Top Convention Moments

Whether you’re a fan of elephant or donkey, just about anyone would have to agree that the Democratic Convention hardly lacked for good theater. From Teddy Kennedy’s dramatic first-night appearance to Barack Obama’s closing act, the party did its best to capture America’s attention and win over a few hearts.

No one knows for sure if that will carry over to November, of course, and many a rousing Democratic gathering has ended in Election Day defeat. For whatever it may prove to be worth, here’s a list of some of the highlights from four days and nights in Denver:

– Kennedy Rallies the Troops: The ailing Massachusetts Senator insists that “nothing could keep him away” from this gathering. He sets the tone with an emotional and riveting talk on opening night.

– Michelle Obama Takes the Stage: Described by some as distant or angry, Barack Obama’s wife moves to soften that image by talking about their family and makes a personal plea for her husband’s candidacy.

– Hillary Buries the Hatchet: Hillary Clinton publicly sets aside any lingering rancor with the Obama camp and urges her supporters to put themselves behind the Democratic ticket.

– Bill Eases on Board: Still smarting from a bruising campaign that resulted in his wife’s defeat, former President Bill Clinton casts his lot with Obama and turns up the heat on the Republicans and John McCain.

– Biden Takes a Bow: Vice Presidential nominee Joe Biden follows a touching introduction from his son and mixes a personal appeal with reminders of his status as a an experienced foreign policy expert.

– Obama Closes the Deal: In front of some 80,000 supporters at Invesco Field, Barack Obama attempts to set aside fears that he is too inexperienced for the job by promising to cut taxes and end the Iraq war in an honorable fashion. It is a big speech in a big venue, and it plays well to the faithful. How the rest of the nation will view the candidate remains to be seen.