Clinton Fires Up Democrats, Lays Out the Case for Obama

Main Topic

Can Barack Obama Top Bill Clinton? ()

For almost an hour, former President Bill Clinton had the delegates on their feet last night, mixing details about policy with warnings about a potential Republican victory. It was vintage Clinton — blistering Mitt Romney's Republicans at the same time he was advocating cooperation. Even when he got wonkish, it was clear that both the audience and Clinton were having fun. Reporters, commentators and delegates all agree that he'll be a tough act to follow. We hear excerpts, informed analysis and predictions of what to expect tonight when the nominee for re-election finally takes the stage. We also ask delegates from several states to describe the convention experience.

To the Point is broadcasting live from the Democratic convention all week. You can find extended interviews, pictures and more at KCRW.org/election2012.

Guests:

• Todd Purdum: Vanity Fair
• Ana Marie Cox: Guardian US, @anamariecox
• Jonathan Last: Weekly Standard, @JVLast
• Stanley Greenberg: Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, @StanGreenberg
• Jodi Kantor: New York Times, @jodikantor

Links:

• Purdum on Clinton, the 'once-in-a-lifetime political talent'
• Greenberg's 'It's the Middle Class, Stupid!'
• Greenberg on the big things that Obama can get done at the DNC
• Kantor on 'the Competitor in Chief'
• Elizabeth Warren's 'The Two-Income Trap: Why Middle-Class Parents Are Going Broke'

Reporter's Notebook

Delegates in Charlotte Anticipate Obama's Speech Tonight ()

We talk to delegates from from around the country about their experiences at the convention so far.

Guests:

• Elena Botella: College Democrats of North Carolina
• Steve Holecko: Berea High School
• James Peters: New Hope Baptist Church