- There are columns of mounted police which patrol the downtown area. The large horses amble impressively in single file. The horses are all kitted out with protective plastic visors.
- Other manifestations of police presence are equally impressive, and frankly somewhat intimidating, as they are meant to be. For example, there are vans which whiz through downtown Denver, with at least six or more police in full body armor hanging on to the sides of the van on running boards. Some of the police you see on the street carry what appear to be automatic rifles or variations on grenade launchers, though I believe they may launch bean-bag projectiles.
- That said, there is a palpable, festive vibe in the air. People seem excited, many shouting out their support for Obama, or disdain for Bush, or their insistence that McCain is a better choice and so on. They lead to impromptu - but basically polite, so far - debates on the street about free speech.
- Fellow journalists we have encountered also seem caught up - just a bit - in the excitement. Not all, but quite a few, were seen snapping polaroids of themselves in the Pepsi Center on the convention floor.
- Denver -area residents echo the same sentiment, often: "It's crazy out there," and "I hope it remains peaceful."