Hillary Clinton Speech and the Dem Convention - Live Blogging

George Wenschhof

Today the theme in Denver is "Renewing America's Promise" with a focus on a tanking economy as a result of failed policies of the George W. Bush administration.

So far today, the speakers have delivered more "red meat" which some political pundits were calling for after yesterday's focus on family. Rep. Dennis Kucinich (OH.) fired up the early hour crowd with a "Wake up America" refrain. Govenor Ed Rendell (Pa.), Clinton supporter, also gave a good speech criticizing Bush. However, the news from earlier in the day was him comparing Barack Obama to Adlai Stevenson and saying how the Democrats were nervous.

Governor Sebelius continued the trend. Pa. Senator Bob Casey got prime time for his support of Obama in the primary - he pointed out that although he opposes a woman's right to choose, he still supports Obama.

All of the speakers are doing a good job of comparing John McCain to Bush, pointing out he voted with Bush 95% of the same. The refrain of we don't want four more years is strong.

Former Virginia Governor Warner who is running for the Senate, is giving the keynote address now as I post this. He is talking about the importance of the future and our children.

I believe he will be followed by Governor Patrick (Mass.)

But the whole night, the expectation has been building on how Senator Hillary Clinton does and what she says tonight. You might say, today is Clinton's day.

Earlier, speculation was the speech was still being written as of 5:00 PM ET today and the Obama campaign had not reviewed the speech. Later, reports indicated all was well between the two camps and the speech has been reviewed by the Obama campaign. Supposedly, she will focus on her successes during the primary, the 18 million votes, and of course, the importance of women in this campaign - today is the anniversary of women earning the right to vote. Later, she will devote some time bashing George W. Bush and Senator John McCain and urging her supporters to support Obama to the same degree they supported her..

Additional reports indicate a roll call will still occur tomorrow with a nominating and second speech. After some states and their delegates have been counted, the deal is a state, perhaps New York with Senator Clinton speaking for the state, calling for a suspension of the roll call and a unanimous acclamation for Obama. The roll call also has been scheduled for 6:00 PM ET tomorrow to avoid prime time exposure. Yet, with the Internet and cable TV, expect re-runs throughout the night.

OK, Clinton is expected to speak between 10:00 - 11:00 PM ET. I'll add some comments as we watch the speech. Daughter Chelsea will introduce her - Chelsea did an outstanding job during the primary campaign and although she was protected somewhat from the press, the few speeches I heard her give were very impressive - taking after Mom and Dad. The early rumor that husband Bill would attend is true - he is sitting with the crowd and received a huge applause - tomorrow, it's his turn to give a speech.

10:36 PM ET - a video tribute to Senator Clinton begins.... a nice tribute, let's listen to Chelsea - a short one sentence intro. huge applause

Thank you all very much, honored to be here tonight - applause is continuing - here as a proud mother and Democrat and Senator from New York, a proud American and a proud supporter of Barack Obama. Time to take back America we love, time to unite as a single party with a single purpose - pretty strong so far This is a fight for the future we must win. No way, No How, No McCain - good line - Obama is my candidate and he must be our President.

Speaks of the people she met during her campaign and the issues they were facing. thanks everyone including the sisterhood of the traveling pantsuits-a cute line. Speaks of Stephanie Tubbs Jones and the Party chair of Arkansas who both recently passed away. After 8 years of George W. Bush people are hurting and our country has lost it standing around the world, Georgia, Iran and Iraq, I ran because we need a clean energy policy, create a universal health care program, support women rights, gay rights, allow every child to live up to their potential. Need to end the war in Iraq, restore our standing around the world. These are the reasons I ran for President and these are the reasons I support Barack Obama for President. We need to put a Democrat in the White House and elect Barack Obama.

Very good so far - change must come from the bottom up and not the top down. Speaks of the success under President Clinton - we can do it again with President Obama - she can't wait to see Obama sign into law a health care plan that covers every single American, bring our troops home from Iraq and restore our standing around the world. Speaks highly of Michelle Obama as the next first lady and Senator Biden and his wife Jill.

Senator McCain is my friend but we don't need four more years of the last 8 years under Bush. Hard to tell Bush and McCain apart. Speaks of the 19th amendment giving the right to vote to women - references Harriet Tubman - if you hear the dogs - keep going. In America, we keep going and we have to get going by electing Barack Obama.

Let's elect Barack Obama and Joe Biden and God speed.

An excellent speech - endorsed Obama from the first sentence - spoke of the importance of the issues and how we just can not afford four more years of the same with McCain. Senator Obama could not have expected more - any questions anyone had about her support for Obama has to be gone now - a great speech!