Waking up in Montreal

A whirlwind first day at the Liberal convention, but after a good six hours of solid sleep I’m back on the go, and trying to collect my thoughts on the convention so far.

I and many others thought last night’s official program went too long (wrapped-up just after 10pm) and particularly that the musical portions were overdone. Turns out there’s an explanation, Paul Wells reports that Howard Dean was running late and the singers were forced to fill. That would explain it.

It’s been a fun time so far, particularly hanging-out with lots of fun bloggers. And I’ve really been surprised at the number of people that have heard of this blog and claimed to be readers. Even if half of them are lying, still, it’s nice to hear, and thanks for reading.

The parties were a lot of fun last night, especially the Liblogs party. The group was a good mix of people from all the different leadership camps. I met many people and bloggers and I’m horrible with names so sorry to those I won’t be able to remember. But it was particularly good to meet Antonio of Fuddle Duddle fame, whom I’ve had some spirited debates with on our respective blogs; he’s a great guy in person.

I find that’s so often the case. The difference between the picture we get of a person from their online persona and how they actually are in person is often so different. And also the impressions we form about a person based on their writings. For example, the unmasked Calgary Grit, whom I also met last night, is much younger than I’d have pictured.

Stephane Dion and his wife Janine Krieber stopped by the Liblogs party, and I had a chance to chat with Janine for a bit. And I also got my photo taken with Stephane, who now joins the very short list of politicians I’ve gotten my picture taken with. The other? Ken Dryden, but I wasn’t really counting him as a politician at the time. :)

After the Liblogs party wound down I headed off with Ted Bets (Cerberus), Antonio and a bunch of other folks to hit the Iggynation party. Also had a good chat with the fellow behind Libnews.ca, whose frustration with how the tone of debate on the blogsphere during the campaign has degenerated I share. He hopes to be back with a new concept after the convention, and I look forward to reading it.

Big day today, the Liblogs press conference in an hour, constitutional reform plenary in the afternoon and the Paul Martin tribute in the evening. That should be…interesting. And, I trust, a party or two after that. Only had one drink last night, so I think I can have at least two tonight. :)

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