KID REPORT
July 26, 2004
On the Scene at the Democratic National Convention
TFK Kid Reporter Lily reports on pre-convention activities in Boston
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Yesterday was my first day at the Democratic National Convention and so far it’s been very exciting. I saw Teresa Heinz Kerry standing at the podium, getting a feel for the convention space. In the rush to prepare for the convention, there were reporters, camera crews, people rehearsing on stage, and convention workers of all kinds.
 Lily interviews Jim Hummel, a reporter from Providence, Rhode Island. | |
I also saw TV reporters including Larry King and Bill Hemmer from CNN! All sorts of news crews have booths above the seats. There are reporters from all around the country. I interviewed Jim Hummel, a reporter from Providence, Rhode Island. He said that to make his coverage unique he doesn’t cover big speeches. Instead, he likes to “make it uniquely Rhode Island."
Super Tight Security
The security at the Fleet Center is overwhelming. Everywhere you look there’s a policeman, security guard, or someone in the military. It took a really long time to get through security. Hummel said security is the most challenging part of covering the convention. “You can’t go five feet without running into a policeman or a National Guardsman,” he said.
|  Lily on the pre-convention scene. |
What I found most amazing was how they transformed the Fleet Center for the convention. I came to the circus here last year and I’ve been to a basketball game and I barely recognized it! There are 100,000 balloons being held up by nets on the ceiling. They will be released on the last night along with 1,000 pounds of confetti. There is a huge stage, and behind it is a screen to project whatever is happening on the stage.
Kids at the Convention
I interviewed 10 year-old Alborz Shirmohammadi, whose father is an official photographer for the convention. His dad is a fourth generation political and events photographer in his family. Alborz will be at the convention until Friday, walking around and helping his dad. He said that even though he’s not that interested in politics, he still finds it exciting, especially meeting all the celebrities.
|  Lily talks with members of the Boston Children’s Chorus. |
I also interviewed three other kids who will be singing in a group of four different choruses. “It’s cool to be part of something so big,” said Xana Turner-Owens, a member of the Boston Children’s Chorus. "It’s really cool to be here,” said Maria Sams, another member of the Chorus.
