Notable quotes:
Al Gore:
"Lets make sure the supreme court does not pick our next president, and that this president is not the one to pick our next supreme court."

Jimmy Carter:
"Truth is the foundation of our global leadership, but our credibility has been shattered and we are left increasingly isolated and vulnerable in a hostile world."

Bill Clinton
"I never thought I'd be so well cared for by the president and the Republicans in Congress. I almost sent them a thank you note for my tax cuts until I realized that the rest of you were paying the bill for it. And then I thought better of it."

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In a night full of democratic superstars, the one who shone the brightest was one who did not speak: John Edwards. Whether or not it was deliberate, it was clear that Edwards positive campaigning during the primary elections provided the Democratic Party with their formula for success. By bashing the methods rather than the people, and focusing on the fact that the country has become more polarized than ever under Bush, they took a cue from Edwards' campaign methods early on. He declared that he would not campaign on "their terms," but rather would focus on those concerns that all americans can relate to. This was a HUGE theme in the convention tonight, and I really think it was effective.

Gore blasted the 2000 elections, but mainly focused on how important it was to vote and move forward.

Carter was one of the angrier speakers of the night, blasting the Bush admin. for ruining our name and our human rights record which he worked so hard to improve.

Clinton delivered the best and longest speech of the evening, presenting the key argument for Kerry/ Edwards. And again, Edwards approach was evident. He emphasized that the republicans were patriotic people who stuck to their beliefs. He urged voters to get out there and vote for them if they believed those policies should continue. But of course, he offered a devastating argument on why those policies are bad for everyone.

All in all, the first night of the campaign offered up a view of an incredibly united and positive democratic party, one that will be hard to beat if they stick with it. (in my humble, clinton worshipping opinion.)

-Tina