Today, Governor Howard Dean took part in Blogger Tailgate ’08 to welcome bloggers to the 2008 Democratic National Convention. As Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Governor Dean recognizes the important role that blogs play in a Democratic victory this fall. This year there are more bloggers, with more access, than ever before. Hundreds of bloggers representing over 120 blogs will be covering the Convention from inside the Pepsi Center and INVESCO Field at Mile High.

Instead of a traditional event, we decided to take advantage of the Denver weather and mountainous backdrop with an outdoor tailgate in the Pepsi Center parking lot. Complete with pulled pork barbeque, hamburgers, and watermelon, bloggers had the chance to meet with Howard Dean and enjoy the Denver setting. Watch some clips from Blogger Tailgate ’08.

This week marked the much-anticipated opening of the credentialing process for media interested in covering the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. While the bulk of media who will attend the Convention are credentialed through the U.S. Congressional Press Galleries, we do credential media — including bloggers — through the DNCC Press Gallery. 

At the close of week one (drumroll please), we are happy to report 51 applications from bloggers already in — including State Blogger Corps applicants from 20 states such as: California, Colorado,  Vermont, North Carolina and Kentucky. There’s plenty of time to ensure that no state is left behind on this unique Convention coverage opportunity. To apply for blogger credentials, click here. And be sure to check back for updates as applications continue to come in.

Online outreach around the 2008 Democratic National Convention is continuing to make news. I sat down with Denver’s local Fox station to talk about credentials for bloggers and how the Democratic National Convention is going to be covered by the online media.

Click here to watch the video. Also that week, I joined Joan McCarter of Daily Kos and spoke with the Colorado Public Radio show Colorado Matters about the online media’s role at the Convention. You can hear that interview here.

If you’re interested in applying for blogger credentials, click here.