USA

The night Michelle O. breezed into our bar

The Democratic National Convention this year is unfolding at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. It's an enormous sports stadium that has been re-jiggered with multiple giant video screens that allow thousands of Democratic activists packed in the audience to view the action. But much of the convention buzz actually happens outside the convention floor - at parties and other networking events, where the faithful can meet and scheme and plot their political agendas. Read more and see our Observer's video...

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The Democratic National Convention this year is unfolding at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. It's an enormous sports stadium that has been re-jiggered with multiple giant video screens that allow thousands of Democratic activists packed in the audience to view the action. But much of the convention buzz actually happens outside the convention floor - at parties and other networking events, where the faithful can meet and scheme and plot their political agendas.

One of the sideshows on Monday night was at Fado, an Irish bar in downtown Denver. Dubbed "Chicago Night in Denver," it was organised by Sen. Dick Durban - the "other senator" from Illinois. Barack Obama, of course, is the senator from Illinois we all know.

The evening was all about introducing Chicago, Illinois' best-known city, to a gathering of not more than 500 people. Highlights included typical Chicago fare such as hotdogs, pizza and "Second City", a popular comedy troop. What our Observer John Aravosis and his friends weren't expecting though, was a surprise showing by Michelle Obama.

But there she was at Fado, shortly after delivering her rousing Monday night opening speech at the convention floor.

 

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"I was so excited (...) I had no idea what she was saying"

"That was a nice surprise when Mrs. Obama just showed up. At the beginning, we didn't know she was coming. At the convention, it's hard to really see people. But in the bar, she was right there, just a few yards from us. Suddenly, she appeared. I was so excited, I started filming with a little flip camera I had. I had no idea what she was saying. I just videotaped the whole thing."