One delegate's observations

by David Molpus, Minnesota Public Radio

Benjamin Gross of Eagan is an experienced Democratic Party activist, and a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. Gross has attended several conventions -- his first, at age 14, was the historic 1964 showdown in Atlantic City, New Jersey, during which competing delegations from Mississippi were split over civil rights for blacks. Now 54, Gross says he's somewhat disappointed to see political conventions evolve from forums for party business to elaborate coronation ceremonies with predetermined outcomes. Gross spoke with MPR's David Molpus about his first day at the convention.