Wednesday 08.27.08

Another early morning breakfast panel discussion on the roof of the Denver Athletic Club. This time, the trifecta of Illinois representative Rahm Emanuel, former South Dakota senator Tom Daschle, and forever man crush presidential historian Michael Beschloss. Chris is a HUGE Beschloss fan. Huge. Second time he's seen him "live", the first was during a forum here at Guilford College. Now, in Denver discussing "the impossible job" of the presidency. Giddy. Rep. Emanuel arrived late, Sen. Daschle had to leave early. A revolving door of elected officials whose itineraries and schedules I cannot even fathom following during this hectic week.

Here's a gaggle of videos from this morning's engaging discussion. Much more lively than Madame Speaker's. Pelosi is never on the verge of dropping an F-bomb like Emanuel is...


Almost an F-bomb in that last one. I love Rahm Emanuel.

During this, Kimberly was at a Democratic Senate Campaign Committee breakfast. Chris's "girlfriend" from the Pop the Cap descent-upon-Raleigh days is Kay Hagan, former state senator (and supporter of Pop the Cap) now running for U.S. Senate vs. that no-good worthless Elizabeth Dole. Chris was hoping to hop over the 3 blocks to see her, but alas, Ms. Hagan was not in attendance. Crap. No rekindling of the puppy love flames for Chris. Afterwards, once both our breakfasts were done, Kimberly and Chris BOTH (shocker!) were able to go out to lunch to Denver Chophouse. Huge ass burger for Kimberly, more meatloaf (this time the non-buffalo-at-Wynkoop variety) for Chris. Tasty. And frankly quite novel to see our spouse during the day while in the same city.

After lunch, Chris took an hour plus drive north up I-25 to Ft. Collins, CO and the home of New Belgium Brewing Co. New Belgium is a leader in self-sustaining practices; from wind power to supply their ENTIRE electricity needs, to recycling, to promoting the bicycle as a means to moving yourself around town (I mean, look at the "parking lot" of bikes outside the brewery!), to utilizing microbes to treat their waste water and reducing the load on the city's wastewater plant from the brewery by 98%. Kudos to New Belgium. Now if only we could actually GET their beers locally in NC!

Too bad Chris needed to get back into town for today's big convention speech of the night, because traveling to New Belgium entails driving directly past TWO other Ft. Collins breweries. On the same street! Fort Collins Brewery and Odell Brewing. Rats. If only there was more time....