"If folks were expecting any drama tonight, they'll just have to make due with the uplifting kind." Such was the bottom line of David Goldstein's blog for HorsesAss.org, entitled "A Stunning Lack of Disunity." I ran into David here at the Big Tent (the DNC mecca for new media journalists, bloggers, reporters, and non-profit leaders - erected here in Progressive Future's parking lot), and thus launched into a discussion of the disparity between the media's playing up the contention between the Obama and Clinton camps, and the actual on-the-ground unity within the Democratic Party.

This diary by Shliapnikov over at Daily Kos really burnt me up. The idea that this great American and humanitarian and liberal Democrat was barred from speaking at the Democratic convention is unbelievable?

The story goes like this:

Things have changed around a little bit in my Senate rankings. But instead of an analysis of which seats are more likely or less likely to switch from red to blue, it has simply become now just a matter of which seats are more likely to flip.

Oregon Senate candidate Jeff Merkley is one of four Senate challengers speaking at the convention today in Denver. At 6:45 eastern time Jeff Merkley will take to the stage and lay out his vision for 2009 and beyond. Jeff is very thankful to be given the opportunity to speak at the convention. Here's what he had to say:

"I am honored to have the opportunity to address the Democratic Convention and speak to my vision to partner with Senator Obama and make Washington work for working families again," said Merkley.  "Oregonians are ready for the kind of change Senator Obama will bring to Washington."

What do you do when your main story line about disunity gets crushed by a passionate speech that enraptures the entirety of the convention?

Come up with a new story line? No, that would take effort.

Let's just pretend it fits our previous story line and run with it.

(Cross-posted at Clintonistas for Obama)

Have you been watching the Democratic Convention this week? I have. I cried during Michelle Obama's speech. And of course, I was moved to my head to my feet during Hillary Clinton's speech! I really felt moved after seeing some of my favorite Democrats speak.

But you know what's also been moving me?

I thought that I would bring everyone a little mid-convention cheer today.  For what it's worth, Time has just released poll results showing Obama doing very well in Western states:

Colorado: McCain 47, Obama 46
Pennsylvania: Obama 48, McCain 43
Nevada: Obama 49, McCain 44
New Mexico: Obama 53, McCain 40

http://thepage.time.com/2008/08/27/timec nn-battleground-polls/

Additionally, word is that Plouffe is quite optimistic about our chances in November:

Barack Obama's margin among independent swing-voting women and sporadically voting Democrats are two of the main metrics his campaign is closely monitoring, Obama's election manager, David Plouffe, said today.

Plouffe, speaking to reporters, editors and executives of the Atlantic Media company in a throwback conference room in downtown Denver, said that Obama's internal polling suggests that McCain runs a double-digit deficit with this group runs into the double digits in some swing states. "And that's before they know about his position on choice and that he's against equal pay," Plouffe said.

...

Other nuggets from Plouffe:

* If McCain doesn't win Colorado, "he has a 5% chance to win the election."

* He believes that they have "a slight edge" in Virginia.

...

* Said HIllary Clinton's speech "could not have gone better."

* Said the campaign "is really pleased" with where they are in Montana.

http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/arch ives/2008/08/barack_mccains_margin_among _in.php

The following is from Wes Clark.

Submitted by Wes Clark on August 27, 2008 - 3:50pm
http://securingamerica.com/ccn/node/1627 2

I'm in Munich right now, but I can't tell you how ready I am to head to Denver and join my fellow Democrats.

The Democratic Party is ready to lead and address the many challenges ahead, and Barack Obama is the leader we need for our country and to help humanity meet today's global challenges.

We're a party loaded with talent. Like many of you, I've been thrilled by the speeches at the Democratic National Convention so far. Hillary Clinton was great last night. Her strength, her character, her call for unity. Her speech just proves once again that she is a great American and has many years of distinguished public service ahead of her.

And what an inspiration Ted Kennedy was, as was Nancy Pelosi, our Speaker of the House. Brian Schweitzer, the history-making Governor of Montana and Mark Warner, a business executive, distinguished former Governor and soon-to-be a remarkable U.S. Senator.

Tonight, I'm looking forward to catching the speeches of our honored former President Bill Clinton and our vice-presidential nominee Joe Biden. We are so fortunate that these two outstanding men are Democrats.

And then there's tomorrow. Our Party is so fortunate at this time in history to be nominating Barack Obama. After Michelle's incredibly warm and personal speech on Monday, any American can see the strength of character in their family. It's clear that when the Obamas become first family, they'll definitely bring change to America.

I can't wait to hear Senator Obama's words in person. He's warned us not to expect that he can duplicate the electricity from his memorable speech in 2004, but I think he's just being wise to play down expectations. He has proven to be a remarkable human being with incredible judgment, an outstanding sense of direction, and unmatched communication skills. I fully expect to be inspired, as I was in 2004.

I'm proud to be a Democrat, and I'm proud to ask you to pull together with me. It's time to help elect our candidates to every office. From mayors to governors, from state legislators to Congress. And especially to come together behind Barack Obama.

Barack is going to be the leader of a great team of Democrats in this election campaign. And he's going to become a great American President.

I believe he has the skills and resolve to strengthen America's security, rebuild America's economy, and restore Americans' faith in the future.

Our challenge is clear. We must win in November.

Sincerely,

Wes Clark

I am so glad he posted this! There are some on his site who just could not let go, there are also some who have stated that they are voting for mccain and the repugs. I have battled some of them in the comments of my POSITIVE diaries about Hillary supporting Obama.

KUDOS to Wes Clark! Our Next Secretary Of State! (I Hope!)   :)