Postcard from Charlotte: Chaotic convention floor
Hi, everyone,
While the delegates here probably yell and scream more than you do while watching the Democratic National Convention on TV, you’re probably more comfortable at home.
The convention floor is a chaotic place, where credentials can be hard to come by and even Illinois delegates can get squeezed with their prime seating up front.
Delegates have been urged to wear some kind of Illinois item, like a campaign button, to distinguish them from so-called “intruders” from other states who try to sit in the Illinois seats.
If you’re not a delegate, you’re relegated to the sides of the convention floor, where everyone has to cram together to stay out of aisles and avoid being trampled by harried people, TV crews or even, as I saw, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and her entourage.
It’s going to be even tighter Thursday, as President Barack Obama’s acceptance speech has been moved inside on account of a prediction of rain.
Best,
Mike Riopell