For those of you who want to speculate about John McCain's choice of a running mate (in advance of tomorrow's announcement, or perhaps a "surprise" announcement tonight), here's a place to indulge. And here's a tidbit, for what it's worth:

[O]ne top prospect abruptly canceled numerous public appearances. Without explanation, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty called off an Associated Press interview at the last minute, as well as other media interviews in Denver, site of the Democratic National Convention.

Pawlenty would be surprised if McCain picked a pro-choice running mate like Joe Lieberman or Tom Ridge. Arizona's junior senator, Jon Kyl, sounds like he would be unsurprised by an unorthodox choice. Will McCain surprise Pawlenty?

Hillary Clinton's speech had a big effect in the Gallup Tracker, as Obama/Biden bounced from a 1 point lead to a 5 point lead. With Bill Clinton's speech last night, expect even more of a bounce.

Bill and Hillary Clinton have put in Obama's hands the ability to solidify the support of Hillary supporters. They did their job. Now it is up to Obama. IF he succeeds, he will win the election comfortably.

By Big Tent Democrat, speaking for me only

I think Jeralyn's post gives us a great opportunity to think about how we can hold our Democratic Party and our Democratic ticket accountable. We've said what we've said about the past. Now the question is what do we want and do in the future regarding our Democratic Party and our Democratic ticket.

I am a political junkie so you'll here a lot about what I think about the Democratic political strategy. But we should also think about how we can get our issues where we want them to be. At the very least, we can call Dems to account when they fail on our issues in the campaign.

Some fresh new thinking on this is in order. Hope you folks will join me in the exercise during this campaign.

This is an Open Thread.

By Big Tent Democrat, speaking for me only

The primaries are over. Sen. Barack Obama and Joe Biden are our nominees.

This is a historic day for the Democrats and for Denver. TalkLeft fully supports the Democratic ticket. I've resolved my conflicts and will both vote for as well as support Obama-Biden in 2008. A Republican-led Justice Department and a Supreme Court with another right-wing ideologue would be the worst possible outcome for me.

If you are unhappy with the ticket, I'm sorry. But, this is a blog, and it's my blog. TalkLeft will do its part to ensure victory in November. In fact, I encourage everyone to make a donation now to Obama-Biden 2008.

As to commenters here, see below:

Bill Clinton:

They actually want us to reward them for the last eight years by giving them four more. Let’s send them a message that will echo from the Rockies all across America: Thanks, but no thanks.

Bill Clinton:

I say to you: Barack Obama is ready to lead America and restore American leadership in the world. Barack Obama is ready to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. Barack Obama is ready to be president of the United States.

MSNBC Head Phil Griffin:

Look, when Keith [Olbermann] anchors, he plays it straight down the line.

Bwahahahahaha! Good one Phil. Next you'll tell me he is "fair and balanced." Oh wait, how about this one - "Olbermann Reports, You Decide."

This is an Open Thread.

Tonight, Barack Obama will accept the Democratic nomination for the Presidency. It is a historic night. Obama will become the first African American major party candidate for the Presidency.

Ironically, to increase his chances to become the first African American President of the United States, Obama is likely to place less emphasis on the historic nature of his candidacy then the rest of us are. But, on the most basic level, the history will be inescapable. Today is the 45th Anniversary of the Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech ("1963 is not an end, but a beginning"):

More . . .

CNN took over Brooklyn's Bar and Grill outside the Pepsi Center this week. After hiking over viaducts from downtown to get to the Pepsi Center, waiting in 15 minute security lines in 90 degree heat, it's an oasis. [More...]

I'm back home and Joe Biden is about to speak. His son, Attorney General of Delaware, Beau Biden, just gave a rousing speech for him.

Thoughts and updates below.

The best part was when he finished and Barack Obama came out. Obama looked really happy and relaxed.

I think Michelle Obama is Biden's biggest fan.

Your turn.

I'll have some thoughts on Biden when he speaks at 10:30. Share you thoughts here.

This is a Convention Open Thread.

Beau Biden doing a very nice job in the intro for Biden.

This is a subjective thing, but personally, I do not care for Biden's delivery. To me, it is over the top. Maybe it works like gangbusters in Scranton. Does not work for me.

I dunno, I wanted an attack dog, but Biden makes it look like blowhard. Again, this is a subjective thing, but his style ain't working for me. I thought they would smooth him out a bit more than this. The alternating shouting and then into the quiet, emotional voice, too jarring.

Barack Obama arrives. He's definitely a rock star, and I mean that in a good way.

watching now. On all but Biden, he rocked.