Clinton subplot eclipse convention script

[Ron Burgundy]

The second act in the Democrats' four-act convention play may be titled "Renewing America's Promise," but the subplot Tuesday is all about Hillary Rodham Clinton.

A bevy of Democratic governors, senators and members of Congress will take the stage to discuss the economy and domestic policy. But far more important is what Clinton, Obama's vanquished rival for the nomination, says to bring her delegates and supporters behind Obama.

It's Barack Obama's convention. But Tuesday is Hillary Clinton's night.

Her speech will provide the opportunity for the "catharsis" she has said her delegates and supporters need.

Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., who supported Obama in the primary even as Clinton easily won his state, said Clinton has been doing all the right things to unite the party but Tuesday's appearance is crucial because it will be seen by such a huge audience.

"It's a larger opportunity to say what she's been saying for the last couple of months, and it's obviously a bigger stage," said Casey.

For gavel-to-gavel watchers on C-SPAN and for delegates in the hall, Tuesday's lineup features 11 governors, Democratic congressional leaders such as House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., and the chiefs of the Democratic House and Senate campaign committees, who will remind the party faithful to try to help expand the Democratic majorities in Congress to help Obama pass his agenda if elected.

Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., the only openly gay woman in the House or Senate, has also been awarded a speaking slot.

The convention's keynote address will be given by former Virginia Gov. Mark Warner, who was neutral in the party primaries and is the heavy favorite in a race this fall to claim an open GOP Senate seat. He has suggested his speech would emphasize bipartisanship rather than an attack on John McCain.

"There may be parts of the speech that aren't going to get a lot of applause, but I've got to say what I believe will get our country back on the right path," Warner told reporters on Monday.

source: AP - http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080826/ap_on_el_pr/cvn_the_narrative [link]