To the Point

The Clinton Legacy and the Democratic National Convention

After three consecutive losses to Republicans Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton was the first two-term Democratic president since Franklin Roosevelt. But his definition of "new Democrat" sounded more like "Republican" to a lot of people. Clinton is tonight's major speaker at the Democratic National Convention in Boston. Party conventions are the last place where corporations can make unlimited political contributions without violating recent "reforms" that curb so-called "soft money." With all the corporate money being spent in Boston, what's the real difference between Democrats and Republicans? Warren Olney discusses the Clinton legacy and examines whether the Democrats are better off in the center or appealing to their left-leaning base with progressive and centrist Democrats, an advocate of public campaign financing and a spokesman for the Democratic National Committee. Making News: General Convention Preview The Democrats have gathered at the Fleet Center, along with the media. Despite little action from protestors, local and state police, and the National Guard make downtown Boston look like Central America. Conventional wisdom is that 95 percent of voters have made up their minds. Those who don't like George Bush already know it. But John Kerry is an uncertain quantity, so his Democratic Convention will emphasize the positive. Viveca Novak of Time Magazine has a preview of what -- and what not to expect. Reporter's Notebook: Unconventional Commentary and Satire All this week, we'll be joined by writer-actor-satirist Harry Shearer. The voice of many characters on The Simpsons, Shearer also hosts his own public radio program, Le Show.