Dems unveil convention themes

Posted: Monday, August 11, 2008 10:36 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Democrats

From NBC's Mark Murray and NBC/NJ's Matthew E. Berger
Monday, August 25 -- "One Nation"
Monday's headline prime-time speaker will be Michelle Obama.

Tuesday, August 26 - "Renewing America's Promise"
Sen. Hillary Clinton will be the headline prime-time speaker on Tuesday night.

Wednesday, August 27 -- "Securing America's Future"
The vice presidential acceptance speech

Thursday, August 28 - "Change You Can Believe In"
Obama's acceptance speech

*** UPDATE *** NBC/NJ's Matthew E. Berger has more: Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius today unveiled the themes for the four days of the Democratic National Convention, saying the four-day event in Denver will allow new people to participate through virtual town hall meetings. “We have plans not only to include voices not only from across American but people from across America who have never had the opportunity to participate before,” Sebelius said.

Citizens will be able to ask questions online or through “open calls” at eight swing-state cities that will be answered live at the convention.

On Monday night, the convention will kick off showcasing Obama as a “new leader ready to serve as president of the United States," Sebelius said. Michelle Obama was previously announced as the keynote speaker that night.

The focus will shift to economic challenges on Tuesday night, with Hillary Clinton as the keynote speaker. Media reports have suggested she will be introduced by her daughter, Chelsea.

Wednesday night will center around the contributions of veterans and foreign policy issues, raising the prospect that Obama’s vice presidential nominee will have a foreign policy background. Obama campaign adviser Anita Dunn said “anyone who Sen. Obama picks as vice president will be more than prepared to address those issues.”

Obama will officially accept the nomination at Invesco Field at Mile High on Thursday night.

Convention officials are expected to announce more details throughout the week, including when former President Bill Clinton will speak.

Dunn also confirmed that neither John Edwards nor his wife Elizabeth will address delegates in Denver.

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Comments

Comments on other post closed, I guess, so will post here: The MSM are like gitty little school girls, and likes to gossip. Why text to get results on "who will be VP" when the MSM will beat Obama in announcing his VP...LOL

***ridiculous***

MIA in Miami (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 10:43 AM)

Hopefully this means Hillary won't be his VP pick! I sure hope he doesn't feel like he HAS to chose her. Another question is..."Where's Bill?"

Diane from Illinois (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 10:47 AM)

What about health care? (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 10:49 AM)

Mark --

I'm curious... what do you think the Wednesday theme indicates as far as Obama's veep choice is concerned? Because I don't think it means anything. "Securing America's Future" has been one of Obama's themes in his political ads, and we've seen it on all kinds of signs. It also is reminiscent of mantras used by Bush-41, Kerry, and even Eisenhower. So what do YOU think it means? Or, perhaps more accurately, WHO do you think it means?

Brendan D, Niles, IL (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 10:50 AM)

Sounds like an awesome line-up! I especially like to see that Michelle has a chance to speak on the first night. She is a very effective speaker. See this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqCYFpUAJ2Q

Some may say that she seems, at times, to be angry. In my view, she is emphatic and passionate. And her emotion, if it is indeed anger, is righteous and real. It echoes my sentiments exactly. In this election, I am much more angry than afraid. Angry at what Bush & his administration have done to our country with their unjust war that they pushed and pushed for, despite many warnings that it was not necessary or right.

This issue is THE issue of this election for me. I do not want my own two daughters growing up in a world of fear and prejudice. The choice is so clear this year...I just hope that enough Americans will be brave enough to make the right choice.

Beth, Denton, TX (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 10:51 AM)

Just asking: Should we read anything into Wednesday's theme about Obama's veep pick? Hmmmmm.... On a conference call announcing these themes, however, Democrats said that night would be a salute to veterans.

-----------------------------------------------

"Securing America's Future"?

Salute to veterans?

*sniff, sniff*

Smells like Gen. Wesley Clark, no?

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 10:51 AM)

Forgot one - A big thank you to the Main Stream Media for always sweeping our dirty laundry under the rug.

DNC (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 10:51 AM)

Hopefully this means Hillary won't be his VP pick! I sure hope he doesn't feel like he HAS to chose her. Another question is..."Where's Bill?"

Diane from Illinois (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 10:47 AM)
********************************************************

I agree with Diane. And where is Bill?

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 10:53 AM)

What don't the Dems surprise everyone, and tell the truth?

Hot Babe (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 10:57 AM)

I still have a feeling it's going to be Bill Richardson for VP. The pundants like to say "that's too much brown for a ticket", but be real. Having a Hispanic VP choice, with a name like Bill Richardson (Can you get more WASP'ish?) isn't going to suddenly cause the black guy named Barack Obama to lose support. Those that would object to having Richardson wouldn't be voting for Obama anyway.

Richardson would pretty much guarantee New Mexico, and likely pull in Nevada and Colorado with a higher than usual hispanic turn out. Possibly could help in Florida. All Obama would have to do is hold the Kerry states and pick up 19 EV's. He's going to get Iowa (7), so that leaves 12 EV's. Colorado (9) and either NM (5) or NV (5) is enough. That's not including Virginia or Missouri either.

My long shot pick:
Rep. Robert Wexler (D-FL)

BL, Cincinnati OH (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 10:57 AM)

There was no mention of President Clinton in your post. He was scheduled to speak Wednesday night. Is he still going to speak, or has he decided not to address the Convention?

Dottie Swarthmore PA (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 10:57 AM)

Securing America's Future? Hmmm...I'm thinking Biden! (please, oh please!)

Colleen, Ithaca, NY (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 10:57 AM)

What, no "We are the world?".

M. Jackson, Las Vegas NV (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 10:58 AM)

Hey DNC, the MSM can't sweep our laundry under the rug--------it's too bulging/overflow/sticking out full of th Reblub laundry

laughaday (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 10:58 AM)

On a lighter note...check out this Obama video it is awesome( and creative). The talent in the marketplace is outstanding

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65I0HNvTDH4

Hint...music with Ellen D with voice over

Lyn (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 10:58 AM)

I'm not sure what the latent thoughts about Wednesday nights Theme: Securing America's future Someone can help me here. In terms of foreign policy experience...probably Biden. In this day of modern communications my guess is Obama has made his selection and has made "the phone call" to give the VP time to write his speech. No need for a personal interview.

Ron Indiana (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 10:59 AM)

I am glad Hills will get a night to shine as she should. She never wanted to be VP and I don't know why people keep talking about it.

I still wish it was Hills about to be President because I think she would have done a wonderful job. But I guess it is not ment to be. I just hope all those Dems who voted for her do vote for Obama and he better keep those independents or he doesn't stand a chance.

Donna, ALbany NY (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 10:59 AM)

John McCain, Dick Cheney and George Bush are the same people. You can fool the people but you can not fool the people all the time.
GOOD Job for inviting Bush and Cheney to speak at GOP Convention in Minnisota
John McCain - Tire Pressure
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8LxEYuKyYY&eurl

banko (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 10:59 AM)

Ed, 1SG, Retired Peoria, IL (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 10:59 AM)

What about 'See you later, Ted and Liz'?

l. edwards, nc (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:00 AM)

*sniff, sniff*

Smells like Gen. Wesley Clark, no?
Pete - Albany, NY

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Naah, that's just your underarm. You ever do laundry?

Pogo Lewis (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:02 AM)

Would appear Clinton isn't the VP...its a great day for this great country! (And obama's health)

As for the "themes" do they really need "themes" aren't we aware of the "themes" the dems play anyways.

I say Pelosi talks one night with the "theme": "i've been in charge for two years and accomplished nothing, but I still think i'm smarter than all of you"

John, MI (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:04 AM)

Should we read anything into Wednesday's theme about Obama's veep pick?

THE ANSWER: YES - Because George W. Bush has been the worse president the US has ever had. He has done more damage to the United States than any president has ever had in the past.

Securing America's future should be the cornerstone of every presidential speech/convention.
Ed, 1SG, Retired Peoria, IL
-----------------------------------------

If you honestly think Bush is the worst president ever then you haven't researched back past the last 6 or 7. Many were worse and would be highlighted if you did your research.

Not saying he is in the upper half (or even top 2/3rs) but he sure isn't the worst.

John, MI (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:05 AM)

Now is the time for everyone to come together. Clinton and Obama supporters.

It's really just now starting to sink in that there was a point in most of our life times that African Americans could not eat at the same lunch counters as whites.

We have come a long long way in just one generation. Thousands of Hillary Clinton's supporters made this happen.

The stadium where Senator Obama is going to make his acceptance speech sold out in 24 hours (75,000).

I get goose bumps every time I think of the historical nature of this convention. I simply cannot wait.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:06 AM)

Pogo ~ Tch. Tch. Tch. So ... easy, and yet so ... easy. You should take the stick out and try for a more creative insult next time.

Wit has met its enemy and he is you.

Amy Andersen, Eden Prairie, MN (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:08 AM)

The potential picks I know of don't have a lot of foreign policy experience. Makes me wonder which way this is going.

I sincerely hope Obama isn't thinking of Richardson. I like him, but seeing his performance on the Sunday morning shows just reinforced my opinion that he gaffes more than McCain. Is Biden back in the mix?

I heard an intriguing name over the weekend - Leon Panetta. How old is he?

If Panetta is able, Obama should ask him to be chief of staff (if not running mate). The Clinton Administration floundered until Panetta came in.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:09 AM)

Another Democratic theme: "How can anyone get though this rubbish and stay sober?"

Ted K., MA (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:09 AM)

Another Democratic theme: "How can anyone get though this rubbish and stay sober?"

Ted K., MA (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:09 AM)

Ohhhh, maybe there's hope for a Zinni pick yet.

I'd kind of given up on that one, but maybe.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:10 AM)

I just deleted a comment I was going to make about Michelle because I realized it was sexist. I was going to say that I hoped she would be upbeat in her remarks as opposed to earnest. That's bad right? I know she's an accomplished professional, but I prefer to see her friendly and upbeat than in lecture mode. I already know I agree with her on every issue, I just want to see her happy and confident. I think that's the winning image.

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:12 AM)

Sure. I know two things after reading this. The VP nominee will NOT be Hillary Clinton, and the VP nominee's speech is going to be about locking up the last regime and throwing away the key.

As to that second thing, now THERE would be a dream come true.

Anna Molly (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:13 AM)

VP is Evan Bayh. Anything else would be silly at this point. Biden is too old. Sam Nunn is too old. Hillary has 1 too many Bills. Richardson is to fat. Dodd is too old. Sebelieus talks too softly, (although I think she'd be the best choice to help steer the economy).

A Charles, LA, CA (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:17 AM)

to John MI - I have done my research - and I stand by my original post - George W. Bush has been the worse president in the history of the United States.

Ed, 1SG, Retired Peoria, IL (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:18 AM)

I think having Michelle O. do the Monday Night unity speech is a good idea, because it will show her as a conciliatory, unifying figure, not the gunbelt-wearing, AK-wielding Black Panther the New Yorker parodied her as being (taking a cue from the God's Country nitwits who see her that way.) This will show her in a much, much better light.

Class Warrior, D.C. (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:19 AM)

Lets see, Democratic themes like corruption, affairs with strange women while your wife is dying, we're all celebrities, Hillary's backstabbing, Bill feels Edwards pain, we've led congress for two years, and that's all we got was this hike in minimum wage.

Those themes?

Ain't those Republican themes? Serving your wife divorce papers while in her dying bed-Newt, Abandoning your wife who waited for you while you're a POW for five and half years cheated on her and dump her for a trophy wife to launch political career-McCain.

cj la CA (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:21 AM)

I believe the Democrats should announce their cabinet members during the Convention; i.e. possibly to be announced by the nominated Vice President on Wednesday. I bet, this being the first will confuse the Republicans and will give the Democrats a huge bump. The cabinet would then on a regular basis between the Convention and Election meet and announce decisions addressing all the American people's issues.

George Karmo, Farmington Hills, Michigan. (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:30 AM)

As opposed to the republican convention of flag waving faux patriotism and tough talk on muslims, gays and abortion...and psssssstttt he's black

Rojer Ramjet (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:31 AM)

‘You’ve got to have competing opinions... the old man. That would duel personality, (undiagnosed) early Alzheimer’s candidate John McCain with John McCain. No ageism implications; just stating the obvious.

Nobody but Obama

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:31 AM)

Here's a theme, bring our jobs back from Communist China! http://twocanpete.blogspot.com

twocanpete (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:37 AM)

Wit has met its enemy and he is you.
Amy Andersen, Eden Prairie, MN (

Superb!
As to the 'securing our future'---this can, and will, include "securing our economic future", which has been a theme from, if I may say so, "day one."

iowan (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:37 AM)

What about health care? (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 10:49 AM)

To any posters trying to gain mileage over Edwards stupidity. You may be out in front of an issue that McCain, at least personally, won't be going near. His surrogates should also think twice about using it. I wonder how many American Women would feel comfortable voting for McCain and making the blond beer heiress "The First Trophy Wife"

by By Richard A. Serrano and Ralph Vartabedian - Jul. 10, 2008 08:39 PM
Los Angeles Times
"...McCain did not sue his wife for divorce until Feb. 19, 1980, and he wrote in his court petition that he and his wife had "cohabited" until Jan. 7 of that year -- or for the first nine months of his relationship with Hensley.
While McCain suggested in his autobiography that months passed between his divorce and remarriage, the divorce was granted April 2, 1980, and he wed Cindy Hensley in a private ceremony five weeks later. In fact, McCain obtained an Arizona marriage license on March 6, 1980, while still legally married to his first wife..."

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:37 AM)

If you honestly think Bush is the worst president ever then you haven't researched back past the last 6 or 7. Many were worse and would be highlighted if you did your research.

Not saying he is in the upper half (or even top 2/3rs) but he sure isn't the worst.
John, MI (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:05 AM)

You don't think starting a war with a soverign nation that had nothing to do with 911, late reaction in assisting people during hurrican katrina, having a billions of dollars worth of defecit and helping the oil companies become rich does not qualify Bush as the worst president. What will be the qualifications of being a bad president?

voter (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:38 AM)

Please no Evan Bayh for VP. He isabout as exciting as a bowl of vanilla ice cream! Also, why should John Edwards be discouraged from attending the convention when we Dems defer to the king of sex scandals, Bill Clinton? Seems like a double standard to me.

Cindi in Louisiana (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:48 AM)

The "one nation" theme is a little troubling....
I thought Michelle Obama was never proud of her nation.

I was hoping John Edwards was going to address the country at the convention. They could have had their Jimmy Swaggart moment with Big John collapsing on the floor screaming "I HAVE FAILED YOU LIBERALS"!!!!!!!

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:51 AM)

Democratic themes: pay to sign up to receive first notice of who the veep will be; pay 13.95 for the Obama's policy book-won't be written by HIM, but by his campaign staff-presumably so he can distance himself from any policy that draws heat; wait for the energy fairy to solve our problems; and, oh, by the way, women are most suited to the role of first lady, not potus.

Donna, Lincroft, New Jersey (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:52 AM)

Maybe I am the only one but I think that securing american's future will be energy...energy...energy...

Brian Schweitzer for VP

Marie Thomas (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:54 AM)

Obama's judgment has been great so far (mostly), but I'm not sure why his campaign would reveal convention themes and speakers so early. McCain will probably produce ads denigrating everything Obama plans to do before he does it because the old man seems to have no original ideas other than hate, fear and negativity.

Cindy Lou, TX (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 11:56 AM)

I sincerely hope Obama isn't thinking of Richardson. I like him, but seeing his performance on the Sunday morning shows just reinforced my opinion that he gaffes more than McCain. Is Biden back in the mix?
----------------------------------------------------
I agree Paul. I thought Richardson was a great choice for him, but he really was caught flat-footed yesterday and looked foolish. But Biden is not the right choice either if Obama wants to continue to hammer McCain for being part of a broken Washington for so long-Biden's been there longer than McCain has.

Jane Doe (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 12:07 PM)

The Obama campaign and The AFL-CIO are hitting McCain hard on the issue of the DHL deal, and it looks like this could have a real impact in OHIO if Democrats keep up this theme. Check out the AFL-CIO's latest mailer on the topic: http://campaigndiaries.com/2008/08/11/obama-returns-celebrity-attack-afl-cio-pursues-dhl-story/

Dan, (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 12:08 PM)

DV, CA (Sent Monday, August 11, 2008 12:16 PM)

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