I liked Chris Matthews' "relay" analogy last night. I think it may even be an unspoken plan...

[Brotherjohn]

... by the Obama camp (whether they consciously are going after a "relay" analogy or not, the effect is the same).

And after Clinton's speech last night, in light of that analogy, I feel much better about Bill's speech tonight and a having 2nd straight night of "Clinton".

Think about it: Kennedy brings in the baton, passes it to Michelle Obama, who makes a definite dent in the image of her (and by association, Barack) as some "radical leftist". That was necessary, and humanized both her and Barack.

The next stage in the relay would be to unify the party and give props to the opponent in what has been an admittedly close and historic race. That was necessary, too. But thankfully, Hillary used the baton to do more than just acknowledge her supporters and her historic accomplishent as the first viable female presidential candidate. She used it to hammer McCain, and fully (yes, I said FULLY) express her support for Barack Obama.

That gives me hope for the next step, which I feel is necessary, too. Hillary aside, Bill is the Clinton who was the last Democratic president, and a very successful one at that. He HAS to speak, to "pass the baton" to Obama. But the WAY Hillary spoke last night convinces me that Bill will use his speech to further hammer on McCain/Bush policies, and make the case that Obama can set a better and ultimately necessary course. And as Hillary said, Bill more than anyone can make it clear why the Democrats KNOW how to do it right. HE did it. In tandem with Biden tonight, the tone will begin to lean much more towards gravitas and issues, and specifically what the Democrats are asking people to vote for, and what needs to be changed in this country.

Then the baton passes to Barack, the final night, in a stadium full of 70,000+ people. HE will make the direct case for Barack, and only HE can. He will take the baton and run the final leg.

I think to the objective observer, this will come off as genius in the end. Scarborough and crowd may still latch onto "how" Bill or Hillary said they "fully" support Obama. But real people will get to know Obama. They will see the clear contrast between how Democrats and Obama will do things, vs. how Republicans and McCain have done things.

[eshfemme]

1. Yes, that is a very good analogy. And everyone's watching this relay race.

The figures are in and I heard that there are more people watching this year's DNC than in other years so the interest is definitely high. :)

[Brotherjohn]

2. I DO wish they would actually SHOW more of the DNC, and not just the pundits...

... take on the DNC. But at least the prime time crew on MSNBC are presenting a more realistic view of what's being said by the speakers. And I think they at least place ahead of Faux in the ratings these days.

[TheDebbieDee]

3. You don't get C-Span? It's the only way to get good coverage

of the convention. The show the entirety of everyone's speeches and there are no pundits to spin what you have seen with your own eyes and heard with your own ears!

[Brotherjohn]

4. No, I do, and I watch it sometimes. But I'm particularly interested in how...

... the DNC is "playing" to the masses (and how the MSM relates it to them, b/c a large part of how it plays to them is dependent upon that).

[bushisanidiot]

5. Very good!! President Clinton will outline how republicans have DESTROYED

the surplus they were handed in 2000 through reckless spending and reckless policies. He will contrast the success of his administration (democratic president with democratic ideals) and the republican's failed 8 year run.

It will be a perfect setup for Obama and Biden to knock it out of the park (again!!)