It All Makes Sense Now

From "The Conventional Wisdom," released yesterday morning (before Ross Perot's dramatic announcement but after manager Ed Rollins left the campaign): "Now we know what EDS stands for--Ed Didn't Stay."

Having a Ball. Really.

A North Carolina delegate took time out from his "Let Jerry Speak" chant to seize a beach ball that had sailed through the air. He angrily ripped a hole in the ball, effectively deflating it.

Too much stress, perhaps? An intolerance for the festivity so prevalent through out Madison Square Garden? The probable explanation was simple enough: the logo emblazoned across the ball's surface said, "Clinton for President."

Signs of the Times II

Thousands of signs supporting Brown, Tsongas, and Kerrey suddenly made an appearance Wednesday night as the respective candidates got their chance to address the delegates. "Stop Abortion Now" signs made their first appearance of the week in the Minnesota delegation, and skirmishes broke out with those holding "Keep Abortion Legal" signs.

Most of the Massachusetts delegation waved Kennedy signs, but it was unclear who they were for: Robert F., honored with a film; Rep. Joseph P., Cambridge's Congress member who introduced the film, or Edward M. '54-56, who got big applause (but not as loud as after his 1980 challenge for the nomination).

While the Dogs Go Naked

Many of the souvenir and refreshment stands in Madison Square Garden were converted to press information centers or security stations for the convention. The dearth of food stands, combined with the 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. convention sessions, resulted in scenes that resembled a Russian supermarket.

Crowds waited in endless lines at refreshment stands, only to find that soft pretzels and ice cream bars had been sold out.

The good news: there were still a few hot dogs left. The bad news: there were no buns.

Christmas in July

The band behind the massive podium has been one of the key "players" in the convention and in addition to general peprally music, the band (or the Garden's high-tech stereo system) plays speaker-specific theme songs.

Last night's biggies: For Sen. Albert H. Gore, Jr. '69, "You Can Call me Al" by Paul Simon (the singer, not the senator); for Bill Clinton "Don't Stop Thinkin' About Tomorrow"; and for the nominating sppech by Sen. Barbara Mikulski, "O Tannenbaum."

Don't ask, we can't figure it out either.

A Guy Walks into a Bar..

One of Wednesday's best lines came from 19-year-old Holley Ramsey, a Florida Tsongas delegate who introduced her candidate.

The joke came from Tsongas' standard stump speech back in New Hampshire, but it still got some laughs: "I grew up in a disadvantaged family," Ramsey quipped. "My father is a Republican."

Signs of the Times III

Best signs waved during Clinton's acceptance speech: (3) From our favorite runner up's delegation, "We never surrender--1-800-926-1112." (2) "Here's your pink slip, George." (1) "Welcome Ross Perot Supporters--If you're still sore, vote Clinton/Gore."