To the Point

John Kerry, the Black Vote, and the Power of the Internet

This week, as the Democrats define John Kerry and make the case that he's a better, stronger leader than President Bush, Republicans have set up a "war room" in Boston for immediate response. Tonight's convention keynoter will be State Senator Barack Obama, an African American and Democratic candidate for the US Senate from Illinois. His presence will, no doubt, recall President Bush's recent admonition that black voters think about whether the Democrats take them for granted and whether they're losing the leverage that comes from involvement in both parties. On this, the second day of the 2004 Democratic Convention, Warren Olney looks at the "extreme makeover" of John Kerry, the importance of the black vote, and the rise of money and new technology that could end up shifting power away from the party itself. Making News: Bush, Kerry Outflank Each Other on 9/11 Recommendations On vacation in Crawford, Texas, President Bush made front-page news today by teleconferencing with advisors about the September 11 Commission recommendations, while the campaign trail, Vice President Cheney is embracing the Commission finds. In Florida, on his way toward Boston, John Kerry suggested they're not moving fast enough. David Brock, president of Media Matters for America, is watching it all. Reporter's Notebook: 'Un-News' from the Convention As protestors in the street find their only audience is law enforcement, Satirist Harry Shearer takes on events inside and outside of the Fleet Center. He also shares his thoughts on Teresa Heinz Kerry--one of tonight's Convention speakers, and the difference in experiencing the made-for-television convention inside the tent and on TV.