USA Unity and change as Democrats eye Washington 25/08/08 20:50 CET

Preaching unity and change, American Democrats are flooding into Denver, for a convention they hope will launch Barack Obama all the way to the White House. While some wonder why Hillary Clinton isn’t on the ticket, the woman in the spotlight right now is Obama’s wife Michelle. She will make the keynote speech tonight, telling her husband’s story to the delegates and to a wider television audience.

The veteran Senator Joe Biden earned Obama’s nod for the vice-presidential berth, bringing foreign policy experience to a campaign some critics say has yet to be tested in battle. Biden is the son of a car salesman and should help Obama reach out to blue-collar voters. Today, en route to Denver, he thanked rail workers he has met on his daily commute into Washington.

The excitement is building in the Mile High City. These Democrats fervently hope Obama will beat John McCain in November, and make history by becoming America’s first black President.
Democrats know the hard work starts now. They emphasise Obama’s committment to change, in contrast to McCain, a man they say would bring nothing new to the White House after eight years supporting President Bush.