From Deseret News archives:
Democratic Convention reporter's notebook
Utahns haven't been so lucky.
So far, the brightest luminary to appear at their daily meeting has been a liberal commentator from MSNBC, Bill Press, who signed copies of his new book, "Bush Must Go."
That was Monday. When Tuesday's speaker canceled, a few delegates asked when they'd get to hear from someone a little better known.
"There's only so many chits you can call in," sighed Utah Democratic Party Chairman Donald Dunn.
Today, the delegates will hear from the governor of Kansas, and on Thursday, a Colorado congressman.
Utahns did get a chance to sneak a peek at one of the party's biggest names Tuesday when former Vice President Al Gore paid a call on Tennessee's delegation, meeting just down the hall.
Utahns aren't faring much better when it comes to convention seating.
The Republican-dominated state is relegated to a top-tier spot in the Fleet Center, high above the arena floor and stage.
One CNN commentator pointed out the less-than-desirable location and joked, "The air is thin up here."
Not every Utahn in the convention hall is a delegate. Reed Hatch, son of Salt Lake County Councilman Joe Hatch, is here as a volunteer.
His job? "Visibility whip," said Reed, 20. He's among the volunteers responsible for distributing the signs held up by delegates.
Think this is an easy gig? Consider that on Tuesday night alone, Reed estimated the team would be handing out 100,000 signs and instructing each delegation exactly when and how to display them.
On Monday, for reasons still unexplained, the Ohio delegation stood for the national anthem at its breakfast and instead heard "O Canada."
Don't let anyone tell you the Secret Service isn't on the job at the convention keeping things secure — and sugar-free.
Dunkin' Donuts stand owner Danny Haddad said he told the Secret Service a doughnut delivery would arrive daily around 6 a.m., but it wasn't on Tuesday's official schedule so authorities blocked it. The doughnuts were finally allowed in after nearly seven hours of negotiation.
