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Obama, Not Clintons, Must Be Denver Story

Nominee must be on message, and forcefully, at Democratic convention

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 22, 2008 3:25 PM CDT

(Newser) – Heading into their convention, Democrats are increasingly worried about what should be a gimme election. With his poll lead slipping or even disappearing, Barack Obama needs a strong convention showing, like Bill Clinton’s in 1992, Scot Lehigh writes in the Boston Globe. To do it, he’ll need to articulate his vision and message—and navigate the Clinton minefield.

Both Hillary and Bill will speak, and could easily refocus the spotlight on themselves. “This convention needs to be about Barack Obama,” said one supporter. “Anything that detracts from that message is a problem.” Obama himself will have to make that message clear, Lehigh notes, outlining his story and his positions to draw connections with working-class voters, and close the commander-in-chief gap.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (2)]

"This convention needs to be about Barack Obama, period," says one Democrat worried about the Clintons grabbing attention. "Anything that detracts from that message is a problem for us in the fall." (AP Photo)

"What's the point of a roll call? It is a distraction that takes away from the crowning moment for our nominee," one Dem says of Hillary Clinton's play. "Does it always have to be about them?" (AP Photo)

Hillary Clinton introduces Barack Obama during a campaign stop in New York. (AP Photo)

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This convention needs to be about Barack Obama, period. Anything that detracts from that message is a problem for us in the fall. - Phil Johnston, former chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party

Obama obviously can't control the Clintons.
(Who can?) - Scot Lehigh

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Obama, Not Clintons, Must Be Denver Story