Election Express: Protestors must stay inside 'Free Speech Zone'
By Dan Lothian
CNN Boston Bureau Chief
BOSTON, Massachusetts (CNN) -- A federal judge Thursday denied a lawsuit brought by protestors and groups trying to get better access to delegates at the Democratic National Convention.
The judge was very emotional apparently, and said that he realized after looking at the place that it was not the best site for free speech. But he said that in light of the post-9/11 world that we live in and the security concerns, the protestors would have to stay in what some are describing as a pen area.
Protestors had previously reached an agreement with the Boston Police Department and were promised that they would have access to the delegates.
When they showed up at the area, which is close to the convention venue, they were not happy. They found the designated so-called "Free Speech Zone" was surrounded by cement barriers and high fences, and had netting over top of it.
The protestors claimed that they gave them no access to the delegates -- that they could see them, but could not so much as hand them a leaflet as they walked by.
They did win small victory here in that they will be able to hold a protest parade on the Sunday before the convention. Of course, that is before anybody really gets into town.
An attorney for the ACLU commented that she is very disappointed with the decision and says this is a very sad day for Boston. She says there is nothing in terms of security concerns that would force this type of treatment of protestors.
The attorney went on to say that the police department has plenty of time to change things around and give protestors the access they desire and still preserve security.
Boston mayor says town is ready
By Brigid O'Rourke, "Inside Politics with Judy Woodruff"
Posted: 5:28 p.m. ET
With just four days to go until the start of the Democratic National Convention, we're here again aboard the CNN Election Express. We're parked next to one of Boston's, and one of the country's, most historic sites -- the USS Constitution.
 CNN anchor Judy Woodruff, right, speaks with Boston Mayor Thomas Menino. |  |
The FleetCenter is just across the water, and workers are busy getting things ready for next week.
But is Boston ready? As the city braces for an onslaught of tens of thousands of delegates, tourists and national figures, we posed that question to Boston's Mayor Thomas Menino. We asked him how we felt about his city being the "hub" of the political world. He said Bostonians are ready and excited.
We're excited about getting a tour of the floor of the FleetCenter on Friday, and of course for our show ("Inside Politics with Judy Woodruff") which will be live from Fenway Park -- home of the legendary Boston Red Sox.
Be sure to tune in for "Inside Politics with Judy Woodruff" at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Getting to know CNN
From Dale Fountain, CNN Election Express bus driver:
Posted: 3:45 p.m. ET
Crew Call: 8 a.m. ET. Temperature: 79 degrees. Weather: A lovely day
We are back at the USS Constitution today. Luckily, we were able to leave the bus here overnight and did not to navigate back through the city.
Road conditions aside, I have to say this is a good gig. I have always had an interest in news and politics. And I am lucky that I drew this assignment.
I have enjoyed getting to know the crew and working with them. What could be better than getting to see my friends every day behind a beautiful backdrop?
One of the great things about this job is the variety. I can say that in my career, I have worked with people from all walks of life -- everyone from pro-wrestlers to news anchors. The key is to always do your best and to treat each job the same way. After all, we are all people, whether we make our living reporting the news or knocking people down.
TV lingo term for the day: A feed. A feed is a satellite transmission of audio and video. Using it in a sentence: I have to feed the news package about John Kerry to Atlanta.
Morning starts off with a bang
|  CNN's Election Express takes in a scenic view of Boston Harbor and the FleetCenter. |
By Eileen McMenamin, senior Election Express producer:
Posted: 12:03 p.m. ET
The CNN Election Express is parked in a gorgeous spot at the Boston National Historical Park, overlooking Boston Harbor and the FleetCenter, site of next week's Democratic National Convention.
The USS Constitution, which is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world, and the USS Cassin Young, a World War II destroyer, are docked here in the Charlestown Navy Yard.
On Thursday morning, Judy Woodruff got the chance to fire the cannon on the Constitution, an event that takes place every morning and evening at sunset.
You can watch it on Thursday's "Inside Politics With Judy Woodruff." Hopefully, Judy's earplugs were working.
On Friday, we are off to Fenway Park to catch a rivalry that is as fierce as the one between the nation's two major political parties. The hometown Boston Red Sox will host the New York Yankees in a battle between the two cities that also are hosting this year's political conventions.
Can the Democrats reverse course and the Red Sox the curse? (The team hasn't won a Major League Baseball championship since 1918.) Or will the GOP and the Yankees continue to dominate? Tune in Friday for "Inside Politics" and "Crossfire" and catch the latest developments on this summer's conventions.
