Convention notes - Suited entourages and ex-presidents

Editor's note: At 18, Nate Hinchey of Jackson is the youngest member of the Missouri delegation at the Democratic National Convention in Boston. This is the first of his daily reports from the convention. Soon after attending the convention, Hinchey will begin his freshman year at Boston College.

By Nate Hinchey ~ Special to the Southeast Missourian

9 a.m. -- My brother and I walked into the lobby of the Marriott Longwharf, the Missouri delegation's hotel, at the tail end of the daily breakfast. I was stopping by to pick up my convention credentials. As I signed out the piece of paper which I was instructed to guard with my life, I glanced up to see a suited entourage come my way. Bill Richardson, a prominent Democratic governor and chairman of the convention, approached. I put out my hand and forced out, "Good morning, sir." He quickly shook my hand and headed toward more official business. From the beginning, my convention experience promised to be star-studded.

11 a.m. -- I received an invitation to the Wang Center for the Performing Arts, where U.S. Rep. Richard Gephardt would be speaking at a brunch in his honor. At the front door I flashed my "Delegate 2004" badge and was directed into a grand ballroom complete with hundreds of mingling guests and table after table of delicacies. An hour into the event, Congressman Gephardt spoke briefly and the crowds erupted, echoing his support for presidential nominee John Kerry.

2 p.m. -- Making my way across downtown Boston, I found the Hynes Memorial Center, the site where the DNC is holding several political training seminars. I sat in on a few classes, all complimentary.

3 p.m. -- I rushed from the Hynes Center to Tia's Restaurant and Bar. A political action committee called Americans for Democratic Action was holding a small party. It was a typical event for the convention: more food and drinks than anyone could need and a swarm of people either desperate to smile and shake your hand or on the prowl for the Democratic elite that occasionally pop in to the parties.

4 p.m. -- With my photo badge and credential paperwork, I prepare to weather the extensive security around the Fleet Center, the convention's home. Closed roads and heavily armed security personnel are a common sight. Secret Service agents and helicopters patrol the area, assigned to protect the night's speakers, former presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. The opening night promises to be long but nevertheless exciting.