Today, Governor Howard Dean took part in Blogger Tailgate ’08 to welcome bloggers to the 2008 Democratic National Convention. As Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Governor Dean recognizes the important role that blogs play in a Democratic victory this fall. This year there are more bloggers, with more access, than ever before. Hundreds of bloggers representing over 120 blogs will be covering the Convention from inside the Pepsi Center and INVESCO Field at Mile High.

Instead of a traditional event, we decided to take advantage of the Denver weather and mountainous backdrop with an outdoor tailgate in the Pepsi Center parking lot. Complete with pulled pork barbeque, hamburgers, and watermelon, bloggers had the chance to meet with Howard Dean and enjoy the Denver setting. Watch some clips from Blogger Tailgate ’08.

Making the rounds in the Pepsi Center to finalize some logistics yesterday, I was definitely not prepared for what I was about to see. Welcoming some new staff, we toured the concourses and visited some of the media workspaces. But the best was yet to come…

The unassigned filing center is really taking shape. It still resembles a practice basketball court, but there are a few major differences. The hardwood floor has been covered up to protect the surface, and the court is filled with tables and TVs to accommodate members of the media. Power sockets and Internet connections are also being put in place so the press can file their stories. Adjacent to the basketball court, the Blogger Lounge is coming together with it’s own supply of tables, couches, TVs, and connectivity.

We made a few other stops to get our new team acquainted with the space, but the real surprise came when we peeked inside the “bowl” of the Pepsi Center. Prepare to be amazed! Our production team has a lot of experience with big events -- and it shows. They’ve done it all, from the Grammy’s to Super Bowl halftime shows.

A record number of blogs will receive credentials for the 2008 Democratic National Convention -- connecting audiences around the world with the sights and sounds of this historic event. Never before have blogs been included in such strong numbers and provided with resources that will enable them to be the eyes and ears of so many at the Convention.

The following blogs have been credentialed: 

Over the last 24 hours, we have seen some great posts from bloggers selected to be part of the Democratic National Convention’s first ever State Blogger Corps.  We have been particularly impressed with the response from bloggers in the Western region. Just a few of our favorites are listed below. And as part of the announcement, DNC Chairman Gov. Howard Dean gave an exclusive interview to Aaron Silverstein of SquareState.net, the blog selected to represent Colorado. To read Aaron’s complete interview, click here:

http://squarestate.net

Gov. Dean also recorded videos to congratulate the state blogs – you can watch two of them here:
http://www.democracyfornewmexico.com
http://hummingbirdminds.blogspot.com

Months ago, we began the process of credentialing bloggers who cover state and local politics, as part of the DemConvention State Blogger Corps.  More than 400 blogs applied for the program.  And they’re incredible.  Some blogs are the work of dedicated groups of activists, a few are full-time professional endeavors, and many others are the products of busy individuals blogging about local politics in their free time.  Those selected to be part of our State Blogger Corps were announced today.  And in every case, these bloggers have become experts on the political happenings in their states.

You’ll see a list below of the 55 blogs that will comprise the State Blogger Corps.  They’ll be seated with their respective delegations at the Convention.  These bloggers will have some of the best seats in the house and they’ll be the eyes and ears of local audiences online around the country.  DNC Chairman Howard Dean recorded a message to introduce the program – so I’ll let him explain the rest.

Is one of your favorite blogs missing from the list?  We had hundreds of great applicants and only a few spots.  The Convention staff will work hard to be sure bloggers can cover the Convention from Denver or wherever they may be – with unprecedented access.  And wait a few weeks.  We’ll soon announce the Convention’s General Blogger Pool, an additional list of diverse blogs covering national politics, niche issues, and more state and local topics.

Congratulations to each blog selected for the State Blogger Corps.  I’ll see you in Denver!

With media credential deadlines approaching, we made a major announcement today about access for state bloggers at the Democratic National Convention. Watch the video below and read our press release for full details.

This summer, online outlets will have better opportunities than ever to cover the Democratic Convention.  Whether you're blogging in Denver or watching streaming video from afar, the DNCC staff wants to make certain you have incredible access to the event.

States/Territories Without Blogger Corps Applicants 

Alaska, American Samoa, Democrats Abroad, Virgin Islands

We know blogger credentialing as it relates to the 2008 Democratic National Convention is a hot topic of interest. Will your state have a blogger in Denver as part of the 2008 DemConvention State Blogger Corps? We certainly hope so. Check out the map below to track the applications right along with us as they come in from all across the country. 

Judging from the rush of applications we’ve received since the DNCC Press Gallery opened on December 10, there is no shortage of enthusiasm in the blogosphere for the 2008 Democratic National Convention. 

For the first time, we’re offering the opportunity for one blog to be credentialed from each of the 56 states and territories. Who will be on hand in Denver come August 2008 to feed you the latest as speakers from your state take the podium or your delegation rolls in to town? We’ll have the final word in May — but until then, you can find out what states have applicants by checking out the map below. To date, we have applications from 28 states — and hope to turn every state blue in short order! You can help spread the word by here and sharing these details with a home state blogger in your neck of the woods. 

Updated Map: Jan. 23, 2008 

This week marked the much-anticipated opening of the credentialing process for media interested in covering the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. While the bulk of media who will attend the Convention are credentialed through the U.S. Congressional Press Galleries, we do credential media — including bloggers — through the DNCC Press Gallery. 

At the close of week one (drumroll please), we are happy to report 51 applications from bloggers already in — including State Blogger Corps applicants from 20 states such as: California, Colorado,  Vermont, North Carolina and Kentucky. There’s plenty of time to ensure that no state is left behind on this unique Convention coverage opportunity. To apply for blogger credentials, click here. And be sure to check back for updates as applications continue to come in.

Online outreach around the 2008 Democratic National Convention is continuing to make news. I sat down with Denver’s local Fox station to talk about credentials for bloggers and how the Democratic National Convention is going to be covered by the online media.

Click here to watch the video. Also that week, I joined Joan McCarter of Daily Kos and spoke with the Colorado Public Radio show Colorado Matters about the online media’s role at the Convention. You can hear that interview here.

If you’re interested in applying for blogger credentials, click here.