Preparations continue at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul (AP)

As Gulf Coast residents evacuate from the path of Hurricane Gustav, the GOP is substantially paring down the schedule for Day One of the Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota. (AP)

Presumptive nominee John McCain announced today that Monday’s events will consist only of official party business; no partisan speeches. Speaking to party officials in St. Paul via video conference, McCain said it’s time “to do away with our party politics, and [...] act as Americans.” (NPR)

Meanwhile, Republicans gathered for the convention continue to react to the news of Sen. McCain’s VP pick. Some think Alaska Governor Sarah Palin’s working-class appeal will help with battleground states like Ohio and Pennsylvania. Others are praising her conservative stances on abortion and other social issues. (NPR)

For his part, Democratic nominee Barack Obama has so far been gentle in his critiques of Gov. Palin and her positions. (AP)

Barack Obama gives his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver. (AP)

Obama said the nation is at a defining moment, “when our nation is at war, our economy is in turmoil and the American promise has been threatened,” and called this election “the chance to keep the promise alive.” (NPR)

>> Listen to the speech. (NPR)

More than 84,000 people turned out for the event.
>> Listen to reaction from some of the attendees. (NPR)

Former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis and other state delegates share their reactions to last night’s speech and look ahead to the upcoming campaign. (WBUR)

And political strategists wrap up the Democrats’ week and consider next week’s Republican convention. (NPR)

One image of Barack Obama has become one of the most popular images of the campaign. For the artist, it has created a sense of mixed feelings. (NPR)

Finally, at the close of the night, speech-going scavengers picked up all the trash they could get their hands on. (NPR)

Sen. Barack Obama speaks at Invesco Field in Denver (AP)

Senator Barack Obama accepted the nomination of the Democratic Party for the presidency before a crowd of 84,000 people at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver.

Thousands line up outside of Mile High Stadium (AP Photo)

In Denver this afternoon, the crowd is building at Invesco/Mile High stadium. That’s where the Denver Broncos play football.

But tonight, it’s where the Democratic National Convention caps off its convention with a speech by the Party’s nominee, Barack Obama.

WBUR’s Bob Oakes is at the stadium as final preparations are underway and joins WBUR’s Delores Handy to give us a preview. (WBUR)

Analysts agree, the stakes for Sen. Obama couldn’t be much higher. Tonight’s spectacular venue was selected months before Republicans started to make political headway, pegging Obama with the “celebrity” label. In response, Obama says his speech tonight will be more “workman like” in its tone, focusing on specific policies, rather than lofty rhetoric. (NPR)

Regardless of what happens tonight, the official nomination of an African American as a major party’s presidential candidate is undeniably historic. Tom Ashbrook and guests explore this national milestone live from Denver. (On Point)

Barack Obama’s acceptance of the Democratic presidential nomination falls on the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech in Washington, 1963. Eleanor Holmes Norton witnessed that history as a young attorney working in the civil rights movement, and today she’s in Denver to see the first African-American to be nominated as a presidential candidate from a major political party. She recalled that day with Here and Now Host Robin Young.

Robin also spoke today with ABC News Senior Political Reporter Rick Klein about what he expects to hear in Barak Obama’s address tonight.

She spoke with We speak with Medea Benjamin, co-founder of the anti-war group Code Pink about protests around the Democratic convention this week in Denver.

The youngest “super delegate” at the convention is 21-year old Jason Rae of Wisconsin. He told Robin that healthcare is a major issue for young voters.

Fifty states are represented at the Democratic National Convention. But the world is watching too. Barack Obama’s candidacy has drawn international interest in a different type of candidate. On Point Host Tom Ashbrook spent an hour with journalists from around the world gathered in Denver to examine how the world sees Obama and America’s global challenge now.

Tonight at 7, Tom looks forward to the wild conclusion of the Democratic convention at Invesco Field.

However it seems to the delegates, the political conventions are seen by most others as one big televison show. How did the Democratic convention work as TV? Mary McNamara, the television critic for the Los Angeles Times, breaks it down.

Barack Obama and Joe Biden greet delegates at the DNC. (AP)

The ticket marks the first time a major party has nominated an African-American
as its presidential nominee. (NPR)

Massachusetts chose Hillary Clinton in the primary, but Bay State delegates helped Obama secure the nomination last night, with a little push from Governor Patrick. (WBUR)

A look at the path leading to this historic moment. (NPR)

In a surprise appearance, Obama joined Biden onstage after his running mate’s acceptance speech. (WBUR, NPR)

Bill Clinton threw his support behind Barack Obama last night. The former president stressed Obama is “ready to lead America” and restore the U.S. world position. (BBC)

>>Listen to Clinton’s speech. (NPR)

In On Point’sreport from Denver,top international journalists look at Obama on the world stage. (On Point) Four years after addressing the DNC as the presidential nominee, Senator John Kerry told delegates America is closer to electing a Democrat now than in 2004. (WBUR)

>>Listen to Kerry’s speech. (NPR)

Tonight, Barack Obama will accept the presidential nomination and deliver his acceptance speech, as the convention moves tothe Bronco’s football stadium. (WBUR)

Obama said the goal was “make sure that everybody who wants to come can join in the effort to take America back.” With 75,000 people expected, the scene will look and feelmore like a rock concert than a political event.(NPR)

Obama’s speech comes on the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. (NPR)

Meanwhile, Republicans have been spotted in Denver this week, countering Democrats during their convention. (NPR) The GOP has set its party platform, which proved to be an exercise in balancing positions of the party faithful with those of their presumptive nominee, John McCain. (NPR)

Sen. Kerry salutes after addressing the DNC (AP)

Massachusetts Senator John Kerry says America is closer to electing a Democrat president now than it was four years ago when he was the party nominee.

Kerry made numerous references to his failed presidential campaign of 2004, even poking fun at some of his most memorable gaffes. “Candidate McCain says he would vote against the immigration bill that Senator McCain wrote,” Kerry said. “Talk about being for it before you’re against it!”

>>Listen to Sen. Kerry’s complete remarks. (NPR)

Religion is front and center at the 2008 Democratic National Convention with an interfaith gathering kicking off the week, the first ever ‘faith caucus’, and blessings that begin and end each evening session. It’s part of a push to close what some are calling the “God Gap” between Democrats and Republicans after George W. Bush won the majority of votes from white evangelicals in 2004. Here and Now Host Robin Young spoke with progressive evangelical Reverend Jim Wallis.

Robin also spoke with Gail Chaddock, Capitol Hill correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor about Senator Joe Biden’s speech tonight to accept the nomination as Vice President. And she spoke with Steve Grove, head of news and politics for You Tube about what impact that website expects to have during its first Presidential election.

Do moments at the convention leave you thinking back to political intrigue in films? Film Critic Ty Burr offered some recommendations to Here and Now.

For Slate.com blogger Mickey Kaus, it wasn’t what Hillary Clinton said on Tuesday night, so much as what she didn’t say. Like guests who don’t show up at a party, it only began to bother him much later — when the buzz was over — that something was absent.

The coming nomination of Barack Obama with it the real possibility of the country’s first African American President. African-American writers Maya Angelou, Ishmael Reed, and Alice Walker on Barack Obama reflected on this American moment, during On Point.

Tonight at 7, WBUR’s live coverage of the convention resumes with On Point. Tonight, a preview of what to expect from Vice Presidential pick Joe Biden

Sen. Hillary Clinton addresses the Democratic National Convention in Denver. (AP)

Listen to her speech.

Still, some of Hillary’s 1,500 pledged delegates in Denver are planning to vote for her during today’s roll call vote. (WBUR) They say they aren’t ready to move on until they have that opportunity. (NPR)

WBUR’s Bob Oakes met one of the holdouts. (WBUR)

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, a longtime supporter of Obama, also had a prime-time slot last night. Patrick used his own life story as an illustration of the American dream, and said Obama will lead the country to “renew our commitment to the American story.” (WBUR)

Listen to his speech.

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney was also in Denver yesterday, to deliver GOP talking points. (WBUR)

Meanwhile, Republican candidate John McCain was at the American Legion national convention in Phoenix. (NPR)

Barack Obama arrives at the DNC today, to formally accept the Democratic presidential nomination. (NPR) His running mate, Sen. Joe Biden, will speak tonight. (NPR)

Today, On Point’s coverage from Denver continues with a talk with Maya Angelou and other African American writers about this landmark moment in black history. (WBUR)

Sen. Hillary Clinton and DNC stage manager Gary Hood (AP)

Democratic Party leaders take on the challenge of trying to reunify the Party tonight at its convention in Denver.

Senator Hillary Clinton, who lost the primary battle to presumptive nominee Sen. Barack Obama, addresses the convention tonight. She’s expected to take the podium at about 10:30 Eastern. (NPR)

WBUR’s Bob Oakes joined us again from Denver to preview the night’s agenda. (WBUR)

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick is also scheduled to address the delegates this evening. He’s expected to take the stage at around 10:00 Eastern. (WBUR)

The anticipation surrounding Sen. Clinton’s appearance is perhaps overshadowing tonight’s keynote address, to be delivered by former Virginia Governor Mark Warner. Four years ago, the keynote slot propelled then Illinois State Senator Barack Obama to stardom, but Warner says his style is very different. (NPR)

Healthcare is at the center of the Democratic platform this year, and Massachusetts remains on the vanguard of that issue. New census figures show Massachusetts has the lowest number of uninsured residents in the country. For a conversation about the state’s health coverage reform, WBUR’s Bob Oakes talked to Jim Roosevelt. The DNC Rules Committee Co-Chair is also head of Tufts Health Plan. (WBUR)

Democratic and Republican conventions have never been short on revelry, but some of the after-hours parties have had a tendency to skirt Congressional ethics rules in the past. Organizers say there is less free food and gifts circulating around this year, but one party did have free booze and a brief “information gathering session.” (NPR)

Hillary Clinton, originally uploaded by WBUR.

At the Democratic National Convention, some party stalwarts are reflecting on a possible progressive revival. It’s an idea at the heart of the lingering rivalry between backers of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. On Point Host Tom Ashbrook explored the direction of the party in a conversation this morning with Rep. Allen Boyd (D) Florida, Arianna Huffington, editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post, and Washington Post columnist E. J . Dionne.

Tonight at 7pm, On Point focuses on delegates from key battleground states.

Senator Clinton is scheduled to release her delegates tonight at the Democratic National Convention. But not all of her supporters are ready to back the presumptive nominee, Sen. Barack Obama.

For many backers of Hillary Clinton, there are questions about the place of women in the Democratic Party. Here and Now Host Robin Young explored those questions with Pulitzer Prize-winning syndicated columnist Ellen Goodman.

Robin also reviewed the roll call process with Peter Wallsten of the Los Angeles Times.

The writer and journalist Damon Runyon got his start in the newspaper business in Colorado. He covered the 1908 Democratic convention here and went onto fame in New York City. The musical Guys and Dolls was based on two of his stories. Robin looked at his Denver roots with John Insilin, a reporter with the Rocky Mountain News and historian of the Denver Press Club.

Reporting from the Convention, originally uploaded by WBUR.

Kennedy Speaks to DNC: ‘Season of Hope’ for America
Senator Edward Kennedy took the stageduring the Democratic National Convention yesterday, saying he’s beenstrengthened by a new hope for the nation andvowing to be backin the Senate in January. (WBUR)

>>View last night’s video tribute to the life of the senator.

Massachusetts delegates react to the speech, and WBUR’s Bob Oakes shares his
thoughts on Kennedy.

Oakes also talks to Massachusetts Senator John Kerry about Kennedy and what advice the former presidential candidate has for Barack Obama this time around. (WBUR)

Michelle Obama was the other keynote speaker at the convention last night, portraying her husband Barack as a family man with faith in the American dream. (NPR)

The candidate himself was on the campaign trail, but watched his wife’s addressfrom Missouri. (NPR)

>> Listen to the potential first lady’s speech.

Hillary Clinton will speak today, as the party tries to usethe convention to unite support behind Obama. (NPR)

But some of Clinton’s supporters came to Denver to cast a vote for her. A roll-call vote tomorrow will allow delegates supporting Obama’s former rival to be heard. (NPR)
Massachusetts Senate President Therese Murray plans to vote for Senator Clinton, but says she has encouraged the delegates from the state to support Obama. (WBUR)

Senator Bob Casey and Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. are among the high-profile delegates backing Obama. (NPR)

And, a look at how Republican presidential candidate John McCain is trying to stay in the spotlight this week. (NPR)

Plus,a study on jokes targeting the candidates. (NPR)

On Point’s Denver coverage continues with a look at progressives versus “Blue Dog” conservatives inside the Democratic Party. (WBUR)

Sen. Edward Kennedy addressing the DNC (AP)

Senator Edward Kennedy, who is suffering from brain cancer, delivered a rousing, unscheduled speech on the first night of the Democratic National Convention in Denver. (NPR)

Click here for Sen. Kennedy’s complete remarks, both audio and text. (WBUR)

Sen. Kennedy looked and sounded strong, and walked to the podium unassisted. He told the delegates that he intends to return to the Senate in January.

Caroline Kennedy at the Pepsi Center (AP)

A prominent Democrat from Massachusetts will be receiving much of the attention tonight in Denver.  Aides confirm that Senator Edward Kennedy, who is being treated for brain cancer, will attend the convention tonight, where he will be honored. WBUR’s Steve Brown and Bob Oakes gauged the Democratic reaction to the news. (WBUR)

Sen. Kennedy won’t be the only Kennedy making a splash. President John F. Kennedy’s only surviving child, Caroline, will lead a tribute of her ailing uncle tonight. It’s a rare move into the spotlight for Caroline Kennedy, who has been one of the most private members of her family. (NPR)

In spite of all the Kennedy buzz, Michelle Obama remains tonight’s headliner. The presumptive nominee’s wife of 16 years will focus on family as she takes the podium tonight. (NPR)

Meanwhile, Senator Hillary Clinton has arrived in Denver; she ate breakfast this morning with delegation from her state of New York. (NPR)

On Point is in Denver, broadcasting twice a day in the mornings and evenings. As the night’s events get underway, voters and analysts agree on one thing: the stakes for Barack Obama are high. (On Point)

On Point’s Tom Ashbrook speaks with US News & World Report’s Liz Halloran and Politico.com’s Roger Simon live from the DNC in Denver, Colorado on August 25, 2008. Originally uploaded by WBUR.

Delegates are gathered in Denver, and the Democratic National Convention is about to come to order. Here and Now Host Robin Young previews the first day of the convention with Denver Post Editor Greg Moore.

Robin spoke with Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick about the advice he is giving to his friend Barack Obama.

Robin previews Michelle Obama’s speech tonight. She discusses the would be first lady’s “American Story” with Harriette Cole, creative director of Ebony Magazine.

Also, Robin looks ahead to how Michelle Obama could be upstaged by Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy. Kennedy is in Denver and could speak tonight. We review his importance to the party with former Boston Globe editor Marty Nolan

Guyot and Fannie Lou Hamer were leaders of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party. 64 Freedom Democrats traveled to the Democratic Party Convention in Atlantic city in 1964, only to be offered two delegate seats. They rejected the offer, with Hamer saying, “We didn’t come all this way for no two seats … ’cause all of us is tired.” In 1968, Guyot and Hamer made history by becoming the first African Americans from Mississippi to be seated at a Democratic Party Convention.

Delegates at the Democratic National Convention have a lot to look forward to this week. Addresses by Ted Kennedy and Michelle Obama tonight will be followed later this week by speeches from Hilary Clinton, Bill Clinton, Joe Biden, and of course Barack Obama himself. Party leaders hope the convention results in unity, after the divisive primary fight. For a preview, On Point Host Tom Ashbrook spoke this morning with Liz Halloran, senior writer for U.S. News & World Report, Chuck Todd, political director for NBC News, Roger Simon, chief political columnist for Politico, and Jack Beatty, On Point news analyst.

On Point returns tonight at 7pm for a preview of the evening events and a look at some decisions party leaders must make at the convention.

Pepsi Center Podium

Democratic National Convention Gets Underway
The Democratic National Convention begins today in Denver, with a fresh attempt at party unity and speeches by Michelle Obama and Edward Kennedy. (NPR)

Many of Massachusetts’ leading Democrats will play a prominent role in the convention. In a last-minute surprise move, Senator Edward Kennedy is expected to make an appearance tonight, health permitting. (WBUR)

Governor Deval Patrick discusses what Kennedy means to the party and to the Bay State delegation. Patrick will speak at the convention tomorrow night. (WBUR)

WBUR’s political analysts also shared their thoughts on Ted Kennedy’s role at the convention and how much it will benefit presidential candidate Barack Obama. (WBUR)

Hillary Clinton is expected to formally release her delegates to Barack Obama. There is much discussion over whether the party can come together during the convention, after the divisive primary battle. (NPR)

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who will be presiding over the convention, says Clinton delegates will have their say, but the convention belongs to Barack Obama. (NPR)

Bob Oakes reports from Denver on the first day. (WBUR)

The presidential candidate himself will not be there. As the delegates are assembling in Denver, Barack Obama is starting a bus trip through several battleground states expected to be crucial in the November election. (NPR)

Denver businesses are eager for the millions of dollars the convention will pump into the local economy. (NPR)

And, how the 1968 Democratic convention changed the way the party approaches its conventions. (NPR)

Sen. Edward Kennedy could make an unscheduled appearance at this week’s Democratic convention if his physicians give him the go-ahead. (AP)

Kennedy is suffering from a malignant brain tumor. He stunned colleagues with a surprise return to the Senate in July to vote on a Medicare bill, but an in-person appearance at the DNC could make for an even bigger splash.

Barack Obama stopped in America’s Dairyland on his way to Denver today. (NPR)

The barbeque rally at Eau Claire’s Rod and Gun park hinted at the candidate’s main objective going into the Democratic National Convention: woo blue-collar voters. (AP)

After much speculation, the Obama campaign confirmed reports on its Web site and via text messages early Saturday morning that Sen. Joe Biden will be Obama’s running mate.

WBUR’s Dave Faneuf spoke on Saturday to Steven Stark about what Obama’s Biden pick means.  Stark also spoke with Frannie Carr about Romney being a “safe” choice for McCain.

Biden (see NPR profile), 65, has run for president twice and has experience with foreign policy and defense issues. (NPR)

Barack Obama is publicly disclosing his vice presidential pick on his own terms, preparing to release text messages to supporters as early as today. (AP)

When nominated at the Democratic National Convention next week, Obama will officially become the first black candidate to lead a major party’s presidential campaign.

Edward Brooke, a Republican, is among the politicans Obama acknowledges as trailblazers. (WBUR) (more…)

With just days to go before the Democratic convention, pollsters check in with likely voters in the battleground states that may decide the presidential election. (NPR) (more…)

The presidential candidates still have not announced their vice presidential running mates. There is speculation Barack Obama will announce his choice by Friday. (NPR) (more…)

NPR reports that Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain have not made any official announcements or given many hints as to whom they might chose as a running mate. (NPR)

Also: Candidates Look For Inroads At Evangelical Forum

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A new survey from the Pew Research Center this week shows Democrat Barack Obama’s eight percent lead over Republican John McCain is now down to three percent. That’s a statistical tie.

Analyst Steven Stark is covering the presidential race for the Boston Phoenix and RealClearPolitics.com. He says the close contest shouldn’t come as a surprise.

With Barack Obama on vacation, John McCain has the campaign trail to himself, and he’s been displaying his credentials on the situation in Georgia. (NPR)

WBUR is sending a group of reporters and technicians to the conventions in Denver and Minneapolis to bring you convention coverage from a Massachusetts point of view.

Check back here for coverage when the conventions begin.

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Democratic Party organizers say the campaign of Barack Obama is five million dollars richer this morning. The boost comes from a fund-raiser for the presidential candidate in the financial district of Boston last night.

About 850 Obama backers turned out to celebrate his 47th birthday just three weeks before the party’s convention.

WBUR’s Fred Thys reports.