yearly kos

DNC Chairman Howard Dean let loose a rip-roaring speech to close the program for Yearly Kos Day One, reminding everyone that this enormous grassroots phenomenon has made government accountable to the masses like never before. Dean compared the internet revolution with the invention of the printing press in its impact on political discourse and in shifting political power. He guaranteed that Democrats will keep "voting and voting and voting and voting" on Iraq withdrawal, though they know they don't have a veto-proof majority, Democrats are prepared to put Republicans on record again and again supporting Bush's failed strategy. Dean asked for help in encouraging Congress to pass H811, "to require a voter-verified permanent paper ballot".

His speech was the end of an eventful, inspiring, overwhelming day. McCormick Place is truly gigantonormous, and the convention is pretty well spread out among three main areas. I attended a workshop on "growing a culture of giving" (fundraising) online then met lots of amazing bloggers at a state/local workshop. The Michigan contingent, the gang from Calitics, Ruby from Orange Politics, and a whole lot more folks swapped ideas and stories. I got some good ideas regarding my Luke Hyde Watch.

I'm here. It wasn't easy navigating the Dan Ryan Freeway during morning rush hour after staying up too late drinking the just-released Chimay Tripel at The Small Bar while watching the Cubs squeak out a victory against the Phillies, but I made it. YK07 is at McCormick Place in sunny Chicago. The convention center is enormous.

Today's schedule is packed. If you have anything you want to know or want me to see/get/do for you, please email me at scrutinyhooligans@yahoo.com. Here's what I'm planning to attend today:

Creating a Culture of Grassroots Giving
The Agony and Ecstacy of Successful State-Local Blogging
Volunteer Recruitment and Development
NC Bloggers Caucus
Atlantic South Netroots Caucus
MyDD Caucus
Drinking Liberally Happy Hour
Opening Keynote with Senator Dick Durbin and DNC Chairman Howard Dean
Pub Quiz

You can watch for updates here or over at Scrutiny Hooligans. w00t!

Yearly Kos is an annual event bringing bloggers together from across the nation for a weekend of organizing, activism, networking, and progressive infrastructure building. The deadline to buy tickets is July 14 for the August 2-5 convention.

I've been asked to moderate the NC "caucus" and co-lead a regional gathering as well, so I'm asking the BlueNC community. Who's coming to Yearly Kos? You can respond here or use the BlueNC mail.

Lots more about Yearly Kos after the jump.