One of the hottest credentials in Denver is turning out to be the All-Access pass to the CNN Grill.
Much attention is paid at the convention to access — who has what credential to get into where, who has what invitation or hook-up to get into which party. Some of the most coveted documents around are complicated spreadsheets denoting hour-by-hour where the party is and who is taking RSVPs. There are only a couple of people at the convention who don’t require credentials to get into either the Pepsi Center or parties — Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and their wives. Pretty much everyone else has increasingly thick lanyards hanging from the neck.
One of the hottest credentials in Denver is turning out to be the All-Access pass to the CNN Grill, just inside the security perimeter next to the Pepsi Center.
The cable channel has taken over Brooklyn’s restaurant and spend a huge chunk of money — probably well into six figures—converting it into a political sports bar, complete with top shelf drinks, an extensive menu (including milkshakes, burgers, mac and cheese, giant salads, and even “make your own cupcakes”), electronics charging stations, and a score of large flatscreen TVs — there’s even a special CNN beer. The best part? It’s all free. As the convention proceeded just yards away, scores of politicos and journalists wandered through, drinking, eating, gossiping, and laughing. Dan Rather enjoyed a quiet table in one corner while the Daily Show correspondents chatted away and Howard Wolfson held court next to the bar.
Those without the credential aren’t entirely out of luck: outside by the fence CNN was handing out patriotic-themed ice cream sundaes.
Garrett Graff is in Denver all this week, reporting from the Democratic National Convention. Head here for his coverage of parties, people, politics and more.
Reporting From Denver: The CNN Grill Brings All the Bloggers to Its Bar
Garrett Graff is in Denver all this week, reporting live from the Democratic National Convention. Keep checking back in for his coverage.
Much attention is paid at the convention to access — who has what credential to get into where, who has what invitation or hook-up to get into which party. Some of the most coveted documents around are complicated spreadsheets denoting hour-by-hour where the party is and who is taking RSVPs. There are only a couple of people at the convention who don’t require credentials to get into either the Pepsi Center or parties — Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and their wives. Pretty much everyone else has increasingly thick lanyards hanging from the neck.
One of the hottest credentials in Denver is turning out to be the All-Access pass to the CNN Grill, just inside the security perimeter next to the Pepsi Center.
The cable channel has taken over Brooklyn’s restaurant and spend a huge chunk of money — probably well into six figures—converting it into a political sports bar, complete with top shelf drinks, an extensive menu (including milkshakes, burgers, mac and cheese, giant salads, and even “make your own cupcakes”), electronics charging stations, and a score of large flatscreen TVs — there’s even a special CNN beer. The best part? It’s all free. As the convention proceeded just yards away, scores of politicos and journalists wandered through, drinking, eating, gossiping, and laughing. Dan Rather enjoyed a quiet table in one corner while the Daily Show correspondents chatted away and Howard Wolfson held court next to the bar.
Those without the credential aren’t entirely out of luck: outside by the fence CNN was handing out patriotic-themed ice cream sundaes.
Garrett Graff is in Denver all this week, reporting from the Democratic National Convention. Head here for his coverage of parties, people, politics and more.
Most Popular in News & Politics
Every Bus Line in DC Is Changing This Weekend. Here’s What to Know.
8 Takeaways From Usha Vance’s Interview With Meghan McCain
Yet Another Anti-Trump Statue Has Shown Up on the National Mall
Another Mysterious Anti-Trump Statue Has Appeared on the National Mall
A Cult Classic of Cannabis Brands Is Making Its DC Debut
Washingtonian Magazine
July Issue: The "Best Of" Issue
View IssueSubscribe
Follow Us on Social
Follow Us on Social
Related
How Would a New DC Stadium Compare to the Last One?
The Culture of Lacrosse Is More Complex Than People Think
Did Television Begin in Dupont Circle?
Kings Dominion’s Wild New Coaster Takes Flight in Virginia
More from News & Politics
Speaker Johnson’s Megabill Prayers Likely to Be Answered Before Holiday Weekend, Wrongly Deported Maryland Man Faced Abuse in El Salvador Prison, and We Found Some Yummy Nepalese Food
Pardoned J6er Will Join Ed Martin’s Justice Department Office, Trump Outlines Hypothetical Alligator Escape Plan, and We Have Fireworks Show Recommendations
The “World’s Largest Outdoor Museum” Is Coming to DC. Here’s a Preview.
A Cult Classic of Cannabis Brands Is Making Its DC Debut
The Commanders Wine and Dine DC Council Members; GOP Senator Suggests Tax Language Was “Airdropped” Into Spending Bill; and Trump Wants DOGE to Investigate Musk
100 Reasons to Love DC Right Now
How DC’s Attorney General Got So Good at Double Dutch
DC Council Ponders New Way to Expel Trayon White, the GOP’s Budget Bill Advances, and We Found You Some Tacos With Ethiopian Flair