Walt Handelsman

Obama is an awesome speaker and as I wrote yesterday, it's wonderful to be a part of American history. But it's important to stay objective and just cover the event. Period.

At political conventions wierd stuff is supposed to happen...and it does! Last night I shared a cab with two other folks leaving the convention. Turns out they are actually Hillary Clinton's hair and makeup team! It was an interesting ride. I learned a lot. Plus I scored a new haircut and pantsuit!

One of the great perks of working these conventions is getting to hang with my brother, Steve.

It's easy as a journalist to get jaded. As a cartoonist, I just naturally see everything in terms of humor or sarcasm...But just moments ago, watching Barack Obama officially become the first African-American nominee of a major American party, I know I just witnessed first hand a great moment in the history of our country and it's a privilege to be a part of it.

---Walt

The giant parking lot surrounded by gates for protesters is almost always empty

But last night, as I left to go out for a few drinks with friends, there was a lone guy in there doing this. Now there's a cause we can all get behind!

A funny thing happened on the way into the convention hall.

The press keeps yammering on about how scripted these conventions have become.

The dems are hoping Joe Biden will be a pitbull.

When I arrived at the convention site Sunday afternoon, I spotted a group of heavily armed security forces running drills on a huge SUV with like 8 guys hanging off the outside of the vehicle. They were covered in bulky armor and carrying gigantic flat-black rifles. Bottom line, they looked very cool and very ready to kick butt.
Fast forward to this morning...As soon as I arrived I saw a group of local policemen all hanging off a little white golf cart. They exact same kind I bounce around through the woods on when I tear up the turf on Long Island.
As I tried to snap their picture they screeched to a stop in front of me and in a menacing tone yelled at me that I wasn't allowed to take their picture.
Now, I have a great deal of respect for law enforcement and I particularly appreciate what they do to protect me and everyone else at big events like this. But the only reason they didn't want the picture taken is because they looked silly...I mean reeeeeeeeally silly They knew it...I knew it...And now through the magic of ball point pen and paper...You know it.