightclub. Pulsating southern rock and gospel sounds emanated from the stage as excited Democrats, giant prawns and chicken wings circled around the room. Some attempted dancing though that was a sorry undertaking — politicos are not the most hip of folks — others kept to conversing in dark corners of the room. Great fun was had by all. VIPs were ushered upstairs, so it was difficult to corner many electeds, or even in the dark get a good look at who was whom.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 27, 2004. Read the original PDF.