OK, OK, I know it’s been a while since the conventions ended, but I still wanted to give you all my completely irrelevant comparison between the two…
Most Fun Welcome Media Party
Although I missed it, word on the street is the DNC one (which included free amusement park rides, food, and games) was much better.
Best Showcase of the City
The RNC Media Party showed off one of the best parts of the Twin Cities, and I got to have a fab time (and awesome t-shirt) on a free 5K the first day of the convention.
Most Media Access
Do you really have to ask? Let’s just say that the DNC was far more welcoming to the press and the public. There’s a reason there’s no gratuitous Jayna picture from the RNC.
Friendliest Attendees
Although the organizers liked to keep us nobodies out of the events, people attending the RNC almost always made a point to seek out the strangers when there were some, which I didn’t feel in Denver. At the RNC, one Republican told me Democrats are “intellectual snobs”…and although I hate to admit it, I don’t think her assessment was unfounded.
Most Exciting
Walking through the streets of Denver, you knew what was going on. Stores, streets, and restaurants were almost always packed. And there was enough Democratic merchandise being sold on the streets to put a third-world country’s market to shame (my favorite was the “It’s time for change!” watches). Walking around in St. Paul, however, was kind of spooky. It was almost like a Cristopher Pike novel where huge numbers of people had disappeared, and those left behind were greeted only by black fences and armed forces. There was so little RNC gear being sold, that if I’d just been a tourist who didn’t know what was going on, it would have taken me a while to figure it out. The number of people there was so low, that one of the events (the Civic Fest) is actually having to refund vendors their fees!
Most Inspiring
I think one of the key differences between the two was that the DNC itself (although not always its attendees) was far more inclusive…while there, it felt like there was really a movement and that everyone could join in. The RNC, though, made me feel like an outsider…like I’d somehow been disinvited to an elementary school party because some person in my group of friends had snubbed the party-thrower. So instead of getting to go to the party, I had to just hear about it from others.
Best Loved City
Much to my surprise, the group I was with far more preferred the Twin Cities over Denver. Yes, the Minnesotans are far friendlier than many other peeps in the U.S. But our group also really liked the outdoorsy aspect of all the lakes in the Land o’ Lakes.
Most Missed Movie
The DNC and Denver inspired no movie madness for me…Minneapolis however made me order Drop Dead, Gorgeous, which I just received today. I think I’ll go watch it now, don’t you know.
