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Democrats wired for on-line virtual convention
August 24, 1996
Web posted at: 6:10 p.m. EDTFrom Correspondent Greg Lefevre
CHICAGO (CNN) -- You say you were left off the guest list for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago? Not to worry. You can have a front-row seat -- via the Internet.
There are 189 miles of wire running through Chicago's United Center that will bring 1 million more people a day into the virtual convention hall.
The copper and fiber center of the Convention's Web site sits beneath the seats, right behind the main podium.
"When you come into the DNC's home page at the convention, you'll actually BE at the convention," AT&T Internet Director Stan Gorski said. "As a matter of fact, you'll be just a few feet off the floor of the convention."
The party transformed the Chicago Bulls souvenir shop into an Internet, radio and television center where the party faithful will do sound bites and interviews.
"It's an opportunity to communicate with people who weren't able to come to Chicago," said Debra DeLee, the convention's chief executive officer, "so we can bring the convention out to them, and they can be here at the convention with us."
Out on the floor, delegates will press touch-screen computers to cast their votes. But they still will use the low-tech vocal roll call for the nomination, when each delegation sings the praises of the state they represent.
"We have tested what people like and don't like about conventions, and that's one thing they DO like," Democratic National Committee chairman Don Fowler explained.
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