Ladies' Night(s)

Half-way through the Democratic National Convention (DNC), one thing that has been made even more abundantly clear than it already was is Barack Hussein Obama and William Jefferson Clinton married really bright women. Both women took the opportunity to etch that fact into the collective American psyche during their separate speeches over the past two evenings.

For many, Monday night at the convention belonged to the “Lion of the Party;” the Honorable Edward “Ted” Kennedy. However, I thought Mrs. Obama simply owned the stage. Yes Senator Kennedy was heroic by his mere presence, he was stately in his delivery; a veteran pol in his element. But Michelle was savvy, subtle yet powerful; in total control of the moment. She created the traction the Democrats needed to kick off their Rocky Mountain party. Barack was visibly pleased and proud….understandably so! Of course, Malia and Natasha sealed the deal with an apparent impromptu exchange with their dad, Senator Obama, after their mom’s speech.

While Mrs. Obama was universally expected to come to the stage and endeavor to hit a home run for her husband, opinion varied on what Mrs. Clinton would do. There had been talk before the convention of a potentially divisive voice vote. The GOP has run ads emphasizing that Hillary was the candidate Barack did not select, and underscoring some of her campaign comments citing Obama’s inexperience. There was much speculation that Hillary and Bill, Billary to some, were not coming to Denver to play ball, and heal the Party.

I believe the Clintons are, if anything, astute observers of history, and still invested in shaping what will become known as their legacy. For that reason, I felt Hillary at least, would lay it on the line. After being introduced by daughter Chelsea, Mrs. Clinton gave a pithy and energetic speech that included such memorable lines as, “I am a proud supporter of Barack Obama,” “Barack Obama is my candidate, and he must be our president,” and my personal favorite, “No way, no how, no McCain.” The former First Lady made it clear she favors uniting the Democratic Party, and wresting the Presidency away from the Republicans.

In honor of the recently completed Olympics, if this Convention is viewed as a 4X100 Meter Relay, the first two runners have not only managed the baton hand-off, they ran superb legs. The next two evenings, tonight, and Thursday, have much weighing in the balance. Former President Clinton and Vice Presidential nominee, the Honorable Joseph Biden, of Delaware, will get their shots behind the podium tonight, and of course, Senator Obama will take the stage Thursday evening.

As for Obama, I can imagine Michelle will coach him up, and exhort him, as she did in 2004, “Not to screw it up.” I have no difficulty imagining that the Honorable Senator Biden will do his part to solidify any potential bounce the team may get from this convention. But really, we all know, at least for tonight, all eyes will be peeled, and all ears cocked to capture every visible and imagined nuance former President Clinton makes during his time on the stage.

My gut says he will “Do the Right Thing,” and match Mrs. Clinton’s deft use of air time. Few have proved as gifted at summoning a commanding and effective stage presence as Mr. Clinton. We know what he’s capable of; will he stand and deliver? I think he will, but what I know is, the Ladies have set the bar high. The Gentlemen will have to bring their “A” games, or…they will hear about it when they get home. I’m done; holla back!

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