The Democrats Have Descended on Denver

Main Topic

The Curtin Rises on the Democratic National Convention ()

Barack Obama's campaign began with the promise of change from business as usual in Washington. Then came the primaries; now comes the selection of veteran Delaware Senator Joseph Biden. Today, Obama has four days to reverse the slide, which now has him virtually tied with John McCain in what's supposed to be a Democratic year. This week's convention could be a lot more important than anybody expected. The delegates are still getting used to Obama's vice presidential choice, and it's not certain how many Hillary Clinton supporters are on board. Why Denver?  What's the "western states strategy?"  How about the pressure on tonight's main speaker, Michelle Obama?

Guests:

• Mark Barabak: Political Reporter, Los Angeles Times
• James Rubin: former Senior Foreign Policy Advisor to Senator Biden
• Mark Udall: Congressman (D-CO)
• Curtis Hubbard: Political Editor, Denver Post
• Stephen Zunes: Professor of Politics, University of San Francisco
• Cheryl Contee: blogger
• Liza Mundy: Staff Writer, Washington Post
• Carl Sferrazza Anthony: Historian, First Ladies' Library

Links:

• Clinton on the Obama/Biden ticket
• Barabak article on the Democrats' celebration, anxiety
• Mundy's 'Michelle: A Biography'
• Anthony's 'First Ladies'

Reporter's Notebook

Senator Kennedy at the Convention ()

Edward Kennedy is part of a First Family of Democrats, who has survived his brothers to serve in the Senate for almost 46 years.  He's now suffering from brain cancer, and he'll be the subject of a special celebration tonight on the convention floor. He has flown to Denver for the occasion. Susan Milligan of the Boston Globe tells us what to expect.

Guests:

• Susan Milligan: Reporter, Boston Globe