After his wife's stirring speech supporting Barack Obama last night, former president Bill Clinton will be the featured speaker tonight at the Democratic National Convention (after the roll-call and nomination process). Clinton is expected to discuss foreign policy, and his aides told the Times "he intends to deliver an impassioned plea for Democratic unity." However, much has been made of the fact that the former president has made remarks suggesting skepticism for Obama's chances. Clinton will not be at Invesco Field on Thursday when Obama finally gives his acceptance speech--reportedly because he "doesn't want to detract from Obama." Politico looks at the Clinton-Obama drama, noting things each side could have, should have done to unite the party and Doonesbury has a funny comic about it. more ›

While he didn't have a prime time speaking spot like Senator Hillary Clinton did, Governor David Paterson did get a chance to speak at the Democratic National Convention yesterday. It was only for 4 minutes at 5:50 p.m. (and his theme music was "New York, New York"), but he made the best of it, even joking during applause and chants of his name during his entrance, "Thank you, my time is up!" more ›

After a bitter primary season, Hillary Clinton gave a rousing and passionate speech in support of presidential candidate Barack Obama during the second night of the Democratic Convention. She said she was a "proud supporter of Barack Obama" and "Barack Obama is my candidate, and he must be our president." more ›

This evening, former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton will address the Democratic National Convention in a speech that many hope will unite her supporters with those of presumptive presidential nominee Barack Obama. more ›

The Democratic National Convention's first night in Denver was capped off by a speech by Michelle Obama, but the emotional highpoint was a speech from Senator Ted Kennedy. The ailing lion of the political dynasty surprised many by speaking, as he has been undergoing treatment for cancer. Introduced by his niece and Obama adviser Caroline Kennedy, Kennedy stirred the crowd:

Nothing, nothing is going to keep me away from this special gathering tonight... more ›

The Post reports that the Democratic National Committee will return $100,000 donated by Representative Charles Rangel, "saying it goes against a Team Obama ban on PAC money." There's debate about whether DNC chairman Howard Dean accepted the check a few weeks ago, saying it was a sign of party unity (Rangel was/is a big Clinton supporter), or if Dean didn't know the envelope contained a check. But one source told the Post that Rangel's money is considered "tainted" because it's "lobbyists' money." Previously in DNC-Rangel tanglings, some wondered why the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee wasn't speaking during the convention. more ›

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The NY Times Styles section looks at how the The Year of the Political Blogger Has Arrived, both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions extended credentials to bloggers. However, not all bloggers are created equal: At the DNC, there's the national credential ",which offers the same access granted to members of traditional news media organizations," while the "coveted" state blogger credential "allows one blogger per state to cover the convention alongside its state delegation, with unlimited floor access" (Room 8 is representing NY). Our Washington DC blog, DCist, was chosen as DC's state blogger and editor Sommer Mathis is already in Denver. She reports on what's in the DNC media swag bag, "an official Denver 2008 reusable water bottle from Visa... a bottle of Walgreen's brand ibuprofen and minipack of Walgreen's brand facial tissue, a bottle of hand sanitizer from the Hogan & Hartson law firm...magnetic poetry from SEIU..." more ›

Billionaire Tom Golisano's seven-figure donation next week's DNC in Denver has, according to the NY Times, worried some Republicans that he may be leaning towards Barack Obama for president. Though Golisano is a registered Republican, he did run for Governor as an independent twice (losing both times to George Pataki). Golisano, who made his fortune with payroll processing company, formed a political action committee and plans to supports candidates who share his views; he has previously said, “We are going to endorse Republicans, we are going to endorse Democrats, we are going to endorse independents. It’s going to be for candidates all over the state.” more ›

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The Daily News reports Hillary Clinton will not "file a formal request to the convention asking to be nominated along with Barack Obama" at the Democratic National Convention next month. The source said though "People are still circulating petitions on her behalf...this is a done deal" (the News points out that delegates can still vote for whomever they want). In other news, a Clinton-for-VP group says Clinton is not on the VP shortlist and the junior Senator from NY is rumored to be giving the keynote address at the convention on August 26. more ›