in Denver

Loyd Henion, chair of the Linn County Democrats, is attending the party's Denver convention. His report:

Monday morning I attended the senior delegate caucus in the Colorado Convention center.

James Roosevelt, grandson of President Roosevelt, mentioned that Aug. 14 was the 73rd anniversary of the Social Security law. He said the Social Security shortfall will not occur until 2041 and that the fix required to make it sustainable for many more years is relatively small.

A little later I met Tom Brokaw and purchased his latest book, "Boom, Voices of the Sixties." …

On Monday afternoon I went to the Pepsi Center where the Democratic Convention is convening. The Oregon delegation's seating location unfortunately is in the least desirable place in the center, but delegates are free to move around the entire center.

I decided to move around a good deal and, as it turns out, I am glad I did. During my meandering I talked to Sen. Christopher Dodd and Sen. John Kerry. …

I was fortunate to be standing next to Ted Koppel during the national anthem. A was able to chat with him a bit and he allowed me to take his picture.

A little later I took a snapshot of Senator Biden talking with Democratic National Chair Howard Dean. In walking back to the light rail station I stopped to talk a bit with former California Governor, Grey Davis. …

Every morning the Oregon delegation has a breakfast meeting. On Monday and Tuesday we have been treated to rousing speeches from Sen. Ron Wyden, Congressman David Wu, Congresswoman Darlene Hooley, as well as some national leaders in the labor movement and advocacy groups for expanding health care.

Tuesday evening was very exciting for me at the Convention as Hillary Clinton gave a party-healing speech.

Most Oregon Obama delegates felt she "hit a home run," and I must say her words were very conciliatory and favorable towards Senator Obama.

My evening did include engaging several other luminaries, including Al Sharpton, OSU basketball coach (and Michelle Obama's brother), Craig Robinson, "Jaws" actor Richard Dreyfus and virtually all of the Oregon congressional delegation.

I also met Jim Rogers, who is the CEO of an energy company that is putting wind mills in the Columbia Gorge and Union County.