Many citizens and representatives of Denver do not want to be known as a Western town to DNC visitors. They're a little miffed at The New York Times Travel section article.

According to Bill Husted, with The Denver Post:

I just returned from the East Coast, and the liberal elite there think we have manure on our shoes. I have seldom, if ever, run into a more chauvinistic group of snobs. And I grew up in NYC.

Welcome to Denver?

Colorado Democratic Representative Diana DeGette suggested a western themed welcoming party for delegates and news media. Apparently organizers and sponsors did not take kindly to the suggestion. Denver Mayor Hickenlooper wants to instead promote the "New West", e.g. the booming energy industry and mass transportation in metro Denver.

Therefore, the Democratic National Convention of 2008 will be held at the Elitch Gardens Theme Park. That's a heckuva way to show your "vibrant cultural scene".