DNC will highlight contrasts between Obama, McCain
Old vs. new, past vs. present, prof predicts
By Sara Burnett, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published August 9, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.
Expect to see fresh new faces, "techie" features and a nod to the West and South when the curtain rises on the Democratic National Convention.
Those are among the predictions from political scientists as the DNC approaches.
"They're trying to play up the contrast between (Sen. Barack) Obama and (Sen. John) McCain," said James McCann, professor of political science at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.
"You'll see old versus young, past versus future."
Obama's campaign isn't expected to release its speaker lineup until next week, but there are a few no-brainers.
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton is a given, as is former President Clinton - even if he has seemed less than enthusiastic about Obama at times.
"He's good, and he's still very good," said John Straayer, political science professor at Colorado State University.
Yet Straayer said the campaign must be careful about the number of " 'old' Democrats" they put on stage.
"You have to give them a little bit of showcasing, but this is showtime," he said. "If you want to project the image of change . . . I think they need some fresh faces."
Straayer points to Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer and Virginia Sen. Jim Webb.
McCann likes the chances of his own junior senator, Evan Bayh. Both men also think New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson will stride to the podium.
In addition to the usual cast of political heavyweights, expect to see some everyday Americans - Coloradans, in particular - get at least a nod from the stage.
The Obama campaign has said it wants to highlight "the millions of people who brought him here." At community forums around the state, campaign staff have been on the lookout for people whose stories would be fitting features during the DNC.
burnetts@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5343
Who will take the stage?
* Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and former President Clinton: Both are locks. Hillary is expected to speak Tuesday, Bill on Wednesday.
* Al Gore: The former vice president and Oscar winner is more popular than ever. But should Obama worry about too much of the "old guard?"
* Michelle Obama, Maya Soetoro-Ng: The potential first lady's speech is tradition. Soetoro-Ng, Barack Obama's half-sister, could share stories that would paint her half-brother as a regular guy.
* John Edwards: If he was on the list, he was crossed off for certain Friday when he admitted he had an affair.
* Kennedy clan: Sen. Edward "Ted" Kennedy is battling brain cancer and isn't likely to appear in person but has been taped talking about why he supports Obama. A tribute could feature his niece, Caroline Kennedy, who is part of the team searching for Obama's running mate.
* Gov. Tim Kaine, U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards: The Virginia governor (mentioned as a possible running mate) and the Texas congressman could appeal to Southerners.
* Gov. Bill Richardson: Popular with Hispanic voters, from Western battleground state of New Mexico.
* Oprah Winfrey: Sources say she'll be in town, but experts think she's too famous - and rich - to get a speaking spot. But look for other celebs.
* Sen. Chuck Hagel: One of the "Obamacons," or conservatives who support the Democratic candidate, the Republican Hagel could encourage crossover voters. Perfect for prime time.
* Gov. Deval Patrick: Massachusetts lawmaker - a longtime Obama supporter - would provide another fresh face.
* Sen. Claire McCaskill, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius: Missouri senator and Kansas governor could help with women's vote.
* Gov. Bill Ritter, Mayor John Hickenlooper, Sen. Ken Salazar: Nod to the host city and state, but unlikely to get prime time slots.
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August 9, 2008
12:56 p.m.
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KING writes:
There are differences?
August 9, 2008
1:05 p.m.
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LOUIE writes:
On a Black and White television folks, for dramatic differences your sure to notice. Is race a good starting contrast to begin debate with? Why? Both make a ballteam in America. Both people show up on her battlefields to pay for her. Both serve as our ambassadors to the world. Why? A doctor once pointed out our most divided day in America was Sunday, when we stand in our place of worship. He was right. Both of us still stand so divided, even before God. Why? Learned a lot from this campaign if nothing else. When it comes to color, America is still a Black and White TV. Haven't learned much or come too far. Why?
August 10, 2008
10:15 p.m.
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AvsHockey writes:
The Democratic Convention in Denver sounds awesome! Kudos to the Rocky Mountain News for keeping us updated.
August 10, 2008
10:21 p.m.
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AvsHockey writes:
Bobojake,
Your comments are DISGUSTING.
If anyone is guilty of contributing to high gas prices, check the voting record of mister mccain!
The old dude voted against off-shore drilling for 29.9 years before changing his mind just over 2 weeks ago because of public opinion polls.
Senator Obama is open to Alaska's natural gas pipeline and has been receiving a huge amount of praise from r-Sarah Palin, governor of Alaska; while Mr. McCain hasn't flipped-flopped on that one yet.
Ah, but he's flipped on everything else, so just give him another week.
The mccain of 2000 would NEVER vote for the mcSAME of 2008!!!
And by the way, your entire thread is racist and DISGUSTING!!!!!
August 10, 2008
10:24 p.m.
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AvsHockey writes:
Correction: that should read 26.9 years (plus 11 days if you want to get into details)