I didn’t see the problem with the convention being that they were too civil. I could care less about the bashing. It does nothing. The problem to me was that there was absolutely no substance what so ever in any of the speeches. The only one that was any good was the tribute to Ted Kennedy and then he himself speaking. The others were just plain boring!

I wanted to hear the plans that the dems have and how they are going to work them. I have, as of yet, not heard any of that from them. That is the problem that they all have. They can talk about what they are going to do but have no idea as to how to implement them…atleast they haven’t said any.

Cindy…Ga.

I have been a Republican for year, and I have always thought John McCain to be a man of integrity…but, as I see how he is campaigning and the ads he is lowering himself to put on the air, I begin to question how much integrity he really has…None of his ads tell us what he is going to do…they just badmouth the Democrats. I’m not going to vote for that. I think he has lost me. He does not make me proud of our government - but Obama does. What happened?

Last night was very civil and I thought it was a good start to the week since there are tensions already between the Obama people and some of the Clinton people. Having a first evening free of the stress of Bush or McCain bashing and hearing the cadences of JFK’s and RFK’s message of hope echoing in Teddy’s speech last night was a really good start to what hopefully can be a very positive convention.

I’m sure we’ll get to the bashing part all too soon. Wish we wouldn’t - I like centrism and civility - it makes for a better conversation.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

I was touched. There was something about how they showed the picture of the 3 Kennedy brothers - and the connection to American history, and how Ted Kennedy the last remaining brother stood up and backed Barach Obama.

I think the reason why people were moved to tears is they saw history, legacy, and honor all in one place at one time position itself in Obama’s favor when Ted Kennedy spoke. It was more than words.

It was almost like you saw one era being ushered out, and another one coming in.

Why is the DNC allowing McCain to use Hillary Clinton’s speeches against Barack unchallenged. Someone should point out the fact that George Bush said similar and worse things against McCain and his family when they ran against each other.

George Bush diminished McCain’s military service and insulted his family by insinuating that because they adopted a black child, his wife had an affair with a blackman, and McCain did nothing.(A man who won’t defend his family cannot be expected to defend others, the American people) Now Bush and McCain are best friends.. inseparable. How is that any different in context from what Hillary said?

Someone should replay Bush’s speeches against McCain. If the DNC and Barack do not develop a backbone and point this out, he, Barack will be Al Gored and john Kerryed.

This type of polictic will only change if both Repulicans and Democrats agree to this. However, American love a car wreck and the Republicans have demonstrated that they will use “car wreck political techniques” Bully’s only understand one thing…a hard punch in the gut.

He’s right, everyone knows how bad Bush was, and they’ll learn over the next 10 weeks how McCain would be more of the same. There’s no need to sink to McCains level and risk losing the integrity they’ve built up.

In watching the coverage of the convention last night on CNN - it seemed the media criticized the Democrates for not attacking the GOP during the first several hours of the convention. Is that all the media is interested in? — is confrontation the only thing that is news worthy? In all your reporting and your “analylists” seem interesting in is confrontation. I am not sure that the negative politics that we see today in campaigns is not generated and supported by the media ,that competes with all the other media for viewers, and only believe that is what is newsworthy. If a party attacked the other from the moment the convention opens to the last word, who in the world would want to watch that? Please try to focus on what is really important and not just the negative aspics, Thanks

Don’t know about the Dems, but CNN isn’t. Why do I have to suffer through a full hour of Republican hacks on Larry King Live before I get to watch the news happening in Denver?

I am sure this comment will go un-noticed, but I have to say it somewhere, I am so frustrated with Obama and his campaign.

More than anything I wanted the Democrats to get the White House back this year. I am a Hillary supporter. By now I would have been been ready to vote for Obama had he treated her civiliy. He continues to show no respect for her, or Bill Clinton. To have slighted her with neuanced jabs as as possible V.P. selection and not call her himself is, as ever, hubris on the part of Obama. And to ask Bill Clinton to speak on foreign policy rather than the economy, is a slap in the face. I wish the Clinton’s were in a position to walk away from the convention entirely without ruining their legacy. They, at least, are putting the party before themselves. Not so with the immature and stage struck Mr. Obama. I do not think I can vote for him due to his lack of respect, and his poor decission making in this area.

Thanks for listening!

I think it was a great night. Pelosi did speak on the issues although her speech was not shown on this network. It was an introduction to this candidate who many have claimed is an unknown. Also refreshing not to have constant negativity, his campaign does promote lifting people up, I believe it was mission accomplished.

Last night, one of the commentators commented that the Democrats weren’t good at negative politics and attacking the other party. I for one am tired of negative and bad politics. It is refreshing to see the Convention jump off with such a positive, upbeat and professional manner. Thanks to Senator Kennedy and congratulations to Michele Obama for such ground breaking appearances and speeches. Hey Cooper - not everyone wants to see a nasty, negative, campaign. So if that is all Republicans have to offer America - I hope Americans see that it is time for a new day. YES WE CAN!

Wow, somebody better quickly get a handle on this Convention and start bounding the Democratic message change and the specifics of what that will entail. My goodness, last night was an absolute snooze fest. I love watching these things, but I found myself bored to tears and flipping over to watch football and virtually anything else I could find that looked the least bit interesting. The Republicans have to be thrilled watching the opening night headlined with Nancy Pelosi, Jimmy Carter, Caroline Kennedy, and the big TEDDY. What a line-up for total boredom, although it is great to see Ted recovering so well. Thank goodness Michele Obama could finally project some energy into the proceedings.
I don’t know who is orchestrating this thing, but last night was a loser by any standards. This comes after the “more fizzle than sizzle” vice presidential announcement over the weekend with Biden, hardly a man of change or vision for this country. It has been a tough couple of weeks and we can’t afford to have this Convention bomb out.

Any worthy new event, I usually turn to CNN. I was so dispointed in the Democratic Convention coverage last night. Anderson, Gergen, and Wolf. You seem to want the democrats to pouce all over the republication on this first night of the convention. WE ARE TIRED OF THE NEGATIVE CAMPAIGNING. Last night to me seem to be about letting the American people know who the Obamas are and what they stand for. I enjoyed watching the convention. I tremendously enjoyed Ted Kennedy and Michelle Obama. I’m constantly talking about the great and fair coverage CNN gives to all the candidates - especially Anderson Cooper. but as of last night you may have lost a long time CNN viewer - especially during this convention. The is my first time commenting on on this site and any other but I was so dispointed in CNN that I felt compelled to comment. .FORWARD THIS COMMENT TO ANDERSON, WOLF AND GERGEN

Thank you

I watched the convention last night Senator Kennedy was amazing. Whether you like him or not your heart was a little lighter after seeing him.
Michelle Obama brought a beautiful story about her life and meeting Barack; she truly does sound like a great mother; but come on this is not a love story we are trying to pick the next president and I am sorry but I felt like this was a love story; go have Oprah make your story into a mini series so we can move onto politics and solutions on how this Senator can change our world. Growing up on the south side of Chicago probably wasn’t easy but it doesn’t seem like it was a bad thing for her she graduated from Law School so really where she came from didn’t hold her back any; her parents may have struggled or made sacrifices but it doesn’t seem like her and brother struggled much they are both very successful. Not for nothing I am putting two children through College right now and my kids are not struggling me and my husband are making the necessary sacrifices to give the every opportunity we can. We are providing for them as part of our responsiblity as parents; that is what you do. Yeah it could be easier for us if the College loans that we have taken out were a little cheaper to pay back with interest rates of 6% or more it isn’t easy. What is Barack gonna do about that? How is he gonna make it easy for me to get lower interest loans for education? I have excellant credit so that isn’t the reason. I am far from rich I am what people call middle class which in my mind means (take out loans and deal with it you get nothing for free) but yet every low interest loan out there we didn’t qualify for. Go figure….
That is what I want to hear; I don’t really care that they have a cute little love story I want change and I want answers. I want to be able to afford to send my kids to college without paying back college until I retire.
My opinion of last night is not gonna have me pulling for the dems… WE NEED A PRESIDENT

I was disappointed at how negative your coverage was last evening. You all must live in a really special place, because where I am from the only way Obama will get elected is for him to convince a lot of rural America that he is not african-american. I don’t care what he says, how smart he is or how right he is…there are way too many people out there who just see color. It is sad but so true..speaking from experience here; as I have a father and a mother who will never ever, ever vote for him. Very sad, but very true. They will be totally bankrupt at some point due to our healthcare system, as many of us will be, but that is not enough. My dad worked 3 jobs at times and my mother worked the night shift to support 8 kids; they worked so hard to get to retirement. It will be so sad when they lose it all. Almost none of your commentators realize the battle Obama has with people of this mindset. I have always been impressed with Hillary’s strength and ability to lead; but Obama was right in not choosing her. Would she have made a great VP–most definitely. But, if you all stop and think for just one moment you will realize that there is no way on earth we Americans are ready to put an African-American in as President and a woman in as VP. We like to say we are ready; but when it comes down to doing the right thing on election day our old, outdated upbringings will affect way more of us than we will ever admit. Obama did what he had to in picking a VP; I think he did made a very good choice; and I applaud him for being smart enough to realize that the American public could not handle any other choice. Hopefully, Biden’s skin color and gender will make of few of our parents generation color blind; my fingers are crossed.

Because the Obama campaign strategy does not fit into a prescribed model of recent political campaigns does not mean that the DNC/Obama is without message. On the contrary, I got the message yesterday and found it refreshing. As a matter of fact, I turned off CNN and watched another news program. I do not care to hear the talking heads of CNN telling me what to think, how, and why. I’ve also encouraged everyone on my e-mail list to do the same. I’m sure they will find, like I did, that the message from the DNC is loud and clear, but only when you can actually listen to the speakers rather than political news manipulators. Rather than existing as part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Shame on all of you!

Your coverage is fine. Get rid of the banner/comment bar constantly displayed across the bottom of the TV screen during the convention coverage. The comments are repetitive, distracting, not helpful and prevent the person being shown/speaking from being identified because their name is displayed behind the bar.

Agreeing to disagree civilly is one thing, but polarization is necessary for focus and clarification. “Bipartisanship” is too often a code word for taking the lazy route to solving a problem. Oftentimes it’s those on the “extremes” that have the clearest picture of a situation, as they are more likely to question accepted dogma than “moderates.”

Thank you John Avlon. The first report I’ve heard since last night that hasn’t carried devisive barbs and an anti-Democratic theme.

I was not only disappointed but totally appalled by the perpetual insistence by Carville, David Gergen and Anderson Cooper last night in trying to turn a Convention that was based on emphasizing Unity , Disclosure and Cohesive Party ideals into a forum for devisive, unsubstantiated, unwarranted attacks. What were they thinking?

I have always held high regard for all three men. However, their relentless attempt last night at trying to convince the world that the Convention somehow failed by not scripting a Pit Bull attack on Republicans has left me with a bad taste in my mouth that will not be dissipitating for a long time! This type of Partisan rehetoric during an event devoted to bringing a party together on all levels does little for CNN’s image as the Best Political Team on TV!

How dare they try to derail such a noble, spirited, compassionate, meeting of minds and members for their own selfish needs!

Like some other commenters, I too was very disappointed in last night’s performance of The Best Political Team on Television. It was almost as if they were angry there wasn’t a big controversy to cover. And why does CNN think we’d rather hear their pundits talk than hear the speeches? It was enough to make me change the channel, which is a shame because usually CNN is my news home.

CNN, you continue to disappoint me with your political coverage. I finally had to turn to C-Span to actually hear the speakers. It may come as a total shock to all of you, but I am not interested in listening to the hot air that passed for real commentary last night. This constant carping about no attacking and too much niceness was really absurd. This is the first night of the convention and unity and inspiration was the theme. If you can have some patience, the fireworks will come.

The Democrats have to go on the attack, but they have to be smart about it. If they level personal attacks on John McCain, a man who served his country honorably and was a prisoner of war, they will look mean-spirited and petty. They have to go after his record and that of the Bush administration. And believe me, that will happen. We have yet to hear from the Clintons and, while Anderson and company seem extremely biased against them, they will rock this convention. No one does it better. We also have Joe Biden, a man fully capable of going after the Republicans and hitting them where it hurts.

If you guys are going to sit around all night talking your heads off and not letting us just listen to the speakers and decide for ourselves what WE think, then it’s C-Span for me.

I missed the convention, but what I did get out of the news and what I have been reading is that we had a good turn out and Michelle Obama proved herself worthy of being first lady. I know there are alot of Hillary Clinton supporters out there that won’t vote for the Obamas. Last night should have shown them a taste of what the country will get if we elect Barack Obama. Our options are limited. Barack may seem inexperienced to some but the only way to get experience as a president is to become the president. Think of where the election of McCain will take this country and ask yourself if that is where you would like your children to grow up. In that type of country.

I was not appreciative of the over done commentary by the CNN group on weather or not the convention was , EXCITING, FORCEFUL, TOUGH BLAH BLAH BLAH ENOUGH. It is Day 1. James Carville is starting to wear out his welcome. Maybe he is so used to fighting with his wife, that he can’t handle a nice “heart felt” beginning to the convention. And that is just what it was, a beginning. If our country voted and acted more from the HEART, we would be making better decisions.
I was enjoying the convention, the spirit, and getting settled in, when you all started critiquing “ad-nauseum”. I tried to change the channel, but you guys had the “gig”. I hope that you can just start reporting and guiding, so I can enjoy the rest of the convention.
I am absolutely positive that there will be plenty of tough talk. There is also time to honor, tradition, people’s lives and heart felt issues. Balance!
You can’t work everyone up into a frenzy the entire time!!. You can’t have that kind of intensity all the time. There is contrast and balance.
Please let us watch and decide for ourselves.

And now you are still talking about it “ad-nauseum” today. STOP!

Did anybody else notice that unless are black at the DNC then your were a Minority.

Le’s not forget what Biden’s role will be: to serve as the campaign’s bulldog. There’ll be plenty of time for attacks. Democrats have to inspire others to support the effort to “bridge the gap between the world as it is and the world as it should be.”

Anyone that doesn’t know or understand the diffrences between MaCain and Obama must have been absent from earth the last year and 1/2. I have heard the policy thing over and over. Ofcourse policy is more important but that will also come during this convention. Who wants to start thinks off by just coming out negitive? Is that where we are as a nation? Should we be more concern about what a canidate said to diss another canidate today? I for one enjoyed the first day. The GOP will keep taking shot after shot because thats just what they do, and have done year and years to come.
If a conparison to Brittany Spears helps you decide your choice for president LORD BLESS YOU for your mind is far to simple to make an informed choice that will impact your life. I have the up most respect for John MaCain because he too has had some battles in his life and stayed strong to come out on top. However if you are republican or indepedent it should bother you to see some with such honor and integerty stoop low to win an election.

How can reminding the american people of Obamas low life friends and sickining religeous mentors be stooping low? The truth hurts and the Dems don’t want to face the facts about this man. This is getting very scary!

Barack Obama comes across as someone who was never in a schoolyard fight; now it seems that the Democratic Convention is taking a cue from his passive, litigious and constitutional law persona.

It’s as if the Democrats are trying to convince each other that they’re worthy when in reality, they should be addressing the middle and the Reagan Democrats.

The time for playing nice is over; Obama and the DNC should have nipped the Clintons in the bud and been willing to throw down in Denver.

Unless they change course, this convention will represent one family that fell in love with themselves.

I got so frustrated with the commentaries of the DNC last night - Like “the democrats wasted the night that they need to bash the republicans - what is the message here…etc..” When are the critical going to get it? The message of Obama and the democrats bring is one of peace. Many are critical of the first day of the convention. Once mud is slung, there is a lot of clean-up. Obama is trying to unify and bring the country together. His message is to the whole country! Angry messages bashing the others don’t do that. Maybe peace is too boring. When are we going to listen? Why must we unify against something? Why can’t we unify for the sake of the country. The message of this convention is one hope and unification. Which candidate has portrayed that message? Every time I watch one of McCain’s negative commercials, it puts fear and worry in my mind. Do we want a new approach to politics and campaigning or not?

Wasn’t last night’s convention theme “One Nation”? You don’t have to bash Bush or McCain to get the crowd fired up about how the Democratics want to make changes that benefit the people across this one nation. That was severely missing last night.

Frankly, I know many people think of Ted Kennedy as America’s royalty who can do no wrong, but I found his speech sad and quite patronizing. Old Uncle Teddy brought up improvements in health care for everyone. Too bad he, Biden, and others weren’t more open to Hillary’s 1993 proposal on Health Care Reform. Had they been, we might have already had a universal health care plan in place. Uncle Teddy is only proud of his own achievements, and it makes me wonder why he wasn’t willing to “pass the torch” to Gore or Kerry?

Both parties are missing the most important economic policy. Create jobs that pay well.Then everyone will not need a tax break there will be more people paying taxes…

I tend to agree with Mr. Carville. Dems need to attack and dont let up. Over the past six weeks, Mr. McCain has obtained the advantage of an offense My dad grew up in Alexandria, Louisiana during the Huey Long era and Dad taught me at an early age…..The first rule of Louisiana politics is when someone calls you a crook, “Don’t get mad, Don’t deny it, call your opponent a bigger crook. Now I am not implying that Mr. McCain is a crook but use that same philosophy every time McCain or his minions attack. Dont defend yourself turn the charges around on him…..

I once heard Dick Gregory give a lecture during the watergate era and he said the difference between Nixon and LBJ was this…..NIxon would deny everything all the way to the Gallows. LBJ would stand there eating BBQ, Sauce dripping down his shirt and say “Hell yeah I did it, Now what you gonna do about it”. Obama needs to show he has that same thick skin…..

Dems cannot afford to act defensive….they have to go on the attack and not let up. Show some cajones…….

nope….they will begin the attack of McCain/Bush 08 tonight

I’m sure something bad will pop up about McCain that will put him in the toilet. You can’t keep your hands clean for all those years with the people he hangs around with.

I’m sure he will have no recollection of anything in his past that looks bad for him. Its very convienent to have a bad memory in politics.