Okay, so much for my blogging hiatus.

The Democratic National Convention has been a bit of a mixed bag for me. Somehow, someway, the Democrats have simultaneously shown both how strong and weak they are. It's like some kind of weird paradox.

It's all a bit too touchy feely for my tastes. Part of it is not our fault. If people are going to be jackasses and actually believe the smear e-mails that have gone around, then it's good to take some time to introduce Michelle Obama to the country. It's good to introduce her regardless, but they really did go to great lengths to show just how "Brady Bunch" the Obamas really are.

I loved her speech. She'd be a first-lady unlike any we've had in quite some time. There's not a drop of Stepford in her.

I can understand the argument that the Democrats need to be more out for blood throughout the Convention, but I think they've done a good job at building each night towards the eventual Thursday speech, Marble columns and all. The first night wasn't really about gnashing of teeth.

They had some good speakers last night and seemed to have done a better job at painting a contrast between McCain and Obama. I've heard some pundits complain about how "boring" some of the Tuesday night speakers were, but I don't know which convention they were watching because there were numerous quality speakers.

And they gave us some great lines. I loved Casey's "he's not a Maverick, he's a sidekick," Clinton's "no how, no way, no McCain," and Kucinich's "wake up, America." But the best speech of the night was Schweitzer's speech. That bolo tied dude rocked the house, man. That was greatness.

Tuesday night's speakers revealed why Obama's going to be so tough to beat. They all seemed youngish. They all know their constituents. And many of them were not your traditional Democrats. Tuesday night was the Ground Game Gang. It's not hard to imagine Schweitzer, Casey, Strickland, and even Clinton rallying their troops in their states to vote for Obama.

I thought Clinton's speech was pretty good. I think she could have spoken more about how Obama's qualified to be Commander in Chief, but she accomplished her main task of rallying her supporters to Obama's campaign. I particularly liked her remarks about her supporters voting for the things she believes in instead of for her.

But again, I think this was another instance of the Democrats weakness coming out. Why are we *still* talking about unity? Why are people still not on board? I don't get it. I don't get how some Clinton supporters are seriously considering voting for John McCain or not voting at all. There's something *else* going on...

That being said, I think that those who are holding out are in the vocal minority. I think Democrats will come around. It's going to be up to Obama and Clinton to continue working together to bring these two factions together. They should be worrying more about McCain than unifying the party, but I guess some people still need their booboos kissed.

Maybe I should be more worried than I am. If this had been any other year, I'd be pretty frustrated. But I think McCain's going to have his own fair share of issues to deal with. How's he going to appease the base at the convention without distancing independents? Will his Veep choice be suitable to the Republican base?

See, last night really showed how the Dems have a *huge* advantage this year. Last night, with Casey's pro-life stance and Warner's moderate message, really revealed that the Democrats are more willing to compromise and to get stuff done. They're broadening their platform. And that's going to pay off in November.

Can't wait to see Clinton tonight. I hope he really brings it.

- Matt