The thunderous reception for Bill Clinton and his subsequent speech accelerated the momentum Hillary had generated. John Kerry followed with a sharp attack on John McCain. (Some wondered where this aggressive John Kerry had been in 2004.) Joe Biden's speech fell a little flat, I thought. Sen. Biden seemed "reined in" by the teleprompter and was wanting to break out from it. When he did, however, he sometimes flubbed his lines.

Wednesday's three major speakers all took the same tack. First, they smothered him with kindness. Each one acknowledged John McCain as a "good man" and personal friend. Then, taking a page from Karl Rove, they each went after McCain's supposed strength on national security. Coupled with the remarks of lesser-known speakers, such as Sgt. Tammy Duckworth and Rear Admiral John Hutson, the attack on John McCain's national security credentials was sustained and well-made. (Incidentally, the strategy of attacking an opponent's supposed electoral strength did not originate with Karl Rove. Jeff Greenfield made that argument back in the 1970's in his book Playing to Win: An Insider's Guide to Politics.)

The surprise appearance of Senator Obama capped the night. He made some brief remarks--RE: Hillary, she "rocked the house last night"--and then wisely left the stage so that Joe Biden and his family could enjoy the limelight.

All eyes will be on Invesco Field tonight. (Incidentally, to his credit, Sen. Obama referred to Invesco by its rightful name, "Mile High.") It will be an extravaganza, featuring not only Sen. Obama but also fireworks, Bruce Springsteen, and--I hear via rumor--an appearance by Muhammed Ali. Politically, I worry that this, plus the Greek columns which will frame the dais, only taps into the "celebrity" theme that the McCain has recently been pushing.