Kaine to be DNC chair

Virginia Governor Time Kaine, who was widely mentioned as a possible running mate and cabinet secretary for President-elect Barack Obama, will take the helm of the Democratic National Committee as its chairman later this month. The announcement will be made by President-elect Obama later this week. Kaine will serve as a part-time chairman until January 2010, when he his term as governor of Virginia expires, then he will move into the position full-time. While he serves out the remainder of his term as governor, the DNC’s day-to-day operations will be run by an as yet to be named political operative.

Rumor: Plouffe to be DNC chair

The new rumor in the political world is that David Plouffe, campaign manager for President-elect Obama’s presidential campaign, is the leading candidate to replace Howard Dean as the chairman of the Democratic Party. He is considered to be a natural fit for the position given his expertise and understanding of political organizing, campaigns, issues, the use of new media and fundraising.

Dean steps down as DNC chair

Howard Dean will not seek a second term as chairman of the Democratic National Committee. Dean does this so that the tradition of presidents selecting a DNC chair of their choice continues without any hiccups. There is no word on whom President-elect Obama is considering to replace Dean.

Update: Two names being mentioned as possible succesors to Dean are Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill and former Obama campaign political operative Paul Tewes.

DNC points out similarities between McCain’s “comeback speech” & 2004 GOP convention speech

From the Democratic National Committee:

DNC ad “Negative Attack Ads”

Obama’s acceptance speech at the DNC

Transcript (as delivered): Barack Obama’s acceptance speech

Thank you so much.

(APPLAUSE)

Thank you very much.

(APPLAUSE)

Thank you, everybody.

To — to Chairman Dean and my great friend Dick Durbin, and to all my fellow citizens of this great nation, with profound gratitude and great humility, I accept your nomination for presidency of the United States.

(APPLAUSE)

Let me — let me express — let me express my thanks to the historic slate of candidates who accompanied me on this journey, and especially the one who traveled the farthest, a champion for working Americans and an inspiration to my daughters and to yours, Hillary Rodham Clinton.

(APPLAUSE)

To President Clinton, to President Bill Clinton, who made last night the case for change as only he can make it…

(APPLAUSE)

… to Ted Kennedy, who embodies the spirit of service…

(APPLAUSE)

… and to the next vice president of the United States, Joe Biden, I thank you.

(APPLAUSE)

I am grateful to finish this journey with one of the finest statesmen of our time, a man at ease with everyone from world leaders to the conductors on the Amtrak train he still takes home every night.

To the love of my life, our next first lady, Michelle Obama…

(APPLAUSE)

… and to Malia and Sasha, I love you so much, and I am so proud of you.

(APPLAUSE)

Four years ago, I stood before you and told you my story, of the brief union between a young man from Kenya and a young woman from Kansas who weren’t well-off or well-known, but shared a belief that in America their son could achieve whatever he put his mind to.

It is that promise that’s always set this country apart, that through hard work and sacrifice each of us can pursue our individual dreams, but still come together as one American family, to ensure that the next generation can pursue their dreams, as well. That’s why I stand here tonight. Because for 232 years, at each moment when that promise was in jeopardy, ordinary men and women — students and soldiers, farmers and teachers, nurses and janitors — found the courage to keep it alive.

Al Gore’s convention speech

DemCon night 4: liveblogging

6:09pm: We are keeping watch on the John McCain VP selection, as Drudge is reporting that the name will be leaked right about now and confirmed at 8pm. This caused the Obama campaign to say that the McCain campaign was engaging in “political malpractice” as it is customary that the each side not make headlines, especially big ones, during the opposition’s convention. Early word is that Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty has canceled his media appearances for today and cleared his schedule for tomorrow.

6:46pm: Not much doing at the convention, but on the McCain VP front it appears as if we will not know who the choice is tonight. The hot rumor is that all of McCain’s VP finalists will join him for his running mate announcement tomorrow in Dayton, Ohio.

6:49pm: John McCain will air this ad, which congratulates Senator Obama on becoming the first African-American presidential nominee of a major political party, tonight in key battleground states.

7:00pm: Congressman John Lewis (GA) is introducing a tribute to Martin Luther King. Lewis is the last person alive who spoke forty-five years ago today when Martin Luther King delivered his most famous speech, the “I Have a Dream” speech.

7:05pm: Some lines from Senator Obama’s speech are beginning to leak out. Obama will say “America is better than these eight years.” and mention how John McCain has voted with President Bush 90% of the time and that the country cannot afford to take a 10% chance on McCain.

7:16pm: We have been speculating about who will introduce Senator Obama and have thought that Republican Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska would have the best to do so, but it will not happen. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin will make the introduction of Senator Obama at 9:45pm (est).

7:37pm: As we promised many months ago, Ms. Nikki is in Denver and passing us information on the goings on at the Democratic National Convention. Ms. Nikki is also joined by a good friend of ours, DPatty (who we are begging to come and join us) who is at Invesco Field aka Mile High Stadium for Barack Obama’s acceptance speech and sent us the picture below.

80,000 people wait for Senator Obama's acceptance speech

DPatty says of the atmosphere at the arena: “I was here when Elway had his jersey retired and this is going to be louder.” (Note: Denver loves John Elway and considers him to be royalty)

7:58pm: GOP internet guru Patrick Ruffini has just said that if the GOP doesn’t get its act together in new media it could very well get killed this election. He cites Obama’s text message organizing and use of other new media.

8:07pm: Virginia Governor Tim Kaine is now addressing the convention. He referenced his missionary work in Honduras and then quickly said a few lines in Spanish in order to appeal to Latino voters. Faith seems to be the theme of Kaine’s speech and Kaine is now reminiscent of a preacher.

8:13pm: New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson is now out to speak. He is receiving a good deal of applause. “John Mccain is the first candidate who thinks he can win by telling voters they are not thinking for themeselves. John McCain voted with George Bush 95% of the time. Is that thinking for himself?” says Richardson. “John McCain may pay hundreds of dollars for his shoes, but we are the ones who will pay for his flip-flops!” Richardson is giving a strong speech that is doing what the majority of the convention’s speakers did not: throw red meat.

8:28pm: Waiting for Al Gore.

8:43pm: Al Gore has just come to the podium and is getting a very strong reception from the crowd. He begins by talking about how important elections are by referencing what would not have happened were he elected president in 2000. Gore is listing off all of the things that Barack Obama will do when elected president and the crowd is responding enthusiastically. Gore’s speech leaves us with this belief: if in the 2000 election, Al Gore had the fire in his belly that he has now, he would have won the election.

Al Gore addresses the Democratic National Convention

Gore is taking on the issue of experience by pointing out the amount of experience Abraham Lincoln had when he became president. It is a very smart tactic and will be an often repeated line in the coming weeks.

9:03pm: DPatty says of Al Gore’s speech, “The difference between Al Gore now and George Bush is stark and sad at the same time.” DPatty also says that the crowd is also doing two separate waves, which another source is saying was prompted by Al Sharpton appearing on the big screen.

9:15pm: Generals and Admirals who have endorsed Barack Obama are coming onto the stage with the biggest applause coming for former General Wesley Clark and former admiral, now Congressman Joe Sestak.

9:18pm: Tom Brokaw and Chuck Todd are discussing how Obama can easily get 80,000 people to come out for a campaign event, while John McCain is having a very hard time getting 10,000 for his VP announcement tomorrow in Ohio.

9:23pm: Joe Biden has come out and opens his speech with a Denver Broncos themed joke that went over the heads of 70% of the crowd.

Joe Biden revs up the crowd

9:41pm: The McCain campaign is now saying that they will not leak the name of McCain’s running mate tonight, but saying this still is a partial distraction from Senator Obama’s speech.

9:55pm: Dick Durbin has emerged and is now beginning his introduction speech. After the speech, there will be a video and then the moment the 80,000 at the convention have been waiting for: Barack Obama will accept the Democratic Presidential Nomination.

10:01pm: The video has started. It focuses on Senator Obama being the example of the American story and how he chose to work in public service.

10:11pm: Barack Obama has emerged onto the stage and 80,000 flashbulbs are going off as cheers boom from all parts of the stadium. Like Bill Clinton last night, Obama cannot get the crowd to settle down so that he can begin his speech. After a 3.5 minute standing ovation Barack Obama begins his speech: “With profound gratitude and great humility, I accept your nomination for the presidency of the United States.”

Barack Obama accepts the Democratic Presidential Nomination

Obama is now throwing some elbows to John McCain and his economic policies. He is hitting McCain on the “nation of whiners” statement that McCain’s economic adviser Phil Gramm made. “It’s not because John McCain doesn’t care. It’s because John McCain doesn’t get it.” Obama told his life story and then used it to attack McCain for his calling Obama a celebrity: “I don’t know what kinds of lives John McCain thinks that celebrities lead, but this has been mine.”

Addressing the critique that he doesn’t specify what change he is speaking about Obama said: “So let me spell out exactly what that change would mean if I am President.” Obama then launched into many specific policies that he will enact and then hit McCain again by saying he has said “no” to all opportunities to change over the last 26 years. “Now is not the time for small plans. Now is the time for us to finally meet our moral obligation.”

“If John McCain wants to have a debate on who has the temperament and judgment to serve as the next Commander in Chief, that’s a debate I am ready to have.”

“You know, John McCain likes to say that he’ll follow bin Laden to the gates of Hell, but he won’t even follow him to the cave where he lives.”

“We are the party of Roosevelt. We are the party of Kennedy. So don’t tell me the Democrats won’t protect this country! Don’t tell me the Democrats won’t keep us safe!”

Barack Obama used the speech to outline specific policies he would enact as president and attack John McCain

Obama is relentlessly hammering McCain, something that he has seemed reluctant to do up until now. This must be a positive sign to many Democrats who felt that Obama was making a mistake by trying to remain above the fray.

10:47pm: The AP is reporting that over 84,000 people are in the stadium to hear Obama’s speech. Now back to the speech.

Responding to McCain’s criticism that Obama would rather win an election than put the interests of the country first, Obama said: “So I’ve got news for you John McCain. We all put our country first!”

10:57pm: The speech has just ended to the biggest applause and cheers of the entire convention. Already the pundits are giving this speech rave reviews. Meanwhile, Michelle Obama, Sasha and Malia Obama have joined Barack Obama on the stage as fireworks go off. Joe Biden has just joined the Obamas and red, white and blue confetti has just shot into the air. Jill Biden has also come out onto the stage.

Barack Obama with his wife Michelle, and daughters Malia & Sasha

10:59pm: Chuck Todd is now reporting that Republicans are already concerned with Obama’s speech and how hard it hit McCain. He expects the Republicans to get very dirty and ugly. Meanwhile, the extended families of Barack Obama and Joe Biden have come onto the stage, through a shower of confetti, as a massive fireworks display lights up the night sky in Denver.

Barack and Michelle Obama & Joe and Jill Biden embrace as fireworks erupt overhead

11:05pm: There were 29 specific policies laid out. There were 19 direct attacks on John McCain; 4 on George Bush and another 4 on the Republican Party.

11:20pm: One of our sources who works as a GOP strategist emails: “If McCain does not destroy Obama in the debates and at the Republican National Convention, Obama will most likely win this election.”

11:26pm: Tom Brokaw and Chuck Todd are discussing the statement released by the McCain campaign saying that it is a response that seems very weak and indicates that the McCain camp does not know how to respond.

11:36pm: The Democratic National Convention is now over and Barack Obama has now put the ball in John McCain’s court for him to respond over the coming days. We will liveblog the Republican National Convention beginning Monday night.

Biden accepts VP nomination

Biden’s convention introduction video

Bill Clinton addresses the Democratic National Convention

Transcript (as prepared): Joe Biden’s convention speech

Beau, I love you. I am so proud of you. Proud of the son you are. Proud of the father you’ve become. And I’m so proud of my son Hunter, my daughter Ashley, and my wife Jill, the only one who leaves me breathless and speechless at the same time.

It is an honor to share this stage tonight with President Clinton. And last night, it was moving to watch Hillary, one of the great leaders of our party, a woman who has made history and will continue to make history: my colleague and my friend, Senator Hillary Clinton.

And I am honored to represent our first state “my state” Delaware.

Since I’ve never been called a man of few words, let me say this as simply as I can: Yes. Yes, I accept your nomination to run and serve alongside our next President of the United States of America, Barack Obama.

Transcript (as prepared): Bill Clinton’s convention speech

I am honored to be here tonight to support Barack Obama. And to warm up the crowd for Joe Biden, though as you’ll soon see, he doesn’t need any help from me. I love Joe Biden, and America will too.

What a year we Democrats have had. The primary began with an all-star line up and came down to two remarkable Americans locked in a hard fought contest to the very end. The campaign generated so much heat it increased global warming.

In the end, my candidate didn’t win. But I’m very proud of the campaign she ran: she never quit on the people she stood up for, on the changes she pushed for, on the future she wants for all our children. And I’m grateful for the chance Chelsea and I had to tell Americans about the person we know and love.

DemCon night 3: liveblogging

Earlier: Senator Barack Obama has arrived in Denver.

Barack Obama arrives in Denver for the Democratic National Convention

5:57pm: The roll call voting has begun and it is expected that when Illinois is asked to cast its votes, it will ask that New York vote in its place.

6:02pm: Florida has just cast 136 of its 211 votes for Barack Obama. NBC News’ Andrea Mitchell is reporting that Senator Clinton will come to the floor and cast New York’s votes.

6:10pm: Chuck Todd is reporting that Barack Obama will officially become the Democratic presidential nominee in time for the 6:30pm nightly news.

6:11PM: Illinois has passed on submitting its votes until later in the night.

6:20pm: The first boos of the entire convention came when the Massachusetts delegation reminded the crowd that they were the home of the Boston Red Sox.

6:30pm: Brian Williams is reporting that Barack Obama will appear in the convention hall tonight.

6:43pm: New Mexico just yielded to Illinois, who in turn yielded to New York. Hillary Clinton has just come to the convention floor and now Senator Clinton has asked that the convention unanimously declare Barack Obama to be the Democratic Presidential Nominee, thus suspending the roll call vote.

Hillary Clinton calls for the nomination of Barack Obama by acclamation at the Democratic National Convention

6:48pm: Barack Obama has officially become the first African-American to be nominated for President of the United States by a major political party.

7:30pm: There has been a long lull in the action as the convention gears up for Bill Clinton’s speech around 9pm tonight, where he will apparently say that Barack Obama is ready to be president on day one. His speech will be followed by Joe Biden’s at approximately 10:30pm.

8:14pm: Seem to have dozed off during Harry Reid’s speech… More is emerging about Bill Clinton’s speech and it seems to indicate that he will not only mention Obama’s name almost immediately, but say he is the best choice of Commander in Chief. Clinton was given ten minutes to deliver his speech, but is now expected to deliver a much longer one.

8:28pm: Now war veterans are being rolled out as Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy, who fought in the Iraq War, wraps up his address to the convention. Now former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright is addressing the crowd.

8:52pm: The crowd is anxiously awaiting Bill Clinton to come out as Tom Daschle delivers his speech wearing some very distracting red glasses.

9:01pm: Bill Clinton has just taken the stage to a standing ovation, loud cheers and thousnads of American flags being waved by the crowd. The crowd has been cheering and will not let Clinton speak, despite his please for the delegates to allow him to speak. He cannot get the crowd to sit down and cease cheering. At the end of the ovation, Clinton said “I love this, but we have important work to do tonight. I am here first to support Barack Obama and second, I am here to warm up the crowd for Joe Biden.” Clinton is now beginning with a few one liners that are getting chuckles and talking about how proud he is of Hillary’s campaign. Clinton then announced that he too will do everything he can to elect Barack Obama. “Actually that makes 18 million of us.” (who will support Obama) Clinton said. Now President Clinton is saying that Obama is best prepared to be the next President of the United States and that “in his first presidential decision, the selection of a running mate, he hit it out of the park.” President Clinton is heaping praise on Senator Obama and constantly repeating that he is ready to be president.

President Clinton acknowledges the crowd at the Democratic National Convention

Clinton’s praise for Obama seems unending and he is listing off all of the things that Obama will fix as president. He has yet to attack John McCain, but it seems like Clinton is now segwaying into that portion of his speech. In speaking about McCain, Clinton might have given a tad too much praise to him, but is still chastising him over his positions on the economy and foreign policy. There were few direct jabs at McCain, but Clinton delivered a solid speech that must please the Obama campaign.

President Clinton addresses the Democratic National Convention

9:27pm: The pundits are now dissecting Clinton’s speech and initially they are agreeing that it was a good speech, not his best, but a good speech. There is also a Chevy Chase sighting on the convention floor.

9:46pm: The Politico is reporting that John McCain has selected his running mate and will notify his choice tomorrow.

9:56pm: More details on the Obama surprise appearance tonight: he will join Joe Biden on stage after Biden’s speech.

10:12pm: Iraq War veteran Tammy Duckworth, who lost both of her legs when her blackhawk helicopter was shot down in Iraq,  is now addressing the convention. She currently is in charge of Illinois’ VA department and is quietly being mentioned as a replacement to Obama in the Senate should he win the presidency.

10:18pm: Joe Biden has officially been nominated as the Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee. Before he speaks, there is a biographical video running about his life and then his son Beau Biden, the Delaware attorney general and an Army reservist who will deploy to Iraq in October, will introduce him.

10:23pm: Beau Biden is now introducing his father, Senator Joe Biden, and telling personal stories about the private life of Joe Biden. It is safe to say that Beau Biden has a future in politics.

Joe Biden hugs his son Beau after being introduced

10:30pm: Joe Biden has emerged and is embracing his son Beau, then takes a walk across the entire stage and the crowd is chanting, “Joe! Joe! Joe!” Biden talks about the pride he has in his family and throws another Jill Biden is great quote into the mix. Says Biden: “Yes! Yes I accept your nomination to run and serve with Barack Obama the next President of the United States of America!”

Joe Biden addresses the Democratic National Convention as the Democratic Party

Biden said that Obama “is the great American story” and praises his life of public service. He then shifts to saying that McCain is his friend, but he “profoundly” disagrees with McCain on the issues. He is now repeating the line “That’s not change! That’s more of the same!” and using the line “These times require more than a good soldier; they require a wise leader” to take a swipe at McCain. Biden is pushing change and even touching on women’s issues before he begins the foreing policy section of his speech. He hits McCain on his judgment and says that Obama’s was right, referencing Afghanistan. Another line he is repeating “John McCain was wrong and Barack Obama was right.”

10:53pm: Joe Biden has finished his speech and is wandering the stage, waiting for his wife Jill to reach the stage. Jill Biden emerges with a microphone in hand and announces that a “surprise guest” is waiting. With that, Barack Obama emerges to deafening cheers and he joins his running mate and they salute the crowd. Obama begins brief remarks to the crowd, praising the Biden family, Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton. At the conclusion of his remarks, Obama and Biden are joined by the entire Biden family (it looks like Biden has brought his extended family to the convention). Obama leaves the stage and allows the Biden family to have the stage for the remainder of the night.

The Democratic Ticket

Brian Schweitzer’s convention speech

BREAKING: Obama called Clinton after her speech

MSNBC is reporting that after watching Senator Clinton’s speech, Barack Obama called her and spoke with her for several minutes and thanked her for delivering her home run speech. Additionally, Senator Obama spoke with former President Clinton for several minutes. President Clinton reportedly told Obama that Michelle Obama gave a great speech last night.

DemCon night 2: liveblogging

Earlier in the day: Bill Clinton seemed to undercut Barack Obama again while Hillary attacks McCain. Jewish Obama backers have set up a website to help fight back at false rumors. Biden gets choked up when talking to the Delaware delegation.

Some speaking tonight: Senator Hillary Clinton, former Virginia Governor Mark Warner (keynote address), Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey, Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy and Illinois Congressman Rahm Emanuel

6:33pm: On NBC Nightly News, Andrea Mitchell reports that Senator Clinton’s speech tonight will be full of red meat and that she will give the most forceful attack of John McCain of the campaign. The speech will air on all the cable networks and major broadcast channels.

7:04pm: MSNBC is reporting that Senator Clinton’s staff is still revising her speech. Howard Dean also is saying that Clinton’s speech will show there is enormous unity within the Democratic Party. Joe Scarborough is reporting that David Axelrod, chief strategist for the Obama campaign, is thrilled with Senator Clinton’s speech and believes that both Clintons will hit home runs for Barack Obama, but it will take tonight and tomorrow night to bring the party together.

7:28pm: Ed Rendell is out attacking the hiigh cost of gas and how John McCain has stood with oil companies over people and that he will not give the country the change it deserves. He then details and praises Obama’s energy plan. While he does not have a prime speaking slot, Rendell’s speech is still attention-grabbing.

8:12pm: More and more of our sources and some political analysts are trashing the Gallup Daily Tracking Poll as a completely flawed poll. Interestingly, two of our sources saying that the poll is and always will be garbage, are Republican pollsters. Also, networks are interviewing Clinton delegates on the convention floor. Some say that they are 100% behind Barack Obama, while others are saying that they want the right for everyone to be able to vote for Clinton on the first ballot.

8:17pm: It is with sad news that we report that a representative for Bruce Springsteen has said that “The Boss” will not be performing at the Democratic National Convention.

8:20pm: Andrea Mitchell is interviewing the former congressman and campaign manager of John Edwards’ 2008 presidential campaign, David Bonior, and is trying to reveal his feelings about Edwards’ affair. Bonior is not hiding his feelings expressing his anger at Edwards and saying that he and the rest of the campaign staff went to work for him “under false pretenses.” Bonior then pivoted it into why he supports Barack Obama.

8:34pm: Tom Brokaw is sitting down with Congressman Rahm Emanuel and getting him to talk about Hillary uniting the Democratic Party. Emanuel is hitting all the talking points quite well and getting some jabs in on John McCain as well. Emanuel is pointing out that the economy will help Obama tremendously and that the debates will be a great opportunity to pick up votes. Rahm even threw in a Franklin Roosevelt story.

Rahm Emanuel speaks to the delegates at the Democratic National Convention

8:47pm: CNN is pointing out how Democrats prefer to give unity speeches at their conventions while Republicans use their conventions to obliterate the Democratic presidential nominee. They believe that at the Republican National Convention next Tuesday night, Rudy Giuliani will tear into Barack Obama. They are quite right as the GOP has won seven of the last ten presidential elections and many Democrats are frustrated that Obama will not attack John McCain, opting to present himself as being above the fray.

9:22pm: Anti-abortion Senator Bob Casey is receiving a strong reception from the delegates as he addresses the convention. He attacked McCain over his calling himself a maverick and pointed out that McCain votes with Bush 90% of the time. Casey got the crowd going saying, “that’s not a maverick, that’s a sidekick.” He even got the crowd chanting “four more months” in reference to the time left for President Bush in office.

9:37pm: Sighting of a delegate who looks exactly like Rielle Hunter. No Edwards lovechild in tow.

9:41pm: Mark Warner comes out to a decent amount of applause and then chants of “Warner! Warner!” He says that “the race of the future is on” and that we “need a president who understands the world of today.” Warner then touches on his biography and how he was the first in his family to go to college and then adds some self-deprecation about his business career being unsuccessful several times until he helped make cell phones what they are. “In America everyone should get a fair shot. Barack Obama understands this because he has lived it.” Warner said and then stresses how many Americans do not get a fair shot. Warner gets tepid applause for the line: “This president never tapped into our greatest resource: the strength and resolve of every American.” He throws a small amount of red meat to the crowd saying that McCain is four years the country cannot afford. The speech feels as if Warner is playing it safe, but he does say a few things here and there that the far right would not like (“In four months we will have an administration that believes in science!”). However, this speech is effective, as it has the crowd thinking about what Warner is saying. He pushes for unity stating, “if an idea works, it really doesn’t matter if it has a D or an R next to it.” Warner is now touting his accomplishments as governor of Virginia. Warner ends the speech on unity and the theme of ensuring that the future is better for the country.  The thing that stood out about Warner’s speech was how it asked that Americans sacrifice for the good of the nation and share the burden like generations past have.

Mark Warner delivers the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention

10:29pm: Bill Clinton is in the convention hall as Brian Schweitzer gives his speech. He even was seen briefly holding a sign reading “unity.” Schweitzer’s speech is really getting the crowd going with zingers like this: “We simply can’t drill our way to energy independence, even if you drilled in all of John McCain’s backyards, including the ones he can’t even remember.” Schweitzer addressed the crowd wearing a bolo tie, blue shirt, sport coat, blue jeans and cowboy boots.

Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer delivers a crowd-pleasing, energetic speech to the Democratic National Convention

10:38pm: The Hillary Clinton tribute film has begun and it is narrated by Chelsea Clinton. At its conclusion Chelsea Clinton will introduce her mother, the junior senator from New York.

Bill Clinton waits to watch Hillary Clinton address the Democratic National Convention

10:41pm: Senator Clinton emerges to thunderous applause and has yet to take the podium. Bill Clinton is tearing up and the crowd will not let Senator Clinton speak. She received a four minute standing ovation before she could begin her speech. She opened by saying that she is “a proud supporter of Barack Obama.” She offers great quotes “The time is now to unite as a single party with a single purpose. We are on the same team and none of us can afford to sit on the sidelines. This is a fight for the future and it is a fight that we must win together.” She is really pushing the we must unite theme and doing it quite well and then pivots to hit McCain by saying “No way, no how and no McCain.” Then strongly states that “Barack Obama is my candidate and he must be our president.”

Hillary Clinton takes the stage at the Democratic National Convention

So far her speech is one that reminds us why she is a formidable candidate and how close she came to winning the Democratic presidential nomination. “I want you to ask yourselves: Were you in this campaign just for me? Or were you in it for that young Marine and others like him? Were you in it for that mom struggling with cancer while raising her kids? Were you in it for that boy and his mom surviving on the minimum wage? Were you in it for all the people in this country who feel invisible?” said Clinton. Another good line: “We need a president who understands that the genius of america has always depended on the strength and vitality of the middle class.” Another applause-worthy line: “I cannot wait to watch Barack Obama sign into law a healthcare plan that covers every single American.” Clinton then praises Michelle Obama, Joe Biden and Jill Biden. Clinton says that McCain is her friend, but that the country cannot afford to have him in the White House. “Well John McCain says the economy is fundamentally sound.” said Clinton as she launched into a blistering attack of Senator McCain.

Clinton launches into a blistering indictment of John McCain

11:07pm: Senator Clinton has just concluded her speech and it was a home run. This could not have been done better, as Clinton challenged the motives of those who supported her, but do not support Obama. She did not hesitate to attack John McCain.

11:14pm: The pundits are blown away by Senator Clinton’s speech and we have already heard from several sources of ours who were upset with Senator Clinton for what she did in the primaries and they are very excited by what they just saw. One delegate being interviewed on the convention floor and is saying that until Clinton’s speech, she could not support Senator Obama. As a result of the speech, the delegate says that she will fully support Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

11:21pm: Tonight began with a low rumble with Mark Warner’s keynote address, got quite loud when Brian Schweitzer addressed the crowd and became a roar with Hillary Clinton’s unifying and brilliant home run of a speech. Once again we shall let the pundits do the punditry and be back liveblogging the Democratic National Convnetion tomorrow night. We leave you with the picture below, a picture that best sums up the night.

A delegate holds up signs at the Democratic National Convention

Michelle Obama addresses Democratic National Convention

Mark Warner delivers the DNC keynote address