Denver flashpoints: What to watch out for at the Democratic Convention

This weekend's Democratic convention promises to be eventful, to say the least. Despite the sense of history in the making, the official nomination of the first black presidential candidate will not be without its controversies. And as you might expect, they mostly involve the Clintons...

1. The roll-call vote

Die-hard Clinton supporters are salivating at the prospect of a roll-call that will allow them to cast a symbolic vote for the former first lady. While no one believes that Barack Obama’s nomination can be averted, they hope to publicly demonstrate both the magnitude of her support and their anger at what they see as underhanded tactics by the Obama team. The presidential candidate reportedly believes the move will, by honouring Hillary’s historic achievement as a female candidate, help assuage residual bitterness among Clintonistas, but it is a risky strategy. If the New York senator is leading at any point or ends up with a delegate total close to her tally at the end of the primaries, it will only serve to highlight the continuing rift in the Democratic Party and provide further ammunition for John McCain in the run-up to November. On the other hand, if most of her delegates now desert her – and strategists say that with names read out on the convention floor in front of the would-be president, many will – it could cement Obama’s position while demonstrating his magnanimity in victory.

2. The Clintons’ speeches

Is it madness or genius on Obama's part to grant both Clintons prime-time speaking spots at what should be his big moment? Whether the outcome is a show-stealing disaster or a boon for party unity entirely depends on the tone of the speeches. The content is as yet unknown but with Bill Clinton in particular still seething with anger at what he sees as unfair attacks on his character, it would not be surprising if, while generally supportive, they contained a few tacit jabs at the nominee. Political commentators will be scrutinising every word and facial expression for signs of trouble and any such hint will be dissected in full on prime-time television.

3. Obama’s VP

Speculation over the empty spot on the ticket has ramped up a gear with the news that both Evan Bayh (left) and Joe Biden (right) are slated to speak on the night that the vice-presidential nominee is to be announced. Both of these would be preferable in the eyes of the grassroots to the recent favourite, Virginia Governor Tim Kaine (middle), the frequent media mentions of whom have sent Democratic-leaning commentators into a collective apoplexy of late. While Kaine’s selection may help the Democrats to take Virginia, his relatively conservative views, particularly his opposition to abortion, mean he is seen by much of the base as a “slap-in-the-face choice”, as Gloria Feldt puts it over at the Huffington Post. Biden and Bayh are both seen as good picks for their foreign policy strengths and ability to counter McCain’s commander-in-chief act – Biden is chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations committee and is experienced in picking apart Republican claims to the security mantle, while Bayh sits on both the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Intelligence Committee. Whatever the eventual announcement, it is sure to cause a stir.

4. Protests

Authorities in Denver have prepared a detention camp for protesters attempting to disrupt Obama’s nomination. Much has been made in the media of the “Guantanamo-style” facility, complete with metal cages topped with barbed wire and signs warning of stun-gun use. Meanwhile protests are authorised only within designated free speech zones – themselves large open air cages akin to cattle pens. The protests are likely to attract hardline Clintonistas furious at Obama’s “coronation”, as well as the generally politically enraged. Some protest groups have vowed to bring chaos to the city. Expect trouble.

5. Mark Warner’s keynote

The selection of the Virginia senatorial candidate and former governor to deliver Tuesday night’s keynote speech underscores Democratic efforts to wrest the state from the Republicans this time around. However it could irk supporters of Hillary Clinton – who is scheduled to speak the same night in a lesser slot – undermining efforts at party unity. It could leave Obama open to criticism regarding his opposition to lobbyist funding – Warner has received the most money from lobbyists of any 2008 congressional campaign, according to reports. Meanwhile some commentators, such as Eve Fairbanks at The New Republic, are less than impressed. Fairbanks describes him as “ a little forgettable”, suggesting he will give a “nicely charming” but ultimately underwhelming speech.

Comments

funny, that we should judge china for locking it's undesirables up while the games run, that looks like a concentration stockade...tell me it isn't.....

[JOHN CHUCKMAN, TORONTO]

It all reminds me of Italy under the Borgias.

Some democracy.