Vanasco: Early look at the DNC
A press conference call this morning with Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas – who was sounding very Vice Presidential, by the way – revealed the themes and keynoters for the four nights of the Democratic convention.
The theme of the overall convention is America’s Town Hall, and Sebelius said the goal is to make the convention accessible to all, not just party insiders, by providing a space for all Americans to ask questions.
However, it became pretty clear that convention organizers aren’t sure just who will answer America’s questions, or in what format. When the press asked for details, we were pretty much told that this was all new and exciting, and more will be released later.
Mondays theme will be ”One Nation,” a look at Barack Obama’s “vision and values” – and led by his wife, Michelle Obama.
Tuesday is “Renewing America’s Promise,” a look at “the economic challenges and issues so important to workers facing the loss of their jobs or Americans facing the loss of their homes.” The keynoter? Hillary Clinton, which is a smart choice, since she seemed to really resonate with blue-collar America.
On Wednesday, the theme is “Securing America’s Future” and will revolve around both how to make America safer and how to honor our veterans. The vice presidential nominee will also speak – a smart reporter asked if this meant the VP nominee was going to be a veteran, like Chuck Hagel. The governor was noncommittal.
The big headliner, of course, is Barack Obama himself. He accepts the nomination on Thursday – when the theme is, surprise surprise, “Change You Can Believe In.”
Oh – and an important piece of news – Obama will indeed announce the VP choice before the convention, via text message. Want to be the first to know? Sign up here.


Obama seems mired in a pothole, on the defensive, unable to lead the discussion, always responding. Perhaps the convention will offer Obama the chance to lead the discussion once again. Something seems tame in his approach since securing the nomination.